A Certificate III in Makeup is the minimum qualification level required for makeup artists in Australia. It’s best suited for people who like on-the-job learning as it combines practical and theoretical training, perfect to give you a solid foundation as you start your career as a makeup artist.

Once you have completed this course you can pursue a career in makeup artistry or start your own business as a makeup artist. You will also be able to work in a retail environment as a makeup artist, work in fashion as a runway specialist, work in photography (for instance, covering bridal and fashion), work in the film & TV industry, be a freelance makeup artist and work at cosmetic counters.

A Certificate III in Makeup is a fun and creative course so although you’ll be learning and working hard each day to develop your skills, if you’re truly passionate about makeup and have a strong desire to be a professional makeup artist, the course will be an exciting and life changing experience for you!

Individuals who complete a Certificate III in Makeup will leave the course possessing a range of well-developed, honed skills such as:

• Working cooperatively as part of a makeup team
• Working with industry professionals including photographers, stylists and models
• Listening to clients
• Understanding skincare
• Changing the look of the face and features using makeup
• Special application techniques

And, depending on the institute that you choose, the following may also be covered (make sure you do your research to see exactly what extras are on offer at each institute):

• Bridal & wedding makeup
• Day makeup
• Evening makeup
• Formal makeup
• Camouflage makeup
• Fashion, catwalk & runway makeup
• Make-up through the ages
• Airbrushing makeup
• Photographic makeup
• Fantasy makeup
• Theatre and stage makeup
• Special effects (SFX) makeup
• Brow grooming
• Spray tanning
• Hairstyling techniques to complement makeup

Course Info:

The duration of a Certificate III in Makeup to qualify you as a makeup artist (MUA) will depend on the individual institute, however you can expect an average duration of 1-2 days studying per week for 30-40 weeks.

Course Code: SHB30125
Accreditation: Naturally recognised qualification at Cert III level
Cost: Starts at around $3,000 and can go up to $5,000 depending on where you study
Financial Aid: Tafe does offer a concession fee, however a Cert III in Makeup does not qualify for Austudy

Further study opportunities include:

Click here to read more about Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics (SHB20116)
Click here to read more about  Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115)
Click here to read more about Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)
Click here to also view additional specialist courses that you may be interested in to complement a Certificate III in Makeup and further hone your skills.

Training and qualification requirements for courses and Cert III’s can vary from state to state as a Makeup Artist, so please select your state to get specialist info on requirements in your state. It’s imperative to do your research!

Australian Capital Territory – (02) 6205 8555
New South Wales – 13 28 11
Northern Territory – (08) 8901 1357
Queensland – 1800 210 210
South Australia – 1800 673 097
Tasmania – 1800 655 846
Victoria – (03) 9651 9999
Western Australia – 13 19 54