Career guide

Beauty Therapist

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Provides skin, nail and body treatments in a salon or spa, advising clients on care. Client-facing work with real business potential.

School subjects

Grade 12 is preferred; Mathematical Literacy is accepted; Life Sciences helps.

How you qualify

An NQF Level 4 qualification is the recognised standard - the Services SETA offers a Further Education and Training Certificate in Beauty and Nail Technology at NQF 4, delivered by accredited private colleges. Employers and insurers expect proof of that qualification. Many therapists later run their own salon. Entry requirements differ by provider - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Services SETA-accredited private colleges and TVET colleges

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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