Professional Makeup Artist Co-Op
Live, study, and gain industry experience in Canada while mastering professional makeup artistry.
The Professional Makeup Artist Co-Op program gives international students the skills and experience to launch a career in makeup artistry.
From fundamentals and bridal to high-fashion editorial and runway, students develop a strong technical foundation and build a professional portfolio. The co-op work term provides real-world experience in Vancouver, connecting students to the local industry.
Program Overview
NIC’s Co-Op program takes students from basic to advanced makeup artistry, including bridal, fashion, and editorial work. Students apply their skills through creative projects and photoshoots, building a professional portfolio.
The co-op work term allows international students to gain hands-on experience in Vancouver, learning from Canadian employers and industry professionals.
Key Outcomes
Become a professional makeup artist
Develop skills for beauty, bridal, fashion, and editorial projects, preparing you to work freelance, in studios, or for fashion brands.
Portfolio & Creative Projects
Complete multiple creative projects and professional photoshoots to showcase your skills.
Co-op work experience
Gain hands-on experience in Canada, strengthening technical, workplace, and communication skills.
Launch your career
Acquire industry-ready skills and connections to work as a freelance artist, beauty consultant, or business owner.
Program Information
Program Costs
Application Fee
International: $250.00
Tuition Fee
International: $15,950.00
Included in tuition fees: Professional Makeup Artist Kit (valued at $2,650). Students may use limited school-provided supplies during practical classes.
Not included in tuition fees: Does not include basic school supplies (pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, paper, USB drives, etc.). Students should budget $200–$500 for additional tools, props, or replenishing kit items.
All products, kits, and supplies are subject to change without prior notice at the company’s discretion.
Program Hours & Length
Program Hours: 880 (440 hours of study and 440 hours of Co-Op Term)
Weeks: 44
Start Dates
2026
April
October
Career Outcomes
• Freelance Makeup Artist
• Bridal Event Makeup Artist
• Makeup Artist for Photo Shoots, Editorial, and Fashion Shows
• Beauty Advisor / Cosmetic Retail
• Business Owner / Entrepreneur
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 19 years of age or hold a High School diploma.
- Submit a completed Student Application Form and Admissions Questionnaire (available in paper or online formats).
Language Proficiency Requirements
Please check the Language Proficiency Requirements on our How to Apply Page










Curriculum
Professional Makeup Artist Program Modules
Makeup Fundamentals (120 hours)
Successful makeup artists build their artistic skills upon a strong foundation of technical knowledge. Students learn to analyze the face, lips, nose, and eyes. They discover the evolution of makeup through the different eras, beginning in the 1930s till present. Students absorb the techniques to properly apply makeup for different genders and skin types.
This course will also teach the importance of creating professional face charts and tear sheets. By completion, students will be fully capable of applying shaping, highlighting, and contouring techniques on any model.
Hair Design (60 hours)
Successful makeup artists build their artistic skills upon a strong foundation of technical knowledge. Students learn to analyze the face, lips, nose, and eyes. They discover the evolution of makeup through the different eras, beginning in the 1930s till present. Students absorb the techniques to properly apply makeup for different genders and skin types.
This course will also teach the importance of creating professional face charts and tear sheets. By completion, students will be fully capable of applying shaping, highlighting, and contouring techniques on any model.
Wedding Makeup (20 hours)
This course orients the students with the skills required to work in the booming bridal industry. Beginning with day and evening looks, students are taught how to design wedding makeups that complement individual styles and cultural traditions. Students practice the cultural traditions that change throughout North America, South Asia, and India.
High Fashion Editorial (20 hours)
This industry is fast-paced and requires the artist to create specific looks that meet the vision of designers and their campaigns. This course educates students on how to master working under pressure while developing extravagant designs. Students discover how to satisfy the needs of their designer while remaining artistically expressive.
Career Development (20 hours)
Every makeup artist needs a solid resume and portfolio to jump-start their career. In this module, students will learn about resume formatting and various platforms to showcase their work. They will have the opportunity to build their online portfolio with all the amazing work they have completed in the program thus far.
High Fashion Runway (20 hours)
This course is designed to simulate the working conditions of a runway event. Students learn how to create detailed face charts, work from an existing design or tear-sheet, and discover the ins and outs of fashion etiquette. The Fashion Industry is limitless, this course will help students discover where their unique style fits in its evolving landscape.
Makeup & Photography Level 1 (40 hours)
Vancouver’s film industry has expanded to the 2nd largest in North America. This course will focus on headshot photography. Students learn how to adjust makeup to the requirements of both performer and photographer; accentuating the makeup to fit their particular brand. Students will discover how an artist needs to adjust their work to suit all lighting types, in-studio photography, or urban shoots. In collaboration with our acting department, students have live experience with makeup for actors’ headshots.
Photo Theory (40 hours)
Everyone knows that lighting plays as much of a key role during a photoshoot as the model, wardrobe, and makeup. This course educates students on how an artist can utilize this tool to enhance their work. Understanding the professional lingo, experimenting with different lighting techniques, and how to photograph their work, are all elements of this essential course. NIC’s photographer mentor will shoot, analyze, and strengthen their skills throughout the duration.
Makeup & Photography Level 2 (100 hours)
Expanding upon the previous course, students will now be introduced to the more advanced techniques required to master monochromatic, black and white, pop art, and creative makeup. In this section, students create several complete looks while utilizing their new skills to take amazing portfolio pieces.
Co-Op Work Period (440 hours)
With the assistance of the NIC Community and our student resources, students undertake the beginning of their professional freelance and film career.
Curriculum
MAKEUP FUNDAMENTALS • HAIR DESIGN • BRIDAL MAKEUP • HIGH FASHION EDITORIAL • HIGH FASHION RUNWAY • CAREER DEVELOPMENT • MAKEUP & PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 1 • PHOTO THEORY • MAKEUP & PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 2 • CO-OP WORK PORTION
NIC’s Professional Makeup Artist Co-Op curriculum focuses on practical experience, creativity, and portfolio-building.
Students work on a wide variety of projects, including bridal, editorial, fashion, and photography makeup. Hair design, advanced beauty techniques, and career development modules ensure graduates leave with the skills, confidence, and professional portfolio to succeed in the beauty industry.
The co-op term enables students to pursue experience in Vancouver’s beauty industry, preparing international students for a professional career
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills.
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Success Stories
NIC Makeup Faculty
Start Your Application
Let’s get you ready for an exciting journey, expanding your beauty and fashion makeup skills, joining our creative community, and launching your professional career.
Click on the link below to apply and begin your story at NIC.