Posted on October 23 2025
Dreaming of a career on film sets, catwalks or behind the scenes of your favourite TV shows?
Studying makeup professionally can feel out of reach if you’re worried about fees. The good news is Australia’s VET Student Loan (VSL) scheme lets you start training now and repay later.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering our nationally recognised Diploma of Screen & Media (Specialist Makeup).
What Is a VET Student Loan?
A VET Student Loan is a government‑backed loan that helps eligible students pay their course tuition.
To apply, you must be an Australian citizen, a qualifying New Zealand citizen or hold a humanitarian or Pacific Engagement visa. You’ll also need to meet basic academic requirements, either Year 12, a Certificate IV or equivalent literacy and numeracy test, also and have a Tax File Number and Unique Student Identifier. If you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent. After enrolling, your provider sends you a link to an online Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF); you must complete this before your unit’s census date for the loan to take effect.
What Does the Loan Cover?
The VSL covers your course tuition only. It doesn’t pay for textbooks, brushes, makeup kits or other materials. Each course has a capped amount you can borrow; if your course fees exceed the cap, you’ll need to pay the difference before classes start. There’s also a 20 % loan fee for full‑fee students, which is added to your debt and repaid later.
When Do You Start Repaying?
You don’t have to make any repayments while you’re studying or until your taxable income reaches a certain level. From the 2025–26 income year, repayments only begin once your repayment income exceeds $67 000. Here’s how it works:
Below $67 000: no repayment.
$67 001–$125 000: pay 15 cents for each dollar above $67 000.
$125 001–$179 285: pay $8 700 plus 17 cents for each dollar above $125 000.
$179 286 and above: repay 10 % of your total income.
Repayments are taken automatically through the tax system, so you won’t need to set up a separate payment plan.
Where Can This Diploma Take You?
Our Diploma opens doors across the creative industries. Graduates go on to become:
Bridal Makeup Artists: creating elegant, long‑lasting looks for brides and their bridal parties.
Runway Makeup Artists: working backstage at fashion shows, crafting bold looks to match designers’ visions.
Editorial Makeup Artists: styling magazine shoots, advertising campaigns and photo shoots.
Theatre Makeup Artists: designing character‑driven looks for stage productions.
Special Effects Makeup Artists: bringing creatures, ageing and fantasy characters to life using prosthetics and special materials.
TV Makeup Artists: keeping presenters and actors camera‑ready for news, drama and talk shows.
Makeup Trainers: teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists.
Freelancers and Entrepreneurs: building portfolios across films, festivals and private clients, or launching their own beauty brands.
With our training, you’ll gain hands‑on experience, a professional portfolio and industry contacts. Plus, you can study on campus, online or a blend of both, making it easier to fit study around work or family commitments.
Ready to Start?
Our next intake begins 27 January 2026. There’s no ATAR requirement, and scholarships and payment plans are available. Download our free VET Student Loan guide to understand your options in detail, or chat with our course advisors about the best pathway for you. Whether you’re aiming for film sets, bridal parties or editorial shoots, a rewarding makeup career starts here.
Download the VSL Guide to learn how to fund your studies.
Enquire Now: Call or text 0428 217 285 or email courseadvisor@makeuptraining.com.au
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