New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry

New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry (Level 4)

Master fashion makeup and hairstyling techniques for runway, stage, and film. Learn how to consult with private clients and begin building a professional makeup artistry portfolio. Develop specialised skills in body art and special effects, including character design, facial transformations, ageing makeup, wig styling, and trauma effects. Enhance your business knowledge and collaborative creativity while preparing for potential industry experience through various project opportunities.

What you will learn

  • Day makeup, fashion makeup, runway makeup and accompanying hair-styling techniques
  • Editorial/photographic makeup and styling
  • Character/period makeup and styling
  • Special effects makeup and body painting
  • Character and aging makeup and hair applications
  • Male makeup
  • Wig and prosthetic application, facial hair trimming and application
  • Portfolio development
  • Business skills, practice professionalism and customer service
  • Opportunity to apply as an intern for the World of WearableArt™ Awards show.

Check out our instagram for examples of student work.

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.

  • 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 are a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Last updated: 5/8/2025

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