What is Massage & Spa Therapy?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Massage Therapy course is a program where students learn the techniques of massage therapy as well as the skills required to work in a spa environment. Massage Therapist courses are offered at various course levels like UG, PG, Certification and Diploma. Massage Therapist eligibility criteria is such that the candidates must pass at least Class 10 or 12 with minimum 50% aggregate from a recognized board. Massage Therapist course admission is majorly based on Class 12 scores. Some popular Massage Therapy colleges in India are TNPESU, ISAS International Beauty School, Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, Thiruvalluvar University, Sabarmati University etc. Interested Candidates can continue reading the article to get more Massage Therapy course details.
Suggested Read for Massage Therapist course:
Massage Therapist Course Details: Highlights
Candidates can check the table below to know the key highlights of the Massage Therapist course.
| Parameters | Massage Therapist Course Details |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist Course Level | Diploma, Certificate, UG, and PG |
| Massage Therapist Course Duration | Diploma/Certification: 6 Months - 1 Year UG: 3 Years PG: 2 Years |
| Massage Therapist Course Fee | INR 2,000 - 85,000 |
| Massage Therapist Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Massage Therapist Eligibility Criteria | Class 10 or Class 12 |
| Massage Therapist Colleges in India | Pragyan International University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, New Delhi YMCA, Institute for Fashion Technology and Design, Sabarmati University, Sridhar University etc. |
| Massage Therapist Jobs | Massage Therapist, Spa Therapist, Esthetician, Wellness Consultant, Spa Manager or Supervisor, Spa Trainer or Educator, etc. |
| Massage Therapist Salary in India | INR 2.2 LPA |
| Massage Therapist Top Recruiters | Kerala Ayurveda Kendra, Muktaa The Wellness Clinic & Luxury Spa Marine Drive, Bharti Massage Center, Ayurville - Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa, etc. |
Note: This info. is taken from the official website and may differ.
Useful Links for Massage Therapist course:
Beautician Diploma Courses After Class 12
Beautician Diploma Courses After Class 10
Here are some popular Massage and Spa Therapy courses, students are opting for:
- Massage Therapy Course: Prepares students to become certified massage therapists.
- Spa Therapist Course: Covers various aspects of massage therapy, including anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management.
- Reflexology: Teaches students how to apply pressure to areas on the feet and hands to help relieve stress and pain in other parts of the body.
- Massage & Spa Therapy (CIMST) Course: Helps students increase their knowledge and skills in personal care theory and practice.
If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, there are many benefits to be had. Some of them are:
- Financial Stability
- Flexibility and Independence
- Personal and Professional Satisfaction
- Helping Others
- Opportunities for Growth and Specialization
Even though working in massage therapy can be a fulfilling profession, there are risks and difficulties to be aware of. These may consist of:
- Pain and damage sustained from applying massage techniques physically
- Exposure to illnesses and infectious diseases
- Managing challenging or unsuitable clients
- Preserving sensible boundaries and preventing burnout.
It's critical for Massage Therapists to practice self-care and prevent burnout in order to preserve their mental and physical well-being.
- Massage Therapist Eligibility Criteria
- Massage Therapist Syllabus 2025
- Best Colleges for Massage Therapist Course
- Popular Private Massage & Spa Therapy Colleges in India
- Massage Therapist Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- Massage Therapist Course FAQs
- Popular Massage & Spa Therapy UG Courses
- Popular Massage & Spa Therapy PG Courses
- Popular Exams
Massage Therapist Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for a Massage Therapist course can differ depending on the college and course. Most Massage Therapist courses do not require a specific educational background beyond a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Class 10.
- No age limit specified
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Links relevant to Massage Therapist Course:
10 Career Options in the Beauty Industry
Diploma in Beauty Culture: Fee, Eligibility, Popular Colleges and More
Diploma Courses in Beauty after 10th, 12th: Colleges, Eligibility, Required Skills & Jobs
Massage Therapist Admission 2025
You can see the admission process for the Massage & Spa Therapy courses in India.
