University in South Africa
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
University profile
Isa Carstens Academy is a private higher education institution in the health, skincare, beauty and wellness industry, established in 1978 and now with more than 4 700 graduates. It teaches on two campuses, Stellenbosch in the Western Cape and Pretoria (Lynnwood) in Gauteng, through contact, blended and distance learning.
The accredited qualifications are the Higher Certificate in Front Office Administration (NQF 5, one year full time, 125 credits, SAQA ID 111453, offered in a theory-only path or with beauty services such as manicure, pedicure, nail technology, waxing, make-up and Swedish massage), the Diploma in Somatology (NQF 6, three years full time, SAQA ID 83046), the Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics (NQF 7, one year distance learning, 120 credits, SAQA ID 97898) for somatologists working under medical supervision, and the Advanced Diploma in Spa and Salon Management (NQF 7, one year distance learning, 120 credits, SAQA ID 124612, with January and July intakes). Online and short courses are also offered in entrepreneurial, advanced professional development and management streams, for example massage, lash and brow work, nail technology, microneedling and hair removal.
Training is practical. Each campus houses an Isa Wellness Sanctuary, a public treatment salon where therapists in training work under the guidance of managers and qualified staff after completing the theory and practical training for each treatment. Isa Carstens Aesthetics, a division of the brand, supplies a professional skincare range.
Student housing is run as the Isa Private Ladies Residence in Stellenbosch (32 Piet Retief Street, about 450 metres from the Academy) and Isa Residence in Pretoria on the Lynnwood campus, about 3 km from the University of Pretoria. Both offer shared furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, water and electricity, laundry facilities, communal areas, 24-hour access control, CCTV and a live-in residence head. They are for female students at registered tertiary institutions.
The Academy is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (certificate 2000/HE07/025). International students must have foreign qualifications verified by SAQA and hold a valid study permit before registration. A corporate social responsibility programme supports SANCCOB's African penguin conservation work.
The Academy has no bursaries of its own. Students are advised to arrange payment of fees well in advance and to apply to a financial institution for study assistance as soon as they are accepted. Two study-assistance funds are named: the Atterbury Trust, Pretoria (tel +27 12 471 1600, [email protected], atterburytrust.org) and Helpmekaar Studiefonds (helpmekaarfonds.org). See the admissions page.
Browse the scholarships listed for Isa Carstens Academy (Pty) Ltd and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Isa Carstens Academy (Pty) Ltd →National Senior Certificate with Higher Certificate study endorsement and a minimum of 40% for English.
National Senior Certificate with Diploma study endorsement, a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 24 excluding Life Orientation, and English Home Language or First Additional Language. Life Sciences is recommended.
A three-year Diploma in Somatology (NQF 6, 365 credits) or an equivalent qualification in a cognate field.
One of: a three-year Diploma in Somatology (minimum 365 credits at NQF 6) or equivalent in a related field; or a Bachelor's degree at NQF 7 in a relevant discipline such as Hospitality Management, Tourism Management or Business Administration. Recognition of prior learning and a minimum of five years' relevant industry experience are also considered. Applicants must have completed an NQF 6 qualification with Business Practice or Business Management subjects at exit level and show proficiency in the language of learning. Admission is subject to Senate approval, which may adjust minimum requirements.
Foreign qualifications must be verified by SAQA. Applicants submit certified copies of the passport, highest academic qualification and SAQA certificate(s), and a certified copy of a valid study permit before registration. Admission of non-residents is subject to the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 and depends on academic acceptance and the necessary statutory documentation. Proof of English proficiency is required: an IELTS result, or English passed at school-leaving level (for example O-level or HIGCSE).
Applications are made online through the Apply Now button on each programme page. Accepted applicants who have paid the reservation fee receive the annual registration communique. Annual overall expenses for the Advanced Diploma in Spa and Salon Management and the online and short courses are available from the office.
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