Elite School of Beauty & Spa

What Elite School of Beauty & Spa does

Elite School of Beauty & Spa is a New Zealand Private Training Establishment (PTE) that delivers NZQA-recognised beauty therapy qualifications at Levels 3, 4, and 5, plus CIDESCO international certification, across four physical campuses in Auckland (Queen Street), Hamilton, Wellington (Willow Street, launched May 2024), and Tauranga (rebranded in 2022). The school trains nearly 1,000 graduates per year, supported by industry-standard equipment including electric beauty beds, professional studio mirrors and lighting, OBSERV 320 skin imaging, LED Celluma light therapy, and dermaplaning/microdermabrasion machines. It also runs Gateway/STAR programmes for secondary school students, a dedicated sensory space for neurodivergent learners, and a learner success team across all campuses.

The business model is tuition-driven, charging domestic fees of NZ$7,846-$19,416 per programme and international fees of NZ$13,500-$26,000, with additional Compulsory Student Services Levies (NZ$205-$410) and course-related costs (uniforms NZ$140.50-$380 plus materials). A meaningful share of domestic revenue is offset by NZ government Fees Free and Youth Guarantee funding, which functions as effectively free tuition for eligible 16-24 year-olds. International students are managed through an online Enroller portal with Flywire payments and IELTS 5.5 entry requirements. Distribution is sales-led and direct, combining campus Open Days, secondary-school Gateway/STAR partnerships, an online application portal, and a downstream employer-partner network (Caci, The Cosmetic Clinic, Forme, Ragdale Hall UK, Onboard Spa by Steiner, More Than Skin) that supplies internship and job-placement pathways.

Elite operates as one of the trading names of Yoobee Colleges Limited, a registered PTE that is part of UP Education Limited — New Zealand's largest private tertiary network, with 7,000 students across 15 campuses and five schools (Yoobee, NZ School of Tourism, Cut Above Academy, Elite, Healthcare Academy of NZ). The 23-person headcount at Elite supports a multi-campus operation that is small relative to the wider UP Education group. The company holds NZQA Category 2 registered-provider status, CIDESCO authorisation, and compliance with the NZ Privacy Act 2020 and the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of ākonga.

Name

Elite School of Beauty & Spa

Legal name

Yoobee Colleges Limited

Website

https://elitebeautyschool.co.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Elite School of Beauty & Spa is a New Zealand private training establishment (within Yoobee Colleges/UP Education) delivering NZQA beauty therapy qualifications at Levels 3-5 and CIDESCO international certification across four campuses, training nearly 1,000 graduates annually into industry employment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Beauty Therapy Education

NAICS

Cosmetology and Barber Schools (611511), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Esthetics / Skincare (EDAOALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Esthetics & Skincare Training Programs (HSALANAB), Cosmetology Schools & Programs (HSALANAA), Spa & Body Treatment Training (Body Wraps/Scrubs/Hydrotherapy) (HSALANAI), Makeup Artistry Training Programs (HSALANAE), Massage Therapy & Bodywork (EDAOALAH)

Keywords

• Beauty therapy education
• Vocational training
• Spa therapy courses
• Cosmetology certification
• NZQA qualifications

Headquarters

HQ city

Auckland

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Domestic Tuition Fees: Tuition fees charged to domestic New Zealand students for beauty therapy programmes at Levels 3, 4, and 5. Fees vary by programme length and level, ranging from approximately $7,846 to $19,416 for domestic students. Many students eligible for government Fees Free or Youth Guarantee funding.
2. International Student Tuition: Higher tuition fees charged to international students, ranging from $13,500 to $26,000 depending on programme level. International students also pay additional course fees and international student levy.
3. Compulsory Student Services Levy (CSSL): Mandatory levy funding student support services including counselling, wellbeing, sports/recreation/cultural activities, learner support, and careers guidance. Ranges from $205 to $410 depending on programme credits and delivery mode.
4. Course Related Costs: Additional compulsory costs including uniform purchases ($140.50-$380), course materials and equipment. Some costs such as laptops are required but not covered under fees free funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Elite School of Beauty & Spa delivers NZQA-recognised beauty therapy vocational education through on-campus programmes covering skincare, makeup, beauty therapy, and spa therapy at Levels 3, 4, and 5. Programmes combine classroom theory with hands-on client treatment in on-site training salons and include industry internships, supplier-led product training, and an optional CIDESCO international certification pathway.

