Face facts: beauty at VU

Textbooks are undoubtedly a handy study tool, but there’s no better way to learn new skills than from real-life lessons.

That’s the message from Daphne Maria – an Indonesian student who is completing the Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115) at Victoria Polytechnic.

The best part about the course is the hands-on experience you learn beyond the classroom. You get to do the practical components straight away so it’s really fun, as well as informative.

Born in Bandung, West Java, Daphne came to Melbourne to complete the one-year Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50115, which provides a streamlined pathway to the Bachelor of Dermal Sciences at VU, in February 2016.

The nationally-accredited diploma enables graduates to take the next step in their career as a beauty therapist or to manage their own beauty salon and employ staff. Students who go onto the dermal degree can also enter the beauty industry while they study.

"My mum is a dermatologist so I really wanted to be a dermatologist too, but focusing more on beauty treatments, so that’s why I chose VU – because they offer a diploma in beauty which leads to a degree."

Daphne says the support from her teachers helps make learning "so much easier".

"Sometimes international students are scared to ask questions but I don’t feel that way because the teachers are very friendly and approachable.

"The classes are really small too, so the teachers can spend more one-on-one time with you."

Having visited Melbourne a few years ago, Daphne says she always knew she wanted to return to the world’s most liveable city as an international student.

"There’s a free tram in the city so the transportation is really easy and the people here are really friendly too."

Course studied

Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50115 – now Diploma of Beauty Therapy SHB50121

See more international student stories.