We have been seeing massive growth in the esthetician industry, and it’s promised to continue growing in the coming years due to the growth in technological advancement and the demand for non-surgical anti-ageing treatments. Demand for skin care specialists or aesthetic therapists will continue to rise and Europe provides several top-notch schools to prepare students of different levels for what lies ahead.
The same is applicable in the United States where states like Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, and Illinois also provide high-quality esthetics programs.
These best esthetician schools in Europe have earned their reputation for providing excellent theoretical skincare knowledge, and rigorous hands-on practical experience.
Before we list these schools, let’s first know some of the potential careers for estheticians in Europe.
Career Prospect for Estheticians in Europe
- Spa or Salon Esthetician
- Medical Esthetician
- Product Sales
- Makeup Artist
- Educator/Trainer
- Freelance Esthetician
- Cruise Ship or Resort
- Wellness Center Esthetician
- Beauty Blogger/Influencer
- Entrepreneurship
Now that we have taken this off the hook, let’s list these schools.
Best Esthetician Schools in the UK
The rate of skincare demand continues to soar in the United Kingdom, with UK sales hitting £1.15 billion last year and we’re expected to see more sales and demand as years go by. So here are some of the top schools in the United Kingdom that provide aesthetic programs.
1. The London School of Beauty & Make-up
LSBM provides several top-notch esthetics and cosmetology programs including Cidesco International Beauty Therapy Diploma, and VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Laser & IPL Treatments, amongst others. Their beauty therapy courses are on different levels with varying costs ranging from £995 to £9,990.
Their diverse programs, state-of-the-art equipment, hands-on training and excellence to bring out the best in each student not only make them among the best esthetician schools in Europe but also in the world.
2. London College of Beauty Therapy
LCBT provides some of the best esthetician programs in Europe such as Beauty Therapy Techniques, Aesthetics and Medi-Aesthetics qualifications awarded by CIBTAC, Advanced Epilation/Electrolysis, etc. If you’re between 16 to 18 years old, you won’t be paying a dime on tuition and examination fees because the government has taken care of that.
Moreover, when you graduate or finish a program, LCBT will give you the option to either advance your learning or join the workforce through their in-house Job Shop with links to the largest and most prestigious employers in the industries.
3. The Wiltshire School of Beauty & Holistic Therapy
The WSBHT is a multi-award winning, professional, national and internationally recognised training centre in Europe and, the UK. It offers different kinds of esthetics programs whether Swedish Body Massage, Bamboo Massage, Diploma in Reflexology, Diploma in Aromatherapy, VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapy, etc.
4. Manchester Beauty Academy
This is among the best esthetician schools in Europe that provides courses such as VTCT NVQ Beauty Therapy Level 2 which is perfect if you’re a beginner who wants to master the Art of skin care therapy. Beauty Therapy Level 3 will be diving deeper into topics like facial electrical treatments, Aromatherapy massage, Hot Stone massage, etc.
5. Champneys Beauty College
Champney’s reputation precedes them due to their excellence, their latest intake of students achieved a 100% pass rate in both ITEC and CIDESCO practical examinations.
It provides different levels of aesthetic courses like Gold Aesthetic Package where you’ll learn Foundation & Advanced Filler, Anti-Wrinkle, Hyaluronidase, etc. It also provides a Silver Aesthetic Package and Entry to Aesthetics course, and they are well-known among the best skin care schools in the UK.
6. Bristol School Of Beauty
At the facial and skin care courses provided by Bristol School Of Beauty, you’ll master how to make clients naturally glow and have young-looking skin without the need for surgery. There are different courses you can choose from like Facials, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Microneedling, and VTCT Level 3 Facial Electrotherapy, amongst others.
7. Ray Cochrane Beauty School
Ray Cochrane Beauty School has been around for 70 years, and they were the first to hold the CIDESCO exam in the UK. In 2023, it was nominated for VTCT’s inaugural Excellence Awards, making it among the top cosmetology schools in Europe.
Moreover, it provides beauty courses for all levels whether it’s VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare Course, Level 2 and 3 Combined Facials and Skin Care Course, etc.
8. UK Beauty Schools
This is among the accredited esthetician schools in Europe that provide more than 1,700 courses to 5,000 students each year. You can choose from esthetic courses like facials, waxing, the ultimate massage therapist, Microdermabrasion, beauty therapy, LED light therapy, etc.
9. London Academy of Beauty
This is also one of the best esthetician schools in Europe that provides several different single beauty courses such as Advanced Diploma in Intimate Waxing,
Complete Diploma in Facial and Skincare, Complete Diploma in Massage, etc.
10. Yorkshire College of Beauty
For the past 35 years, YCOB has successfully trained thousands of students who have had very fulfilling careers in the beauty industry. Their courses are categorized as private, online and apprenticeships.
