Health and Wellness Professional – Cosmetology (International Cohort)
Overview
Prepare for a career as a health and wellness professional in private business and industry while studying and serving real clients at VCC’s state-of-the-art wellness spa and salon.
| Tuition | $43,838 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Diploma |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Downtown |
| PGWP | International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
What to expect
The Health & Wellness Professional – Cosmetology Diploma provides a wide range of opportunities for student learning in classroom, salon/spa and workplace settings. In addition to hands-on practical experience in VCC’s state of the art Health and Wellness Salon and Spa, instructional activities such as lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journaling, and project-based learning strategies are used throughout. Students are required to successfully complete each course prior to advancement to the next suite of course. Course sequencing may vary but will be confirmed prior to the start of the program.
Practical training is conducted in the fully equipped Health & Wellness Salon and Spa at VCC’s Downtown Campus, In class, students can explore the unique health needs of the community surrounding VCC where services are provided to the public, providing authentic representation of the demands and conditions encountered in the industry.
Students participate in workplace practicums in year one and two which provide opportunities for students to apply their technical skills outside in the industry.
What you will learn
- Practice skin and body therapies, hair and scalp techniques in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemical composition and nutrition in providing personalized hair and spa treatments that support overall health and wellness.
- Perform spa treatments to enhance clients’ health and well-being through manual techniques based on client consultation, skin and body analysis, and nutritional needs.
- Incorporate holistic care methods, such as aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, mindfulness, and stress-relief techniques, into hair and spa services to enhance client well-being.
- Apply the principles of trichology to provide health and wellness care and specialized treatments and techniques.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct suitable for salon and spa practitioner environments, incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable materials and practices in hair and spa services to support environmental stewardship and enhance client well-being.
- Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a health and wellness centre, spa or salon.
- Integrate knowledge of personal health, community health, nutrition, health behaviours, and skin/hair disease prevention into professional practice
- Educate clients on preventative care, lifestyle choices, and self-care routines to support long-term wellness
- Apply fundamental principles of health and wellness within the field of cosmetology, upholding ethical standards and fostering inclusivity to ensure equitable access to hair and spa services that support overall well-being
Program duration and maximum time for completion
The Diploma includes two distinct certificates: the Certificate in Hairstyling and the Certificate in Esthetics.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- English 10 or equivalent
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 considerations
- Program tasks involve close, one-on-one interactions with clients, including physical touch and close physical contact. Students will also assume the roles of both practitioner and the client during practice activities and certain assessments.
- Program tasks involve regular interaction with clients, including consultation, communication, and delivery of services in a professional setting.
- Program tasks require extended periods of standing, continuous; repetitive hand, wrist and arm movements; maintaining fixed body positions while performing detailed services; and tasks that require fine motor skills, such as precision in specialized manual treatments.
- Program tasks often demand strong depth perception, accurate color recognition, and the ability to identify fine details in hair, nails, and skin treatments, ensuring quality and satisfaction in visual results. The learning environment involves working under bright task lighting to support detailed visual work.
- Program environment involves exposure to fragrances, scents, chemical odors, and airborne particles associated with spa and salon products. It also involves regular exposure to skincare products, disinfectants, waxes and other chemical agents and products that may aggravate respiratory or skin conditions.
- Travel to different locations and variable start times may be required for work experience.
Program availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Jan, Mar |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
Spring/Summer 2027 |
|
| Program start date | May |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Jun 1, 2026 |
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 |
| HAIR 1010 | Fundamentals of Professional Practice | 16 |
| HAIR 1020 | Specialized Hair Services and Client Care | 16 |
| HAIR 1030 | Technical Skills and Career Development | 9 |
| Total Credits | 82 | |
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
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.
| Tuition deposit | $11,000 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $43,838 | |
| Student union | $434 | |
| College initiative | $254 | |
| Campus resource | $439 | |
| Medical and dental | $570 | Explore medical insurance options |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $892 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $460 | |
| Total | $47,226 |
Books and Supplies
Two mandatory tool kits costing approximately $4,200 plus tax (subject to change) are not included in the fees above. Visit the VCC Bookstore for updates and other required materials.
* 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.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
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?