Esthetics and Spa Therapy
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 |
| Tuition | $21,371 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 10 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| 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 and brow 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 requirements
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.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended characteristics
- Program tasks involve performing skincare and body treatments, including facials, waxing, and other services requiring close physical contact with clients.
- Program tasks involve regular interaction with clients, including consultation, communication, and delivery of services in a professional setting.
- Learning environment requires maintaining professional and appropriate conduct in a client service setting.
- Program tasks require sustained fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity when performing treatments.
- Program tasks involve continuous, repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements during treatment procedures
- Program tasks require precise visual focus for extended periods, including distinguishing colour, skin tone, texture, depth, line, and form during service delivery.
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing and frequent movement between workstations, as well as maintaining fixed body positions while performing detailed services.
- Program environment involves regular exposure to skincare products, disinfectants, waxes, and other chemical agents commonly used in esthetic services.
- Program environment involves exposure to fragrances, scents, chemical odors, and airborne particles associated with spa and salon products.
- Learning environment involves working under bright task lighting to support detailed visual work.
Program availability
Winter 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Dec, Feb |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Spring/Summer 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Apr |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Jun 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Feb 1, 2027 |
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Aug, Oct |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Application deadline | |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Dec, Feb |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | |
Spring/Summer 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Apr |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Jun 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | |
Courses
International students
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Term 1 - $5,468 Term 2 - $5,468 Term 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.
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
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.
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 | |
| 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.
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
How to apply
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?