Best Esthetician Schools in Ireland
11. Bronwyn Conroy International Beauty School
Just like every other top-notch aesthetic school in Europe, this school combines aesthetic education with practical hands-on training. Their skincare courses include Total Aesthetic Skincare, Facial Skincare, microneedling, etc.
12. Aesthetic Training Academy Ireland
ATAI is not necessarily for beginners, it’s mostly for professionals who want to advance their skills and knowledge in the world of aesthetics. ATAI is among the best in Ireland for advanced esthetician programs where you’ll have courses like BIO revitalisers, Mid Face Masterclass, Non-Surgical Facelift Masterclass, and Chin & Jawline Masterclass, amongst others.
13. Aspens Beauty & Holistic College
With more than 30 years of experience, ABT Accredited, classes done in small numbers, and several introductory and advanced skincare programs, just make them among the best esthetician schools in Europe. You’ll have courses like Full Body Massage, Female or Male basic and advanced waxing, Skincare, etc.
14. The Galligan College
At Galligan College, you can choose from two of their esthetician categories. The beauty category provides courses like the Beauty Specialist Certificate, CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy, and Facial Electricals Diploma. The advanced skin category provides courses like a Diploma in Laser and Intense Pulsed Light ITEC Level 4, a Certificate in Skin Peeling ITEC Level 4, etc.
15. Elisse Beauty Academy
This is among the best esthetician schools in Ireland that recently opened its door to students in 2019, and since its inception, they have maintained high-standard programs. Some topics you’ll be learning from their courses include bacteriology, disinfection, and sanitation, business practices and professional attitude, skincare, etc.
Best Esthetician Schools in Germany
16. FACE & BODY Academy
From the name you should know you’re in for a real treat in cosmetology and esthetic programs like specialized cosmetics training, facial cosmetics training, medical cosmetics training, etc.
17. Munich Make-up and Cosmetics School
This is among the top cosmetology schools in Europe that provides both nationally and internationally recognized training. The program runs for 1 year, and you’ll be mastering specialist beautician, medical beautician, make-up artist, manicurist and podiatrist.
18. The Nüske Berlin Cosmetic School
One of the unique things about this school is for over 3 decades it has consciously focused on four courses that they have perfected, which are;
- Eyelash perm
- Hot stone massage
- Herbal stamp massage
- Makeup coaching
19. Schöner Beauty School
With more than 90 years of experience, and being the oldest vocational school in Germany and nack for state-of-the-art technology and trends has always made Schöner among the best esthetician schools in Europe. They provide courses like derma therapy, spa management, wellness training, etc.
Other Best Esthetician Schools in Europe
20. Tirana Esthetics & Style School (Albania)
TESS is on a mission to make aesthetics and beauty a part of everyday life, everywhere. Their aesthetic program is unlike every other school, you’ll immerse yourself in a 2-year (1,500 teaching hours) program, where you’ll be focusing on different subjects.
Your courses won’t only focus on skincare, you’ll also be dealing with courses in art and photography, business and law, and foreign languages.
21. International School of Beauty Therapy (Malta)
ISBT Malta is among the accredited esthetician schools in Europe by CIDESCO and CIBTAC with qualification recognized in over 25 countries worldwide. Some of their esthetic courses include Beauty Therapy Services & Facial Electrical Treatments, Laser & IPL For Hair Growth Reduction & Skin Rejuvenation, Facial Skincare, Waxing, etc.
22. Fenix Beauty Academy (Finland)
This school provides different kinds of facial treatment classes such as Pampering Facial Treatment, Complete Facial Treatment, Luxus Facial Treatment, Cinderella Facial Treatment, Skin Cleansing, Diamond Micro Grinding, etc.
23. Finnish School of Cosmetology (Finland)
This is one of the best cosmetology schools in Europe where students embark on an 18-month journey from foundation teaching to advanced cosmetology training. You’ll also learn the marketing and business aspects of the beauty industry.
24. Thalgo School (France)
This school relies on Thalgo Group, the world leader in professional marine cosmetics for the offering of their programs, which means students will benefit from professional supervision. Some of their programs include CAP Aesthetics, BP Aesthetics, BTS Aesthetics, etc.
25. Club Beaute’ (Italy)
Club Beaute’ categorized its programs into three formats: for those who have to complete compulsory schooling, for adults and for professionals who want to increase their professional background. Their aesthetic programs include 2-year and 3-year courses, a specialization course and refreshment courses.
26. Milano Estetica (Italy)
This school provides both the OTI Oncology Esthetics refresher course and the OTI Oncology Esthetics course which both are focused on professionals in the aesthetic/nursing sector.
Key Takeaway
As you’re on your way to becoming a licensed esthetician, or skin care specialist in Europe, it’s important you choose the right school that will help and develop your passion for a fulfilling career. The best esthetician schools in Europe we have provided are promised to do just that and even more.
Based on our list you’ll have a plethora of options from different countries, and they provide from foundational courses to more advanced training.
