Key Information
APPLICATION
Admission now open
INTAKE DATE
December 2026
DURATION
600 Hours / Approximately 6 Months
MODE OF STUDY
Full-Time, On-Site Training
LOCATION
AIPA, Basundhara, KTM.
CLASS LANGUAGE
English | Guidance is provided in Nepali too.
ENTRY LEVEL
+2 or equivalent
PRIOR SPA EXPERIENCE
Not Required.
TUITION FEE
To be announced.
CIDESCO REGISTRATION & EXAM FEE
To be announced.
PAYMENT OPTION
3 installments.
Course Overview
World’s most prestigious CIDESCO Diploma Qualification is now in Nepal.
Developed by CIDESCO, the world's leading international organisation in aesthetics since 1946, this diploma is designed to create efficient and competent therapists.
The syllabus includes a high degree of theory and practical work.
- Learn directly from CIDESCO-Certified Instructor.
- Certificate is Awarded by CIDESCO HQ (Switzerland)
What Will I Study?
The 600-hour programme combines theoretical knowledge with supervised practical training.
The following are the compulsory Subjects provided by CIDESCO HQ:
- 1.0 Natural Sciences – Chemistry and Physics
- 2.0 Human Anatomy & Physiology
- 3.0 Skin / Dermatology
- 4.0 Hygiene and First Aid
- 5.0 Face & Body Treatments including massage
- 6.0 Cosmetic Products – Cosmetic Science
- 7.0 Nutrition – Diet
- 8.0 Spa Framework (underpinning knowledge)
- 9.0 Professional Ethics
- 10.0 Commercial Studies / Business Studies
- Research Paper: Water Supply and Management paper - 2500 words
This course is conducted by CIDESCO Certified Trainer.
Why Study CIDESCO Spa Therapy?
Becoming a professional spa therapist requires more than learning a collection of massage techniques.
For students in Nepal, this creates an opportunity to pursue CIDESCO Spa Therapy education in Kathmandu without having to travel overseas simply to begin their training.
- A qualified therapist needs to understand the human body, client safety, hygiene, treatment planning, spa operations, professional ethics, products, treatments and the science behind the services they provide
- The CIDESCO Diploma in Spa Therapy brings these areas together within one comprehensive professional programme.
- CIDESCO requires Spa Therapy candidates to complete at least 600 hours of training at a registered CIDESCO school before undertaking the relevant examinations.
More Than Massage Training
A professional spa therapist needs to know when to treat, when not to treat, how to communicate with a client and why a treatment is being performed.
Throughout the program, students develop knowledge and practical competence in areas such as:
- Client consultation & Client Care
- Treatment planning
- Body treatments procedures
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Contraindications
- Spa etiquette & Ethical practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Product knowledge
- Treatment documentation
- Spa business fundamentals
The goal is to develop a therapist
who can think, assess, communicate and
perform professionally.
Learning Through Practice
Spa Therapy cannot be learned properly through theory alone.
Students train on-site at AIPA through demonstrations, supervised practice, theory sessions, treatment preparation, assessment and repeated practical application.
AIPA provides access to the training facilities and equipment required for the programme.
Practical learning is conducted in a controlled training environment where instructors can observe technique, correct mistakes and help students build professional confidence.
From Beginner to Professional Practice
You do not need previous spa or beauty therapy experience.
- Stage 1 — Foundation: Learn professional conduct, hygiene, anatomy, client care and the principles behind spa therapy.
- Stage 2 — Skills Development:
Begin supervised practical training and develop treatment techniques. - Stage 3 — Professional Practice:
Combine consultation, treatment planning, practical skills and professional standards. - Stage 4 — Case Work & Research:
Complete required written work, case histories and supporting evidence. - Stage 5 — Examination Preparation:
Review theory, practical procedures, professional standards and examination requirements.. - Stage 6 — CIDESCO Examination: Eligible candidates proceed to the required theory and practical examination process in accordance with CIDESCO requirements.
Assessment & CIDESCO Examination
Students must successfully complete the required training and examination eligibility requirements before proceeding to the CIDESCO examination.
The Spa Therapy Diploma examination includes:
Theory Examination
Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) examination.
Practical Examination
Assessment of practical Spa Therapy knowledge and competence.
Students should expect both theory and practical study throughout the program. AIPA prepares candidates through classroom study, practical assessments, revision and examination preparation.