Product overview

Elite School of Beauty & Spa is a beauty therapy education institution offering a tiered qualification pathway: Certificate in Skincare & Makeup Services (Level 3, 16 weeks), Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4, 32 weeks), and New Zealand Diploma in Beauty & Spa Therapy (Level 5, 32 weeks). Programs can be taken individually or as a combined Essentials Collection bundle (38 weeks). The institution also offers CIDESCO international certification as an add-on credential, plus Gateway/STAR youth programmes for secondary school students. Students gain hands-on experience through client treatment days at campus spas, with nearly 1,000 graduates annually trained across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Tauranga campuses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certificate in Skincare & Makeup Services (Level 3) A 16-week foundation programme teaching skin consultations, skin preparation, beauty makeup application, networking, communication, client skills, and sales techniques for aspiring beauty professionals.
• Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) A 32-week programme covering waxing, facials, massage, electrical equipment (vacuum suction, high frequency, galvanic), manicures, pedicures, gel polish, nail art, anatomy and physiology, and business skills for entry-level beauty roles.
• New Zealand Diploma in Beauty & Spa Therapy (Level 5) A 32-week advanced diploma covering chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, OBSERV 320 skin imaging, LED Celluma light therapy, lash lifts, brow lamination, client consultations, treatment planning, clinic management, and a 6-week industry internship.
• The Essentials Collection (Level 3 & 4 Combined) A 38-week combined programme delivering both the Level 3 Certificate in Skincare & Makeup Services and the Level 4 Certificate in Beauty Therapy, designed to qualify students as beauty therapists within one year.
• CIDESCO International Certification An optional international qualification from the Swiss-based Comite International D'esthetiques et de Cosmetology, recognised globally as a leading beauty therapy credential, requiring a 70% pass mark and 600 hours of industry experience.
• Gateway and STAR Programmes Secondary school programmes including STAR Taster Courses, School Holiday Programmes, and block courses delivering NZQA Level 2 & 3 credits across manicures, pedicures, facials, makeup artistry, and beauty tools training.
• Client Treatments Discounted beauty and spa services performed by students on real clients across all campuses, providing practical training in a live salon environment and serving the public.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% student completion rate
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UltraceuticalscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAustralia's leading cosmeceutical-grade skincare brand. Elite's Level 5 students use Ultraceuticals products throughout their programme. Students receive personalized skin consultation with Ultraceuticals Skin Expert, personalized skincare program, and access to internationally based guest speakers. One student per campus can become Ultraceuticals Ambassador Student of the Year with a trip to Sydney.
• Pure FijicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium South Pacific beauty brand using traditional coconut oil and flower extracts. Students train with Pure Fiji products to mirror real-world industry standards. Brand is committed to ecological sustainability and wild-harvested ingredients.
• Tuel SkincarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner100% Vegan skincare brand made in California since 1979. Free of phthalates, sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, synthetic dyes and fragrances. No animal testing. Supports diverse learners with values of authenticity and natural ingredients.
• Cosmetologists NZcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner100% NZ owned suppliers of pro-grade beauty brands. Team includes ex-salon owners, beauty therapists and business graduates. Works with customers to build businesses through education, customer experience, and marketing support.
• The Cosmetic CliniccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKey partner hiring both beauty therapists and laser technicians. NZ owned and operated with 20+ years history treating hundreds of thousands of clients. Part of global network of over 60 clinics. Provides internship and employment opportunities for Elite graduates.
• Caci CliniccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNZ's skin and appearance experts with over 40 locations nationwide. Key partner hiring Beauty Therapists with Level 5 Diploma skills. Offers work experience, internship opportunities, in-depth clinic tours, expert guest speakers on campus, and full-time employment offers to Elite students.
• Forme Spa and WellbeingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNewly created relationship providing Elite students with work experience and internship opportunities. Excited about partnership as extension from classroom to workplace. Has history of promoting from within, with many Spa Managers starting as therapists.
• Ragdale Hall (UK)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading health spa in UK with Victorian architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. Multiple award winner over last ten years. Offers Level 5 students 12 months employment including working as Beauty Therapist in top salon, access to Clarins and Elemis products, external training opportunities, ongoing support. Accommodation available with other therapists.
• Onboard Spa by SteinercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSteiner operates beauty therapy spas on-board luxury cruise ships (P&O Cruises, Disney Cruiseliners, Princess Cruises) for over 40 years. Has hired over 50,000 beauty professionals. Gives Elite students interview opportunities with Recruitment Manager up to 4 times/year, yearly campus visits, and travel opportunities while working aboard.
• More Than SkinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNZ and European skincare and facial treatment provider with three Auckland clinics in Albany, Ponsonby and Howick. Elite graduates with Level 5 (including electrolysis training) are eligible to apply for internship.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• NZMA (NZ Management Academies): Sister institution under UP Education, the same parent as Elite. While focused on management and hospitality rather than beauty, it is comparable as an NZ PTE within the same parent group ecosystem and competes for similar student segments.
• Skills Active: New Zealand industry training organisation covering active recreation, sport, and beauty sectors. Comparable as an ecosystem participant that shapes qualification standards, apprenticeships, and industry training pathways relevant to Elite's beauty therapy programs.

Broad incumbents

• TAFE Queensland: Australia's largest vocational training provider, offering government-subsidized beauty therapy and related programs. Comparable as a publicly-funded vocational beauty training institution, but at significantly larger scale and with broader curriculum portfolio.
• Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec): NZ polytechnic operating in the same Wellington market as Elite's recently opened CBD campus. Offers government-funded beauty therapy programs and competes for the same domestic and international student audience, but as a broader multi-discipline tertiary institution rather than a beauty specialist.
• Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology: NZ polytechnic covering the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, including the Tauranga catchment where Elite also operates. Offers beauty therapy qualifications funded through Te Pūkenga, providing a government-subsidized alternative to Elite's offerings in overlapping geographies.
• UNITEC Institute of Technology: Auckland-based polytechnic offering beauty therapy programs and competing for the same Auckland domestic and international student market. Operates as a broader tertiary provider but with overlapping vocational beauty programs and similar reliance on government funding.
• Evocca College: Australian private vocational education provider offering beauty therapy and related programs. Comparable to Elite as a privately-operated PTE competing for international and domestic vocational beauty students in the trans-Tasman market.

Direct peers

• Cut Above Academy: A sister school under the same UP Education parent (Yoobee Colleges Limited) operating from Auckland alongside Elite. Offers beauty therapy, hairdressing, and makeup training with shared back-office, marketing, and enrollment infrastructure — making it the closest direct peer for both curriculum and operational benchmarking.
• National Academy of Beauty Therapy: Australian beauty therapy vocational training provider offering certificate and diploma qualifications. Comparable as a specialized beauty school competing in the same international student market and offering similar Levels-based qualification pathways.
• Aspire2: New Zealand private training establishment offering vocational qualifications across multiple disciplines including beauty. Comparable as a similarly sized NZ PTE competing for the same domestic student pool, government subsidies, and international student recruitment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elite-school-of-beauty-spa

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Elite School of Beauty & Spa