- Research and select the course as per your interest.
- Choose a college.
- Fill out the application form accurately on the institute’s website or campus.
- Submit all the required documents before the deadline.
- Appear for tests.
- Wait for the merit results.
- If selected, complete the fee payment.
- Enroll in the course and complete any remaining formalities.
- Proceed with your Academic Journey!
Massage Therapist course Links you may be interested in:
Beautician Salary in India: Monthly Salary, Annual Income, Career Options
Differences Between Basic and Advanced Hair Care Courses
To pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate Massage and Spa Therapy course, the minimum eligibility criteria is to pass Class 12 from any stream with at least 45% aggregate score from a recognised board. Alongside, a PG course requires candidates to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university.
To study Massage and Spa Therapy courses, candidates need to qualify for class 10th or 10+2 examination. Several colleges offered admission either on the basis of entrance test scores or through the direct process. We have mentioned below the following conditions which need to be fulfilled by the candidates to get admission into Massage and Spa Therapy courses:
- Candidates should have passed class 10th or 10+2 from a recognised board or institution.
- They must have attained above 50 percent marks in the 10th or 10+2 examination.
- Certificate courses in Massage and Spa Therapy are mostly done on a merit basis.
There is no age limit specified as such for the candidates to start a career on makeup and beauty. Candidates who have the passion to learn and keep on upgrading their skills will definitely have a fruitful outcome in this field. Aspiring students need to clear their 10+2 from a recognised university in order to enrol in a makeup and beauty course.
Yes. In order to be considered eligible for a makeup Diploma program, minimum requirement is such that you need to clear class 10 from a recognised board. Candidates who fulfil this requirement will be easily able to get an admission into a Makeup Diploma programme after submitting the required documents.
Massage Therapist Syllabus 2025
The syllabus for a Massage Therapist course can be different according to the colleges, the level of certification or specialization and even the country's regulatory requirements. Candidates can see the syllabus below:
| Massage Therapist Course Year 1 | |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology | Pathology |
| Business/record-keeping techniques | Safety Practices |
| Massage Therapist Course Year 2 | |
| Swedish Massage | Hydrotherapy |
| Kinesiology | Concepts of Polarity to Massage Therapy |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Popular Specializations
- Hair Styling & Grooming
4 Colleges
- Makeup & Beautician
3 Colleges
Here are a few topics commonly covered under Massage and Spa Therapy courses:
- Holistic Health: Massage therapy is a type of holistic health therapy, which can also include acupuncture, naturopathy, Ayurveda, chiropractic care, and more.
- Spa Knowledge: Spa therapy courses often include basic massage learning, as well as topics like body wraps, scrubs, and aromatherapy.
- Communication: Massage therapists use communication to determine problem areas and make patients feel comfortable during treatments.
Here are some Massage and Spa Therapy subjects that are both theorotically and practically challenging for students:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology- Entry-level massage therapists must recognize how muscles work together and affect one another. Through the intro to anatomy and physiology, different muscle groups can be labeled and comprehended in how they function.
- Massage Techniques– Different massage techniques are essential because no one style will be appropriate to all clients. When you pursue a career in massage therapy, it is necessary to know all methods because massaging techniques can be customized to a patient’s needs as far as age, condition, special needs, goals, etc. The more massage therapy techniques you know, the more people you can help.
- Kinesiology – The study of movement and bones in the human body. An aspiring massage therapist must know kinesiology to identify weak muscles to correct various issues and ailments. With kinesiology, a massage therapist can work on any muscle group to aid relaxation, loosen contracted muscles, and soothe an overworked body.
