Amelia WilliamsIf you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through makeup tutorials at 2:00 AM, wondering if you could turn that passion into a paycheck, you’re definitely not alone.
The beauty industry is thriving, but taking that first step from enthusiast to professional can feel daunting.
We’re talking about investing your time and money into a school that gives you the skills you need to start earning. Aspiring beauty professionals need the right training ground.
I’ve dug into the local scene to find the best beauty schools in Auckland that actually deliver on their promises, so you can focus on getting qualified.
How much does studying in beauty schools cost in Auckland?
The cost of beauty education in Auckland can vary depending on your chosen path. For shorter, specialised courses, such as a basic makeup or nail technician certification, you might expect to invest around $500 to $5,000.
Generally, you should expect to pay between $7,000 and $9,000 for a standard Level 3 or 4 certificate if you are a domestic student.
However, more advanced diplomas can cost upwards of $12,000 to $20,000, depending on the provider.
International students usually face higher fees, often sitting around the $26,000 mark per year.
Remember, the cost doesn’t always cover extras like specialised professional kits, uniforms, or student service fees. It’s smart to check for government funding options to lighten the financial load.
1. Beautique Academy
Website: https://www.beautiqueacademy.co.nz/
Address: Unit 3, 22 Harris Road, East Tamaki
Contact: 02-1127-1892
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (By Appointment)
Beautique Academy focuses deeply on highly specialised, skill-based beauty courses, especially in the specialised fields of brows, permanent makeup, and advanced skin treatments.
The academy is ideal for students who already know their specialisation, enabling focused career growth.
Their courses are designed to be hands-on, making sure you actually walk away with the practical skills needed to start working right away.
Beautique Academy has options for both in-person group training and online courses, which is great if you’re juggling study with other commitments.
A potential downside is that these courses offer a Certificate of Attainment, not a full NZQA-accredited qualification, so keep that in mind if international work is your goal.
For focused skill building and competitive pricing, though, Beautique is a solid choice.
Customer Reviews
Couldn’t have asked for a better trainer
I recently completed my brow training with Kelly, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. From the moment the class began, she made me feel so comfortable and confident. her teaching style so supportive. Kelly has a wealth of knowledge and genuinely wants her students to succeed, which shows in every tip, trick, and piece of advice she shares. I’m so grateful I chose to learn from her!
- Amarjot Kaur | Google Review
Friendly and very helpful
Completed my studies recently and gained my two certificates. couldn’t expect any better, Kelly is professional, friendly and very helpful in all aspects. The design of class is well organised. overall a good experience. Would highly recommend Beautique Academy to all potential students.
- Win BB | Google Review
2. Servilles Academy
Website: https://servillesacademy.com/
Address: 8 Canada Street, Newton
Contact: 09-308-0670
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Servilles Academy is an established industry pioneer and award-winning institution, especially in hairdressing and barbering. This academy is one of New Zealand’s most well-established beauty schools, so you can benefit from its long-standing reputation.
They focus on giving you a taste of the real world with external opportunities. You can get involved in events like New Zealand Fashion Week or even work on music videos for international artists, which is an amazing boost for your portfolio!
This focus on high-profile events is a huge bonus if you dream of a career in editorial or session work.
Plus, the facilities, including an in-house salon, genuinely mirror professional settings, which is essential for building confidence.
On the other hand, while they are excellent for makeup, they are less known for traditional beauty and spa therapy courses than other schools on this list.
They also have an intense full-time schedule, and the structure of their courses may also be less flexible for part-time learners.
Customer Reviews
Very welcoming
I came to get my hair done today by a Student name Mamta.S! Omgg she was so lovely, enjoyed our chats especially her service. She’s on her second year and girl you got a bright future. So experienced. I can’t wait to see you owning your own salon. She knew what to do as well. And very welcoming, she made me feel so comfortable. Thank you so much!!!! You’re amazing Mamta♥️ Serville Academy you guys have such amazing students.
- Alice Mafi | Google Review
Incredibly talented
I started studying at Servilles Academy at the end of July last year, and am currently enrolled in my second course here. The tutors are all so incredibly talented with heaps of different skills and techniques to offer, which translates into the incredibly high talent level of the students. I highly recommend studying here, and coming to get your hair, or makeup done !
- Paige Dyer | Google Review
3. Samala Robinson Academy (SRA)
Website: https://www.sramakeup.com/
Address: Level 6/7, 3 City Road, Grafton
Contact: 0800-244-463
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Samala Robinson Academy (SRA) is a specialist fashion makeup school, making it the top choice if your goal is solely to be a creative makeup artist for media and fashion.
