About Hairstylist Foundation in Northern Lights College

Students receive training according to the provincial Apprenticeship curriculum, as established by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) of British Columbia. Students who complete the NLC Foundation program are taught in a salon environment for the majority of their 990 hours and are credited with 300 work-based training hours.

Students are introduced  to the basics of haircuts, styles, shampoo and scalp treatments. Students are also trained to chemically treat hair using colour and permanent treatments, and the business and communication skills required in a salon environment.

Upon successful completion of the Foundation program and 1290 further work-based training hours, students may enroll in the Hairstylist Apprenticeship Program.

Career Prospects

Well-trained hairstylists are in constant demand in every community. Graduates who have obtained their ITA Red Seal certification are qualified to secure employment in large or small salons, or they may wish to open their own business. The following career opportunities are available to program graduates: hairstylist, technician, platform artist, salon management, cruise ship salon operator, film stylist, instructor, inspector, examiner, and salesperson.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Completion of All India or State Board HSC (XII): 55% or higher in relevant subjects.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5
• TOEFL: 78 IBT

Northern Lights College Highlights

International Students - Program Tuition/Costs

International applicants are responsible for all program and living costs while studying at Mount Royal University.

Here are the estimated costs you can expect:

Student Services Fees Table

Student services fees are assessed for each semester or equivalent instructional period in which a student is enrolled. Full-time students are student enrolled in 9 or more credits per semester, or 18 or more contact hours per week. For programs that do not follow a semester, Student Services Fees cover up to five months (20 weeks).

Other Fees and Charges

The following fees and charges are in effect from 01 September 2019 to 31 August 2020. For Testing/Assessment Service fees, see