What Types of Makeup Courses Are Available in Australia?
Australia's makeup training landscape splits into three real categories: government-accredited qualifications through RTOs, short workshops, and focused online courses. Here's how to tell them apart and pick the right one for your goals.
Certificate III in Make-Up
A nationally accredited, entry-level qualification delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). It requires in-person practical assessment, so it can't be completed fully online. Typically 12–15 weeks full-time or 6–12 months part-time/blended, costing $3,500–$9,000.
Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-Up Services)
An advanced, AQF Level 5 pathway for film, TV, theatre, and SFX makeup. Requires a Cert III or equivalent experience, runs 12–24 months, and costs $8,000–$18,000+.
Short Courses and Workshops
From a single afternoon to a multi-day intensive, covering specific techniques like bridal, airbrush, or contouring. Useful for upskilling, but not a substitute for a full training pathway if you're building a career.
Online Makeup Training
Courses like Bela Beauty College's Makeup Artistry Course train you 100% online — real technique, a professional kit, business training, and industry certification — without an RTO's fixed timetable or in-person requirement. Built for people who want to start earning from makeup, not collect a government credential.
What Do Makeup Courses Cover?
A solid makeup course — RTO or online — should include:
- Skin analysis and client consultation
- Colour theory and product knowledge
- Everyday, bridal, and event makeup application
- Airbrushed and speciality techniques
- Hygiene and infection control
- Business basics for working freelance
How Long Do Makeup Courses Take?
- Certificate III (full-time, RTO): 12–15 weeks
- Certificate III (part-time/blended, RTO): 6–12 months
- Diploma: 12–24 months
- Bela's Makeup Artistry Course: self-paced, online, start whenever you're ready
How Much Do Makeup Courses Cost in Australia?
- Certificate III in Make-Up (RTO): $3,500–$9,000
- Diploma of Screen and Media: $8,000–$18,000+
- Short courses: $150–$2,000
- Bela's Makeup Artistry Course: $2,400 AUD, kit and business training included
What Career Can I Have After a Makeup Course?
- Freelance makeup artist for weddings, events, and photography
- Makeup counter artist in beauty retail
- Makeup artist on film, television, or commercial productions
- Your own bookable makeup business — the outcome most students actually want
How to Choose the Right Makeup Course for You
Ask yourself what you're actually optimising for:
- Want a government-recognised credential specifically? An accredited RTO is the only path.
- Want to work in film or theatre? A Diploma is worth the time and cost.
- Want to start booking clients and building income as fast as possible? A focused, business-first online course gets you there without the wait.
Start Your Makeup Career with Bela Beauty College
Bela's Makeup Artistry Course is built for the third path — expert video training, a professional kit shipped to your door, tutor support, business and marketing training, and Aesthetic Beauty Industry Council certification. All online, all at your own pace, $2,400 AUD.
Enrol now and start building your own beauty business.