If you’re an aspiring makeup artist, SRA focuses intently on teaching the fine art and science of transformation.
A real advantage is their focus on professionalism, with graduates feeling prepared for the high standards of the industry by offering qualifications focused purely on makeup, ranging from fashion and creative media to shorter school holiday courses.
On top of that, their tutors are often described as helpful and inspiring, which is crucial when learning a creative skill.
One potential drawback is that if you later decide to try learning spa treatments, manicures, or waxing, you will need to enrol in a separate course elsewhere, as their expertise is focused on makeup only.
SRA also costs significantly more compared to other beauty schools.
Customer Reviews
Helpful and supportive
Our daughter has just completed a one-week school holiday makeup course with SRA. She thoroughly enjoyed it and it might just be the deciding-factor in her choosing makeup as a career. The staff were particularly helpful and supportive.
- Doug Braddock | Google Review
Awesome tutors
Samala Robinson Academy is amazing! Fantastic practical sessions everyday and gained a wider knowledge of staff/client hygiene and safety in the work place. Awesome tutors, very helpful and inspiring. Graduated with plenty more knowledge about the beauty industry. Thank you SRA! You deserve more recognition!
- Chavase Griffiths | Google Review
4. Elite School of Beauty & Spa (Queen Street, Auckland)
Website: https://www.elitebeautyschool.co.nz/campuses/queen-street-auckland
Address: Level 3, 360 Queen Street, Auckland Central
Contact: 09-303-3238
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
The Elite School of Beauty & Spa offers the opportunity to gain international certifications (CIBTAC and CIDESCO) alongside your NZQA qualification.
These international qualifications offer so many opportunities, especially if your dream is to work on a cruise ship or in a high-end spa.
Elite offers a solid pathway from Level 3 to Level 5 diplomas in Beauty and Spa Therapy. It’s important to note that earning a full diploma is a long-term commitment.
The good thing is that they provide a genuinely supportive and conducive learning environment, and the trainers are encouraging.
I love that they operate an on-site student day spa. This means you get to practice on real clients, so you get to build your confidence before you graduate!
A downside, however, is that being a city-centre campus, it’s a busy environment that might feel a bit fast-paced for some learners.
Customer Reviews
Encouraging and overall amazing
I am currently studying my diploma at Elite in Auckland. If you’re looking to get into the beauty industry Elite is a great place to start! The trainers here are so encouraging and overall amazing. The environment here is so welcoming and friendly. I love it 😊
- Claudia Shervell | Google Review
Incredibly supportive learning environment
I’m currently studying level 4 at Elite School of Beauty and Spa (Auckland) and will go onto do the Diploma here too this year! I love Elite because of the incredibly supportive learning environment, our exceptional trainers and my peers who always encourage me the best beauty therapist I can be!
- Richie Jackson | Google Review
5. Cut Above Academy (Auckland City Campus)
Website: https://www.cutabove.ac.nz/
Address: Ground Level, 360 Queen Street, Auckland Central
Contact: 09-309-0689
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Cut Above Academy has been around for over 40 years, giving students the edge they need to become hairstylists, barbers, and makeup artists. Its long-standing reputation and industry legacy are its biggest draws.
This academy aims to make graduates truly industry-ready, which helps jump-start your career. They have a state-of-the-art campus and an on-site salon (just as excellent as these top local ones) where students can practice their skills on real clients.
This hands-on, practice-heavy approach is definitely the fastest way to become confident in your trade.
The positive energy and vibe of the campus are also often praised by students, who appreciate the supportive community of tutors and peers.
Cut Above is more renowned for its excellence in hairdressing and barbering, which is something to consider if you’re only interested in learning how to conduct spa treatments.
Though they excel in creative makeup, students seeking extensive training in skin science and spa management may find other schools more comprehensive.
Customer Reviews
Friendly, highly recommend
I have been here a few times for my haircut. Kristy and Mohamad served me on two different occasions and did the perfect haircut for me. Tutors and trainers are friendly so at the front staff. Highly recommend it if you like a free haircut in town.
- Puru Timsina | Google Review
Could give them 10 stars
This place is such a cool relaxed awesome vibe , the whole place is pumping with young energetic learning individuals.. I 1st came here back in early July to see thee lovely Jess from the east coast and now have seen thee lovely vasity .. they make you feel at home plus ya helping them all learn their new trade . If I could give them 10 stars I would I highly recommend . Don’t read all the negative Nelly comments!!! ya gotta remember this is an academy and they are learning , patience is a virtue. The teachers are so so soooo lovely also .I will definitely be back . Thank you to the whole team at cut above I shall be back . ✌️
- Rachel Wales | Google Review
