Esthetics and Spa Therapy

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Downtown

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

A woman receiving a manicure from a nail technician at a salon, with various nail polish bottles in the foreground .

On this page

85

Overview

Get expert industry training in facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, gel application, hair removal, makeup, and body massage while serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.
Tuition $13,329
Credential Certificate
Length 10 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
Tuition $21,371
Credential Certificate
Length 10 months
Hours Full-time
Delivery Class-based
Campus Downtown
Start Dates
PGWP Not listed as eligible

What to expect

What you will learn

  • Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
  • Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
  • Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
  • Apply the principles of colour and design to lash, brow and specialized makeup techniques.
  • Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
  • Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program is 10 months in length and is offered in a progression of 3 courses. The program is offered three days per week: Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday. The maximum time to complete this program is 2 years.

Admission Requirement

Program-specific

English 10 or equivalent. Applicants who do not meet the program admission requirements may be admitted based on an interview with the Department Leader or representative.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

To be successful in the Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program, it is recommended students possess the following characteristics:
  • Ability to understand instruction in English;
  • Genuine interest in administering personal services;
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Pleasant and out going personality;
  • Good hand and eye coordination;
  • Manual dexterity and creative ability;
  • Normal colour vision;
  • Good depth perception and ability to perceive line and form;
  • Ability to stand for a long periods of time;
  • Ability to plan and work independently;
  • Self motivation and a sense of responsibility;
  • Basic writing and numerical skills.
Candidates considering this program are likely to be most successful as graduates if they are in good health and are aware that the following health concerns may effect this career:
  • Asthma
  • Respiratory problems
  • Skin conditions
  • Eczema
  • Back Problems

Program Availability

Fall 2026

Program Start Date Sep 2026, Nov 2026
Status Closed
Application opens October 1, 2025
Application Deadline June 1, 2026

Winter 2027

Program Start Date Jan 2027, Mar 2027
Status Open
Application opens February 1, 2026
Application Deadline October 1, 2026

Not currently available.

Courses

Classes run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, in person. In addition, students complete 6.25 hours of asynchronous online content, independent study, or assigned coursework each week. Asynchronous content is scheduled on Thursday or Wednesday but can be completed on your own time during the week.  
This program must be completed within 2 years.

International students

Classes run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm either Monday to Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday, in person. In addition, students complete 6.25 hours of asynchronous online content, independent study, or assigned coursework each week. Asynchronous content is scheduled on Thursday or Wednesday but can be completed on your own time during the week. Students will be expected to attend classes in the cohort schedules that are assigned to them. Although classes are only offered 3 days a week, students are expected to study, prepare for exams, and work on assignments during the remainder of the week. Class times are subject to change.
ESTH 1010 Skin & Body Therapy Professional Practice 16
ESTH 1020 Skin & Body Therapy Specialized Treatments and Services 16
ESTH 1030 Skin & Body Therapy: Health, Wellness and Career Development 9
Total Credits 41
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee $36
Tuition $13,329 Year 1 - $5,468
Year 2 - $5,468
Year 3 - $2,393
Student union $217
College initiative $118
Campus resource $534
Medical & Dental $285 Provided by Student Union
U-Pass $423 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Total $14,984

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued. Note: A mandatory tool kit costing approximately $1,800 plus tax (subject to change) is not included in the fees below. Check the Bookstore for updates and other required materials.
Tuition deposit $11,000 $10,000 non-refundable
Application fee $145
Tuition $21,371
Student union $217
College initiative $124
Campus resource $534
Medical & Dental $285 Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance $149
U-Pass $423 Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation $45
Other fees $1,600
Total $22,971

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to Apply

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

Contact us

Advising services

Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca

Advising services for International students

study@vcc.ca

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.