You Asked, We Answered: Top FAQs About the Best Esthetics Diploma Program in Winnipeg

The best esthetics diploma program in Winnipeg offers 40 weeks of in-person training that balances theory with hands-on learning. You’ll graduate with a government-accredited diploma and be prepared to register as an apprentice in Manitoba.

Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Manitoba:

1. Complete an Accredited Diploma Program

Enroll in a 40-week accredited esthetics diploma program .

2. Pass the Practical Diploma Exam

Demonstrate the skills you learned and pass the exam to graduate.

3. Complete a 2-Year Apprenticeship 

When you get your first job, register with Apprenticeship Manitoba and gain two years (3200 hours) of apprenticeship experience in a licensed salon or spa.

4. Pass the Written Licensing Exam

Write and pass the provincial exam to receive your esthetician license. Once licensed, you can continue working for a beauty business, freelance, or open your own business.

Yes! Wrapture Beauty Academy’s diploma programs are accredited by Apprenticeship Manitoba, which means graduates receive an accredited diploma and meet all provincial requirements to apprentice.

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent

• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

The total cost is just under $17,600 (includes tuition, registration, books, supplies, and fees). Visit the tuition section ‘Program Fees’ at the top of our Esthetics Diploma page for the most exact and current pricing.

You can register in person, by phone, or via email. We recommend booking a school tour first to ask questions and explore financing options.

You’ll be trained in:

• Skin care treatments (facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning)

• Nail services (manicures, pedicures, extensions, acrylic, gel enhancements, and related care)

• Body treatments (scrubs, cellulite care, body massage)

• Lash and brow services (lash lifts, tints, extensions)

• Makeup artistry

• Face and body waxing (hair removal)

• Safety, sanitation, skin and nail science, wellness, and business skills

Absolutely. You’ll also learn client consultation, retail, marketing, and salon management—skills vital for building your own brand or managing a beauty business.

The student kit features professional tools and supplies for facials, waxing, nails, lash services, makeup, and more. 

Here are some of the brands you will be working with:

✔ Bernard Cassière Skincare – A luxury French skincare line designed for customized facials, professional-grade treatments, and targeted skin solutions using natural botanicals and advanced formulations.

✔ CND Shellac, OPI, China Glaze, and Bio Chic Gel are top choices in professional nail care. CND Shellac provides long-lasting, chip-resistant gel polish. OPI and China Glaze offer vibrant, highly pigmented colours with a smooth application. Bio Chic Gel delivers durable, flexible enhancements for a strong yet natural look. These trusted brands ensure a flawless, salon-quality finish.

✔ DermaplanePro – A leading brand in dermaplaning tools and skincare used by estheticians worldwide for safe and effective exfoliation treatments.

✔ Makeup Forever – A professional makeup brand known for high-performance, industry-quality products used by makeup artists and estheticians in editorial, bridal, and beauty applications.

Yes. You’ll need a pen, pencil and notebook as well as a device (phone, laptop or tablet) for online learning components.

• Tues–Thurs: Typically morning theory + afternoon hands-on practice with classmates.The ratio of time spent of theory vs. hands-on learning will change throughout the program, with more theory at the beginning and increased practical work as you progress.

Fridays + 1 Saturday/month: Practicing on real models (friends, family, or the public). 

Yes! Once you’re confident, you’ll start providing treatments to live models—an essential part of your practicum.

This can include friends or family, and we also encourage working on strangers who book student services—an important step for building real-world communication and client experience skills, where your essential soft skills really develop.

Pro Tip: Start a dedicated student beauty social media account to share your journey as you start school and build a following—so when it’s time to post model calls, you’ve already got an audience. Bonus: many of those early followers often become your first loyal clients once you graduate and start apprenticing at your first job–because they know where to find you!

Yes, students must wear clean, indoor closed-toe shoes to protect their feet and maintain a safe environment. On practicum days, please wear clean black attire to reflect the academy’s professional standards, and keep hair tied back to ensure proper hygiene. 

