Spa & Massage Therapy Course – Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions, Curriculum, Practical Training & International Students | 2027
AIPA has published 13 January and 3 February 2027 as upcoming intake dates for the following programmes:
- Certificate-III in Massage Therapy — 180 hours
- Diploma in Massage Therapy — 500 hours
The academy accepts applications for its scheduled intakes.
Certificate-III in Massage Therapy (180 hours)
Designed for beginners and those developing foundational professional massage skills.
The programme includes three modules:
- Swedish Body Massage — 60 hours
- Deep Tissue Massage — 60 hours
- Ayurvedic Body Massage — 60 hours
Diploma in Massage Therapy (500 hours)
A broader professional programme for individuals seeking more extensive massage therapy education.
The eight core modules include:
- Swedish Body Massage
- Head & Shoulder Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Ayurvedic Body Massage
- Hot Stone Therapy
- Thai Massage
- Foot Reflexology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
Both programmes combine theoretical instruction, demonstration, guided practice, and practical assessment.
AIPA's published course structure allocates approximately 80% to practical learning and 20% to theoretical study.
Practical instruction includes demonstrations, guided practice, technique correction, and skills assessments
Professional massage education requires an understanding of the human body and responsible client care.
Depending on the course, AIPA's curriculum addresses:
- Relevant human anatomy and physiology
- Massage benefits and contraindications
- Client consultation and assessment
- Professional hygiene and treatment preparation
- Safe application of massage techniques
- Client communication and professional conduct
The Diploma includes Human Anatomy & Physiology as a core module.
Students who successfully complete the applicable training and assessment requirements receive the corresponding qualification issued by Aesthetics International Professional Academy (AIPA).
The Certificate-III in Massage Therapy and Diploma in Massage Therapy are AIPA programmes taught by instructors with CIDESCO qualifications.
An AIPA-issued certificate or diploma is not the same as a CIDESCO-issued diploma.
AIPA is also an approved CIDESCO Training School and separately offers the CIDESCO Diploma in Spa Therapy under the relevant CIDESCO programme requirements.
Students seeking a CIDESCO qualification should specifically apply for the CIDESCO programme rather than assuming all AIPA courses lead to a CIDESCO award.
Recognition of any qualification by employers, licensing authorities, or educational institutions depends on their respective requirements.
AIPA welcomes international applicants and may help identify accommodation or hostel options near the academy in Basundhara, Kathmandu.
Accommodation arrangements depend on availability, individual preferences, and budget. Students are responsible for confirming their accommodation and expenses unless otherwise agreed.
International students should independently confirm the appropriate visa or immigration permission for their intended programme before travelling to Nepal.
General — Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone with at least a 10th-grade education (or below) can apply — no prior experience required.
Even if you’re already working as a Spa Attendant, Guest Relations Officer, or Receptionist, you can enroll to upgrade your skills-sets.
AIPA offers two schedules for your convenience:
Fast-Track Diploma (500 hrs): Full-time for busy professionals who want to complete quickly. Requires 5–6 class hours daily.
- Part-Time Diploma (620 hrs): Runs 11:00 AM–2:00 PM daily, allowing 3–4 hours of learning and practice.
Classrooms are open 10 AM–5 PM for self-practice or group sessions (with prior permission).
A Massage Therapy course trains you in manual techniques like Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Ayurvedic massage to improve relaxation, circulation, and muscle recovery.
A Spa Therapy course, on the other hand, includes massage, plus spa treatments such as scrubs, wraps, aromatherapy, facials, waxing, and spa manicures and pedicures.
In short:
Massage Therapy = core hands-on skill, and Spa Therapy = complete spa service training — ideal if you want to work in luxury spas, hotels, or wellness resorts.
The course blends theory and hands-on learning to build both knowledge and skill.
Theory (20%) covers Anatomy & Physiology, client care, and hygiene.
100% attendance is required for the Anatomy module.
Practical (80%) involves supervised massage training.
90% attendance required.
Fast-track students practice with male/female models.
Students are also encouraged to volunteer as practice models to experience the correct pressure and stroke techniques.
The full list of course modules is available on each course pages.
Initial Payment: 70% before course commencement.
Final Payment: 30% before the last module.
Exam Re-sit Fee: Rs. 1,250
Certificate Re-print: Rs. 2,500
Note: Timely payments help instructors maintain course flow and prevent module delays or certificate hold-ups.
International Students
Yes! AIPA welcomes students from all countries.
For shorter training (under 3 months), many students enter with a tourist visa, which can be extended easily in Kathmandu.
Recommended: Fast-Track Diploma (55 Days)
Yes. Assistance for students' accommodation nearby or hostel options can be provided upon request at the time of registration.
We help arrange student airport transfers upon request
Please bring a t-shirt, shorts or trousers, and sandals for practical sessions. All other learning materials are provided by AIPA.
At AIPA, students come from diverse backgrounds. As per our records our international students face no issues in working as well as practising. We already welcomed students from FRANCE, SPAIN, UK, ARGENTINA, INDIA, NETHERLANDS, JAPAN, MACEDONIA, USA, POLAND
As for Nepalese Citizens, AIPA certificates are well-recognized by five-star hotels and wellness resorts in Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Greece, Romania, the Maldives, and Malaysia, among others.
Our curriculum aligns with international spa standards, giving you credible, job-ready skills that can be verified by employers.
We also provide course transcripts and references upon request.
Yes, students may begin on the same day after completing enrollment formalities.
For the fast-track courses, you can enroll in the course immediately.
FAQs about Career Scope in Spa & Massage Therapy
The spa and wellness industry is growing fast, both in Nepal and internationally.
After completing a certified massage or spa therapy course, you can start as an entry-level spa therapist and progress to senior therapist, spa manager, or trainer, or even start your own spa with experience and skill upgrades.
see Career Scope Page (with Structured Model Diagram)
In Nepal, an entry-level therapist can earn around Rs. 19,500–25,000 per month, while experienced therapists and spa managers can earn Rs. 50,000–1,00,000+, especially in international placements.
Note: the salary range is an average figure. Many day spas and hotel spas offer service commissions, food allowance, and personal grooming allowance, too. Must negotiate on these terms during interviews.
Yes. Many certified therapists from Nepal work in cruise spas, hotels, and wellness centers in countries like Dubai, Malaysia, Kuwait, and parts of Europe like the UK, Romania, and Cyprus. The diploma-level training increases your chances of placement overseas.
See the Diploma in Spa Therapy course.
AIPA does not offer direct international job placements.
However, we can connect graduates to our partner organizations within Nepal. Partner organization refers to verified employers such as; day spa owners, five-star hotel, and wellness resorts.
Our dedication is to prepare qualified, efficient, and skilled therapists for both local and international opportunities.
Strictly:
- AIPA is not a placement or recruitment agency. Therefore, we are not a manpower supplier.
- AIPA does not hold a license to apply for graduates for international placement.
Experience is gained from fixed-term internships.
Most students begin with basic certificate courses that teach anatomy, massage techniques, spa hygiene, and basic spa operations.
With practice and professionalism, you can grow into higher-level roles in just a few years.
Note: Upskill yourself with courses like Singing-Bowls, Yoga, and meditation that add value to your career.
Those who are active, disciplined, and passionate about healing others do best.
We regularly say to our students, "Your hands are healing hands."
At AIPA, we believe every student holds the power to heal through touch therapy.