Best Colleges for Massage Therapist Course
There are around 40 Massage Therapist colleges in India, of which, 21 are private and 4 are government colleges. For detailed information, check the article below:
Best Government Colleges for Massage Therapist Course
Below table shows the top government Massage Therapist colleges in India with their cost:
|
Best Government Colleges |
Massage Therapist Course Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 4,480 - 13,400 |
|
|
INR 1,800 |
|
|
INR 2,000 |
|
|
INR 32,700 |
Source: External site and may vary.
Best Private Colleges for Massage Therapy Courses
Below table shows the top private Massage Therapist colleges in India with their cost:
|
Best Private Colleges |
Massage Therapist Course Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 9,500 - 14,500 |
|
|
INR 13,000 |
|
|
INR 98,250 |
|
|
INR 2,000 - 60,000 |
|
|
INR 10,000 - 25,000 |
|
|
INR 6,000 |
|
|
INR 12,150 - 20,130 |
|
|
INR 20,000 |
Source: External site and may vary.
Though a limited number of colleges offer Massage and Spa Therapy Courses on distance mode, you can choose from some options given below:
| Distance Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| TNPESU Distance Learning | INR 4,480 - 13,440 |
| The Global Open University Distance Learning | INR 12,130 - 20,130 |
| Imperial Institute of Management | - |
Note: The information is sourced from the official body and may vary.
Massage and Spa Therapy colleges are very limited in India, however, ISAS International Beauty School, Orane International School of Beauty and Wellness, Lakme Academy, VLCC Institute of Beauty and Nutrition, and Ananda Spa Institute are some of the best options you can opt for great learning and career opportunities.
Popular Private Massage & Spa Therapy Colleges in India
Massage Therapist Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
The career scope after the Massage Therapist courses in India has been steadily growing.
Massage Therapist Salary in India
Below table shows the average salary offered after completion of Massage Therapist courses in India:
|
Job Profiles |
Description |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Massage Therapists |
Assess the client's needs and conditions to determine the appropriate massage techniques and pressure levels |
INR 4.1 LPA |
|
Spa Therapists |
Perform a range of spa treatments beyond massage, including body scrubs, wraps, hydrotherapy, and other wellness therapies |
INR 3.9 LPA |
|
Ayurvedic Therapists |
Administer traditional Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (oil dripping on the forehead), and Panchakarma therapies |
INR 2.6 LPA |
|
Wellness Coach/Consultants |
Offer holistic wellness advice, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mindfulness techniques |
INR 4.9 LPA |
|
Spa Managers or Directors |
Oversee the daily operations of the spa or wellness centre, including staff management, scheduling, and inventory control |
INR 4.6 LPA |
Source: Ambitionbox.com.
Useful Links for Massage Therapist courses:
Types of Beautician and Makeup Courses in India
Top 5 Beauty & Cosmetology Schools in India
10 Career Options in the Beauty Industry
Massage Therapist Top Recruiters
Below table shows the top recruiters participated in Massage Therapist course colleges in India:
| Massage Therapist Top Recruiters | |
|---|---|
|
Kerala Ayurveda Kendra |
Muktaa The Wellness Clinic & Luxury Spa Marine Drive |
| Bharti Massage Center |
Ayurville - Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa |
|
Art of Living International Center |
Sukhdaa The Wellness Clinic and Cultural Spa Colaba |
Source: External site and may vary.
Students also liked these topics:
Best Online Beautician Courses: Eligibility, Job Prospects and Salary
Best Bridal Makeup Artists in India
Top 10 Yoga Destinations in India: Places to Learn Yoga in India
A Spa Therapist salary package is based on the location, the level of experience, the reputation of the company, and the specific skills and qualification.
The highest-paying job in a spa depends on the type and size of the spa, its location, and the qualifications and experience of the individual holding the position. Here are some of the highest-paying positions:
- Spa Director or Manager: 4 LPA
- Spa Consultant: 3.5 LPA
- Medical Spa Director: 18 LPA
- Lead Esthetician: 6 LPA
- Lead Massage Therapist: 6.2 LPA
Makeup has become an integral part of our lives, with people using it to enhance their features, express creativity, and boost self-confidence. However, a debate persists: is makeup a talent or a skill?
