Yes — most Australian online beauty colleges, including Bela Beauty College, offer instalment payment options. You can typically split the course fee into weekly or fortnightly payments using buy-now-pay-later services like Afterpay or Zip, or through a payment plan arranged directly with the college. You pay nothing upfront , often with no interest.
Worrying about the upfront cost is one of the biggest reasons people delay starting a beauty course. The good news is that paying in instalments is a normal, widely available option — you don't need savings, a credit card, or a loan to get started. Here's what to know before you enrol.
What Instalment Options Are Available for Beauty Courses in Australia?
The most common options you'll find when enrolling in an online beauty course in Australia include:
- Afterpay: Split your purchase into four fortnightly payments, interest-free. Available at checkout for eligible courses. No application process — approval is near-instant for most shoppers.
- Zip Pay / Zip Money: A revolving credit account with a set limit. Zip Pay suits smaller purchases; Zip Money is designed for purchases over $1,000 and offers an interest-free period. Minimum monthly repayments required.
- Direct payment plans: Some colleges offer their own in-house payment plans, where you pay a deposit and the balance in agreed instalments. Terms vary by provider.
At Bela Beauty College, Afterpay and Zip, and Direct Debit payment plans are available at checkout for most courses and bundles. You can confirm the options at the payment step when you add a course to your cart.
How Does Afterpay Work for a Beauty Course?
Afterpay divides your course fee into four equal fortnightly payments. The first payment is charged at the time of purchase; the remaining three are charged automatically every two weeks. If you pay on time, there's no interest and no extra fees. Late payments incur a small fee.
For example, if you choose the Nail Technology Course ($1,440), your payments would be four instalments of $360, charged every fortnight. You get instant access to the course content from day one — you don't need to wait until the course is fully paid off.
Is a Payment Plan the Same as a Government Loan or HECS?
No — and this is an important distinction. Private beauty colleges like Bela are not connected to HECS-HELP, VET Student Loans, or any government-funded fee assistance programs. Those programs are available only through TAFE and nationally accredited providers.
What we offer instead are commercial payment options — buy-now-pay-later services and direct plans — that let you spread the cost without a formal loan application. There's no Centrelink approval process and no government involvement. It's a straightforward consumer payment arrangement.
Can I Start the Course Before I've Finished Paying?
Yes. With Afterpay, Zip, and direct debit plans your enrolment is confirmed at checkout and you get immediate access to course content. You're not locked out of modules while instalments are pending. Just keep up with your scheduled repayments to avoid late fees.
What Happens If I Can't Keep Up With Repayments?
If you miss a payment with Afterpay or Zip, you'll be charged a late fee and future orders may be paused until the overdue amount is paid. Neither Afterpay nor Zip reports to credit bureaus for routine late payments, but consistent defaults can affect your account standing with those services.
If you're struggling financially, contact the payment provider directly — both Afterpay and Zip have hardship options for customers facing genuine difficulty.
Which Courses Can I Pay for in Instalments?
Most Bela Beauty College courses and bundles are eligible for Afterpay and Zip at checkout. This includes individual courses like the Lash Lift and Tint Course and the Nail Technology Course, as well as larger bundles. Eligibility depends on your Afterpay or Zip account status and spending limit.
Browse our full course range to find the right course for your goals, then choose your preferred payment method at checkout.
Ready to Enrol?
Don't let upfront cost be the reason you put off starting your beauty career. Choose your course, add it to your cart, and select Afterpay or Zip at checkout to split the cost into manageable instalments. You can be studying by tonight.
Not sure which course to start with? Our courses and bundles page has filters to help you find the right fit by service type and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to use Afterpay?
No — Afterpay works with a debit card. You need an Australian bank account and to be at least 18 years old. Approval is fast and most applicants are accepted on the spot.
Is there interest on beauty course payment plans?
Afterpay is interest-free if you pay on time. Zip Pay has no interest if you pay the full balance within the billing cycle; Zip Money offers an interest-free period (typically 6 months), after which interest applies to any remaining balance.
Can I use Afterpay to buy a course kit as well?
Yes — courses with kits can also be purchased using Afterpay or Zip, subject to your account limit. If your limit doesn't cover the full kit-inclusive price, you may be able to purchase the course and kit separately or choose a course-only option first.
What if Afterpay isn't available in my account?
If Afterpay or Zip isn't showing at checkout, try Zip as an alternative, or contact us to ask about direct payment options. We want to make it easy for you to get started.
Do private beauty courses qualify for Centrelink support?
Not directly — private online beauty courses are not income-contingent loans or government-subsidised programs. However, if you're receiving Youth Allowance or Austudy and studying part-time, check your eligibility with Services Australia as requirements vary.
How long do I have to complete the course after I enrol?
Bela Beauty College courses are self-paced with 12 months of access from the date of enrolment. You set your own timeline around work and other commitments.
