What you will learn
- Anatomy and physiology of the skin and face
- Corrective day makeup, globally diverse makeup, ball and event makeup, bridal makeup, and accompanying hairstyling techniques
- Editorial and photographic makeup and styling
- Character and period makeup and styling
- Special effects makeup and body painting
- Character and ageing makeup, including hair applications
- Male makeup
- Wig and prosthetic application, facial hair trimming and application
- Portfolio development
- Business skills, professionalism, and customer service
- Opportunity to apply for an internship with the World of WearableArt™ Awards Show
Career options
Work as a makeup artist or counter salesperson at cosmetic companies and department stores. Enter the creative industries and work in film and TV, stage production or on photo shoots.
- Freelance makeup artist
- Makeup counter salesperson
- Fashion makeup artist
- Film makeup artist
- Stage makeup artist
Hear from our graduates
Entry requirements
Under 20
New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skin Care (Introduction) (Level 3)
OR
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Level 1)
OR
Equivalent skills and knowledge and capability to meet the physical requirements of the programme.
International: IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0); or equivalent
20+
If you’re 20 years or over, you may qualify for special admission on this programme. Contact us if you don’t meet the entry criteria as provided on the Under 20 information.
International students
Minimum IELTS (academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.
Find your country's equivalent academic entry requirements here
*For fee exclusions, please see our terms and conditions.
Course related costs
- WelTec specialist makeup, hair kit (SFX and fashion products and tools) and study material/ textbook. Price approx $1000
- Craft and stationery equipment
- Suitable clothing complying with programme dress code (full professional black clothing, including closed in black shoes)
- Students will have to organise/provide suitable models, as instructed by tutor, for all practical work.
These course related costs are not covered under any fees free funding schemes. To apply for course related costs (as a loan) visit studylink.
Equipment Kit costs: Approximately $1000, may be less based on individual course requirements.
Whitireia and WelTec is a business division of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology (NZIST).
Last updated: 13/7/2026