Water Supply & Management Research Paper
CIDESCO Spa Therapy candidates are required to complete a 2,500-word Water Supply and Management paper, together with the required case histories.
This component develops the student's understanding of areas such as:
- Water use in spa environments
- Water quality
- Water treatment
- Hygiene and safety
- Conservation
- Responsible spa operations
Students receive academic guidance during the programme to understand the research and submission process.
Attendance & Commitment
This is an intensive 600-hour structured program.
Students must complete the required training hours and fulfil AIPA and CIDESCO examination eligibility requirements.
Regular physical attendance is essential.
Before enrolling, students should make sure they can realistically commit to the full programme.
Career Direction After Graduation
The CIDESCO Spa Therapy Diploma is designed to prepare graduates with knowledge and skills relevant to professional spa environments.
Depending on experience, employer requirements and local regulations, graduates may pursue opportunities such as:
- Professional Spa Therapist
- Hotel Spa Therapist
- Resort Spa Therapist
- Wellness Retreat Therapist
- Senior Therapist
- Spa Supervisor pathway
- Spa Operations pathway
- Spa Entrepreneur
Graduation should be viewed as the beginning of a professional career, rather than the end of learning.
Experience, workplace performance, continuing education and management skills can later support progression into supervisory, management or entrepreneurial roles.
Employment and licensing requirements vary between countries, so students planning to work overseas should also check the regulations of their intended destination.
December 2026 Intake: Applications Are Now Open
The next planned intake for the CIDESCO Diploma in Spa Therapy begins in December 2026.
Because practical training requires close supervision, places are intentionally limited.
Before admission, we recommend:
1. Send an enquiry
Tell us briefly about your education, current work and career interests.
2. Speak with an AIPA counsellor
We will help you understand whether CIDESCO Spa Therapy is appropriate for your goals.
3. Visit the academy
Students and parents are welcome to see the training environment.
4. Review fees and commitment
Understand the tuition, examination requirements, timetable and payment options.
5. Confirm your admission
Your place is secured after completing the admission procedure and required payment.
Meet Your Instructor, Reena Shrestha.
Founder & Principal, AIPA
Reena Shrestha completed her CIDESCO Diploma education in Singapore before establishing AIPA in Nepal in 2011. Her experience as both a CIDESCO graduate and professional educator has shaped AIPA's philosophy:
Professional spa education should develop knowledge, practical competence, ethics and confidence—not simply provide a certificate.Students joining the CIDESCO Spa Therapy programme will study within an academy built specifically around professional spa and wellness education.
FAQ for Perspective Students.
Answers list for perspective spa therapy diploma candidates.
A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is a record of documents and photos that validate a student's competence, skills, and knowledge in spa therapy.
It is tangible proof that a student has met the core standards required to pass the CIDESCO final exams.
For Nepal, AIPA (Aesthetics International Professional Academy) is an accredited CIDESCO training school, the first in the country.
Or you may apply directly with an accredited CIDESCO school of your choice, abroad.
Yes, the CIDESCO Spa Therapy Diploma is recognized within the spa Industry worldwide.
In some countries, a national diploma may be required to be able to work within that region.
Please contact the local authorities for clarification.
This requirement is mandatory for all enrolled candidates. Candidates are required to research and submit a document, before obtaining a qualification in Spa Therapy.
This research paper tests candidates' knowledge of water quality, conservation, and treatment technologies within a spa environment.
No, AIPA does not offer an online course. It's a classroom-based, hands-on training. Candidates are required to be present 95% of the total 540 hours of class/credit hours.
FYI, AIPA has its own private building and is based in Basundhara, Kathmandu. AIPA has NO substitute training centers elsewhere.
The CIDESCO exam procedure involves completing a minimum of 600–1200+ hours (depending on the diploma) at a registered school, followed by a three-part examination:
- a theoretical multiple-choice exam (MCQ),
- a practical exam (facial/body/spa), and
- a project with case histories (2,500–4,000 words).
Candidates must pay exam fees in advance to confirm their seat.
Candidates must pass all sections and secure at least 70% to receive the diploma.
Note: AIPA is a registered CIDESCO training school in Nepal.Â
Candidates are allowed two re-takes, free of charge, within two years after the 1st examination.
Enrolled students will get a unique student ID. Certificates and transcripts arrive at AIPA directly from CIDESCO HQ.Â
Diploma Fee Inquiry Form
We would appreciate it if you could provide, your current job, a short message on why would you like to join, and what are your expectation after the course.