Pro Tip: Staying Sharp on a Student Budget

Investing in a few staple items—like a lab coat or scrubs—can save money and simplify your mornings. These pieces layer easily over any outfit and always meet dress code requirements, keeping you polished and professional.

Our Esthetics Diploma Program takes 40 weeks to complete, which is about 10 months of full-time training.

Estimated Total Time: just under 3 years

The 4 Steps to Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Manitoba:

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Diploma Program

Start with a 40-week (approx. 10 months) esthetics diploma program that includes both theory and hands-on training in skincare, nails, and beauty services.

Step 2: Pass the Practical Diploma Exam

You’ll complete a hands-on exam that tests your skills in services such as facials, waxing, massage, nail enhancements, and lash treatments. Congratulations on graduating!

Step 3: Complete Your Apprenticeship Hours

When you get your first job, register with Apprenticeship Manitoba and complete 3,200 hours of esthetician work (2 years of employment) in a licensed salon or spa.

Step 4: Pass the Written Licensing Exam

Once your hours are approved, you’ll write the provincial licensing exam. After passing, you’ll be issued your license. With a license, you can continue working in a business, or you can freelance. 

Yes, there are several financing and funding options to make your education more accessible.

Wrapture Beauty Academy is committed to helping students start their training without financial stress. Although there are many options, here are some of the most common ways students fund their education:

• Medicard Financing: A fast and flexible option for anyone, with affordable monthly payments and a simple online application.

• Manitoba Student Aid: Available for diploma programs. Eligible students may receive grants, loans, or both, depending on financial need.

• Manitoba Métis Federation Funding: Available for Métis citizens training in approved programs.

• Windmill Microlending: For newcomers looking to work in a licensed field. This program offers low-interest microloans.

• Veterans Education and Training Benefit: Veterans may be eligible for up to $90,000 in funding to train at a regulated career college like Wrapture.

We’re here to support you throughout the application process. Our student advisors will help you understand what’s required, assist you as you prepare the necessary documents, and make sure you have everything ready to apply with confidence.

For more details, visit our Financing page or book a meeting to review your options in person.

• Spa or Salon Esthetician: Works as part of a professional team in a beauty business, providing services to clients in a structured, often fast-paced environment. This role allows estheticians to gain steady experience, benefit from mentorship, and build a loyal client base while focusing on service excellence.
• Specialist (Lash Artist & Skin Technician, Nail & Waxing Pro, etc.): Focuses deeply on a specific set of skills or services you’re passionate about. Specialists often become known for their expertise in one area, attracting clients who want focused and customized care. Whether it’s lashes, skin, or nails, specialization helps you stand out in a competitive market. Learning all the skills covered in the diploma program expands your career options, increases your hireability, and sets you up for a strong start—whether you choose to specialize later or not.

  
  

• Freelancer: Offers esthetic services independently, often renting space or working on a flexible schedule. Freelancers manage their own clients, set their own hours, and maintain full control of their workload and income.
• Entrepreneur: Launches and operates their own beauty business, taking on responsibilities such as hiring staff or subcontractors, managing finances, building a brand, and overseeing daily operations. Entrepreneurs drive the long-term vision and growth of their company.
• Medi-Spa Technician: Offers advanced skin treatments such as laser and microneedling after earning specialized certifications. Medi-spa techs work in clinical or high-end spa settings, helping clients address concerns like pigmentation, scarring, hair removal, and skin aging with cutting-edge technology and advanced facials. This role is perfect for estheticians who love results-driven skin treatments and want to expand their skill set into medical esthetics.

Definitely. Many esthetician grads pursue add-on training in microneedling, laser hair removal, and advanced facial devices to boost earnings and career opportunities.

Not only do medical estheticians have a unique opportunity to deliver renewed confidence through increasingly popular services such as laser hair removal and advanced skin rejuvenation, but they also have a chance to truly help people feel comfortable in their skin again by addressing long-standing skin concerns.

These services include:

• Scar reduction (acne scars, C-section scars, wound scars)

• Uneven skin texture

• Skin resurfacing

• Tattoo removal for a fresh start

• Hyperpigmentation clearing and tone correction

• Fine line and wrinkle reduction

• Body rejuvenation treatments