Isa Carstens Academy is a private higher education institution specialising in somatology (beauty and skincare therapy), dermal aesthetics, and spa/salon management, established in 1978 by Isa Carstens. It operates two campuses, both with on-site student residences and wellness sanctuaries: Stellenbosch (5 Plein Street, Western Cape) and Pretoria (408 Lynnwood Road, Gauteng). The Academy is registered with South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a Private Higher Education Institution under Registration Certificate No. 2000/HE07/025, and its qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and recorded on the National Qualifications Framework by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It was the first CIDESCO-accredited institution in South Africa, reflecting international beauty-therapy industry recognition. Over its history the Academy states it has trained more than 4,700 graduates. The Isa Carstens Group also operates a related consumer skincare product line and wellness sanctuaries at both campuses. The Academy offers contact learning at its Stellenbosch and Pretoria campuses as well as blended and distance/online learning options for select qualifications and short courses.
Qualifications & Programmes
- Higher Certificate in Front Office Administration – NQF Level 5, 125 credits, 1 year full-time, SAQA ID 111453
- Diploma in Somatology – NQF Level 6, 360 credits, 3 years full-time, SAQA ID 83046
- Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics – NQF Level 7, 120 credits, 1 year (distance learning), SAQA ID 97898
- Advanced Diploma in Spa and Salon Management – NQF Level 7 (distance learning; admission requires a Diploma in Somatology or equivalent NQF 6 qualification, or a relevant NQF 7 degree)
- Various short and online courses in beauty/wellness technical skills (e.g. acrylic nails, massage therapy, lash extensions) and entrepreneurial/management/professional development topics