Some individuals seem to possess an innate ability to effortlessly create stunning makeup looks. They have an intuitive understanding of colour combinations, facial contours, and techniques, which often leave others in awe. These talented makeup artists have an eye for detail, a steady hand, and an instinct for what works best for different face shapes and features. Their talent allows them to create masterpieces with ease, captivating everyone who sees their work.
While natural talent certainly plays a significant role in makeup artistry, it is crucial to acknowledge that makeup is also a learnable skill. Many aspiring makeup artists start with little to no experience but develop their abilities through practice, dedication, and continuous learning. By studying various makeup techniques, attending workshops, and experimenting on themselves and others, individuals can acquire the necessary skills to excel in the field of makeup artistry.
In the debate of whether makeup is a talent or a skill, it is clear that both factors play a significant role. Natural talent provides a solid foundation for creating exceptional makeup looks, while skill is developed through practice, education, and continuous learning. Makeup artistry requires technical knowledge, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. Whether an individual possesses a natural talent or acquires the necessary skills, the art of makeup allows people to express themselves, enhance their beauty, and inspire others.
Massage Therapist Course FAQs
Candidates can refer to this section for Massage Therapist course FAQs.
At the national level, India lacks a centralized licensing system for Massage Therapists. State-by-state variations exist in licensing requirements, though, and certain jurisdictions may have rules and processes unique to massage therapist licensing. Massage therapy is frequently included in the more general category of complementary and alternative medicine in India.
As a result, state or local authorities, as well as any applicable healthcare boards, may have regulations and licensing requirements that massage therapists must follow.
Massage and Spa Therapy is considered to be an art. There are specific skills necessary for candidates who want to make
their career in the industry. Some of the essential skills required for massage therapists to serve customers in the best
possible way:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Skills
- Time Management Skills
- Service Orientation Skills
- Active Listening Skills
- Decision Making Skills
A Massage Therapist course is a programme of study and training that prepares individuals to become qualified and certified massage therapists. The Spa Therapist course covers various aspects of massage therapy, including Anatomy and Physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management.
The duration of a Massage Therapist course can vary depending on the level of certification or specialization. Typically, a Massage Therapist course ranges from a few weeks for basic certification to several months for more comprehensive programs.
Massage Therapist courses are offered in various formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid options. In-person courses often include hands-on practical training, while online courses may focus more on theory and require students to complete practical components locally.
Holistic Health: Massage Therapist course promotes holistic health and wellness. The Spa Therapist course allows you to contribute positively to people's physical and mental well-being. Many clients seek massage therapy for relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief, and improved overall health.
Growing Industry: The demand for skilled massage therapists continues to grow, driven by an increasing awareness of the benefits of massage and spa therapies.
Variety of Specializations: Massage therapy offers various specializations, allowing you to tailor your career to one's interests.
Flexible Career Options: Candidates can choose to work in spas, wellness centres, resorts, or even start a private practice.
Work-Life Balance: Many massage therapists enjoy a good work-life balance.
Popular Massage & Spa Therapy UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
20 Colleges
- B.A.
2 Colleges
- B.Sc.
1 College
- B.Voc
1 College
Popular Massage & Spa Therapy PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
3 Colleges
- M.Sc.
1 College
Popular Exams
Mar '26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
May '26 - Jun '26 | CUET 2026 Exam TENTATIVE |
Feb '26 - Apr '26 | IPU CET 2026 Application Form Availability TENTATIVE |
Apr '26 | IPU CET 2026 Release of Admit Card TENTATIVE |
News & Updates
Student Forum
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 682k Reviews
- 1800k Answers

Massage and Spa Therapy courses prepare students to become massage therapists and spa therapists. They cover topics like anatomy and physiology, massage techniques, client communication, ethics, and business management and teach students a variety of spa services, including massages, facials, waxing, and manicures and pedicures.