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.