Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.
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
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
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
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 | |
| Location | Alice Springs Palmerston |
| Duration | Mainstream Apprentice * Course duration may vary depending on the time required to achieve the required competencies. |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face * Information about study modes are available in the 2027 TAFE Student Guide. |
| Start Date | Alice Springs Palmerston *Students must enrol in the course prior to the commencement date. |
| Attendance | Alice Springs Apprentice _____ Palmerston Apprentice Stage 3 Apprentice |
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.
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

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

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

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

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.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| BSBSUS201 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 20 |
| SHBHBAS001 | Provide shampoo and basin services | 40 |
| SHBHCLS002 | Colour and lighten hair | 65 |
| SHBHCLS003 | Provide full and partial head highlighting treatments | 45 |
| SHBHCLS004 | Neutralise unwanted colours and tones | 55 |
| SHBHCLS005 | Provide on scalp full head and retouch bleach treatments | 55 |
| SHBHCUT001 | Design haircut structures | 20 |
| SHBHCUT002 | Create one length or solid haircut structures * | 30 |
| SHBHCUT003 | Create graduated haircut structures * | 35 |
| SHBHCUT004 | Create layered haircut structures * | 35 |
| SHBHCUT005 | Cut hair using over-comb techniques * | 30 |
| SHBHDES003 | Create finished hair designs | 50 |
| SHBHIND001 | Maintain and organise tools, equipment and work areas | 20 |
| SHBHIND003 | Develop and expand a client base | 35 |
| SHBHREF002 | Straighten and relax hair with chemical treatments | 45 |
| SHBHTRI001 | Identify and treat hair and scalp conditions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS001 | Conduct salon financial transactions | 25 |
| SHBXCCS002 | Provide salon services to clients | 40 |
| SHBXIND001 | Comply with organisational requirements within a personal services environment | 45 |
| SHBXIND002 | Communicate as part of a salon team | 30 |
| SHBXWHS001 | Apply safe hygiene, health and work practices | 40 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 785 | |
| ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY (Complete 7 units) | ||
| GROUP A - GENERAL HAIRDRESSING (must complete all 3 units) | ||
| SHBHCUT006 | Create combined haircut structures * | 45 |
| SHBHCUT007 | Create combined traditional and classic men-s haircut structures * | 45 |
| SHBHDES004 | Create classic long hair up-styles | 30 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 120 | |
| GROUP C - GENERAL ELECTIVES (must complete 4 units from Group C) | ||
| SHBHDES002 | Braid hair | 30 |
| SHBHBAS002 | Provide head, neck and shoulder massages for relaxation | 20 |
| SHBHREF003 | Straighten and relax hair with protein treatments | 45 |
| SHBXCCS004 | Recommend products and services | 20 |
| SIRRINV001 | Receive and handle retail stock | 35 |
| SIRRMER001 | Produce visual merchandise displays | 35 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 105 - 145 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1010 - 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

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

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

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

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
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
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
Admission requirements
Domestic or international student?
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.



Share this course