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CDU hair and beauty student applying makeup on client
TAFE

SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

1 year/s

This course can typically be completed within 12 months to 3 years.
* The actual duration may vary depending on where and how you study, the units you choose, and the time needed to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge.

Intake

Locations

Alice Springs, Palmerston
Not available to international students.

Course code

SHB30416

Overview

Availability:Applications for 2027 are now open.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.    
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as an apprenticeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information. (example)

This qualification reflects the role of hairdressers who use a range of well-developed sales, consultation and technical skills and knowledge to provide a broad range of hairdressing services to clients. They use discretion and judgement to provide client services and take responsibility for the outcomes of their own work.

This qualification provides a pathway to work as a hairdresser in any industry environment, usually a salon.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.

Delivery Details
LocationAlice Springs
Palmerston
Duration

Mainstream
12 months

Apprentice
3 years 

* Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies.

Study Mode

Face-to-face
Simulated workplace
Workplace

* Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide.

Start Date

Alice Springs
February 8, 2027 to November 24, 2027

Palmerston
February 1, 2027 to November 24, 2027

*Students must enrol in the course prior to the commencement date.
*Apprentices will receive an individual call-up notification letter. 
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.

Attendance

Alice Springs
Mainstream
Monday and Wednesday
9:00am - 4:00pm
* Supplemented by 1 day/week work placement in a commercial salon.

Apprentice
Stage 1 Apprentice:
Wednesday
9:00am to 4:00pm
Stage 2 and 3 Apprentice:
Monday
9:00am to 4:00pm

_____

Palmerston
Mainstream
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
8:30am - 4:00pm
Thursdays (self-paced learning)
8:30am - 4:00pm
* Supplemented by 1 day/week work placement in a commercial salon.

Apprentice
Stage 1 Apprentice:
Wednesday
8:30am - 4:00pm
Stage 2 Apprentice
Tuesday
8:30am - 4:00pm

Stage 3 Apprentice
Monday
8:30am - 4:00pm

Career opportunities

After completing this course, you may be able to work in roles such as:

  • Hairdresser
  • Men's hairdresser

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to further study, including SHB40216 Certificate IV in Hairdressing.

Fees

2027 Fees

  Fee Type  2027 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  Free
  Full Fee  $15,725.70 - $16,348.50

Eligible domestic students who are NT residents may be able to study this course with Northern Territory Government support. Places are limited, so apply early.

Read the eligibility requirements to check if you-re eligible.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Hold a current Centrelink Concession or Healthcare card
  • Hold a Veteran's Healthcare card
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Hold a permanent resident visa with Refugee or Humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG's Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

International tuition Fees

The annual tuition fee for commencing student visa holders in 2027 is AUD $17,655.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU Aquaculture students

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed. 

  • Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing, a total of 28 units of competency must be completed comprising 21 core and 7 elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.  

Course structure

The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 1010 - 1050.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyHours
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY
BSBSUS201Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices20
SHBHBAS001Provide shampoo and basin services40
SHBHCLS002Colour and lighten hair65
SHBHCLS003Provide full and partial head highlighting treatments45
SHBHCLS004Neutralise unwanted colours and tones55
SHBHCLS005Provide on scalp full head and retouch bleach treatments55
SHBHCUT001Design haircut structures20
SHBHCUT002Create one length or solid haircut structures *30
SHBHCUT003Create graduated haircut structures *35
SHBHCUT004Create layered haircut structures *35
SHBHCUT005Cut hair using over-comb techniques *30
SHBHDES003Create finished hair designs50
SHBHIND001Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas20
SHBHIND003Develop and expand a client base35
SHBHREF002Straighten and relax hair with chemical treatments45
SHBHTRI001Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions25
SHBXCCS001Conduct salon financial transactions25
SHBXCCS002Provide salon services to clients40
SHBXIND001Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment45
SHBXIND002Communicate as part of a salon team30
SHBXWHS001Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices40
Total nominal hours for core units785
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Complete 7 units)
GROUP A - GENERAL HAIRDRESSING (must complete all 3 units)
SHBHCUT006Create combined haircut structures *45
SHBHCUT007Create combined traditional and classic men-s haircut structures *45
SHBHDES004Create classic long hair up-styles30
Total nominal hours for elective units120
GROUP C - GENERAL ELECTIVES (must complete 4 units from Group C)
SHBHDES002Braid hair

30

SHBHBAS002Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation

20

SHBHREF003Straighten and relax hair with protein treatments

45

SHBXCCS004Recommend products and services

20

SIRRINV001Receive and handle retail stock 

35

SIRRMER001Produce visual merchandise displays

35

Total nominal hours for elective units105 - 145
Total nominal hours for the qualification1010 - 1050

* Unit contains pre-requisite unit requirement. Please refer to the flyer for further information.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To ensure you have the skills and support needed to study this course, all applicants are required to complete a Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation.

To gain entry into SHB30416 Certificate III in Hairdressing as an Apprentice, candidates require:

  • To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT.

Students can undertake this course as a non-apprentice at the Alice Springs campus; the full-time course program is designed for applicants over the age of 21.

The Training Salon is a simulated work environment and requires students to wear work clothing suited to the industry.

Required Resources

Students are required to purchase a Skin Deep book pack from the Hairdressing Reception, pricing will be provided at the information sessions.

Students must attend class in closed in shoes.

Female uniforms
Black Tee-shirts are required and can be purchased from the Hairdressing reception, price to be advised.
Black tops are to be worn with black pants. No tights, no shorts or ripped jeans.

Male uniforms
Black Tee-shirts are required and can be purchased from the Hairdressing reception, price to be advised.
Black Tee-shirts are to be worn with black pants. No tights, no shorts or ripped jeans.

Hairdressing toolkit
Toolkits can be purchased through CDU TAFE, you will be provided with further information during your information session, prices start from approximately $500.00.

All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.

Loan

CDU student

Alumni Awards finalist Loan Nguyen

Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.

Pat

CDU student

Pat (vet)3

All the lessons included theory and practical. We got to train with real clients in a busy environment and I got so much out of that.

Loan

CDU student

Alumni Awards finalist Loan Nguyen

Hands-on practical lessons, experienced instructors, and all the resources that CDU provides will absolutely bring your skills and knowledge up to scratch–you won’t believe how much you’ll learn during the process.

Pat

CDU student

Pat (vet)3

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SHB Hairdressing and Beauty Services Training Package.

Location and study mode


Locations: Alice Springs, Palmerston

Study Mode: On campus, Workplace assessment

Note:

Delivery at individual locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
SALES AND PERSONAL SERVICES
Occupation types
Hairdresser
Area of study
Hair and Beauty Services

Contact details

Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services
Location: Palmerston and Alice Springs Campus
Phone: 08 8946 7800 (PAL)
Phone: 08 8959 5461 (ASP)
Email: TAFE@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for CDU TAFE

Whether you're leaving school, returning to study, starting an apprenticeship or seeking recognition for your existing skills, CDU TAFE offers a range of pathways to get you started. Learn how to apply for the course that's right for you.

 

Admission requirements

Check the admission requirements for CDU certificate and diploma courses before you apply. If you don't meet the entry criteria yet, CDU offers alternative pathways to help you start your study journey.

Domestic or international student?

Understanding your applicant status is an important first step, as it affects course fees, entry requirements and the application process.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

 

Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

We are here to help

Need some help finding the right course or career path? Need tips on applying to CDU or completing your application?

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