Course Information

The following information should answer most of the general questions you have about our programs, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question whose answer is not included below.

The Program

Our program covers Theoretical and Practical instruction in the following areas:

Course Duration

Beauty Culture training within the Province of Alberta requires 1400 hours of instruction.  Students at Est-elle Academy are given 39 weeks, or approximately nine months, to complete this training (a student could finish in as little as 37 weeks).  Classes run from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.  This is a large commitment of time, so please be prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.

Enrollment

Est-elle Academy enrolls students five times a year (about every two months).  These classes will usually start on the first Tuesday in January, March, May, Mid August, and November.

The minimum requirements for consideration for enrollment is that every applicant must be at least 17 years of age, have completed at least grade 11 (60 to 70 credits), and possess a mature and professional attitude.  Please note that a G.E.D. will be accepted in place of high school credit.  Additionally, students whose primary language is not English and who have not taken any formal schooling in English (does not include ESL classes) must supply a TOEFL exam score with their application.

You can submit an application either by visiting our website at www.est-elle.ab.ca and filling out the online application or by using the attached paper application.  Either way you must forward a copy of your high school transcripts and three (3) reference letters to complete the application process.

Testing and Evaluations

To pass the course a student must maintain an average of  at least 75% on both their Theoretical and Practical tests and evaluations.  There are a series of written exams, including topic specific semi-final exams, and a comprehensive final exam, administered every Thursday morning.  Practical assessments are done throughout the course, culminating in a full day comprehensive practical test that mirrors the Provincial exam that all students will have to pass prior to receiving their license.  We have high expectations of our students and hold them to a standard that we believe ensures that they are ready for their Provincial exams.

Personal Image

Each student is expected to maintain a professional image at all times when at school.  This includes the way they dress, their hair and make-up, the cleanliness of their work station, as well as their general deportment and conduct with fellow students, teachers and customers.

School Handbook

For your benefit a copy of the School Handbook is here for your review.

Program Costs

The total cost of the program is as follows:

Current Fee Structure
 

Payments made in full on the first day of the program qualify for a $700.00 discount on the cost of the tuition bringing the total down to $14,550.00. 

Monthly Payment Option: 

Initial Payment on the 1st day of class - $7550.00 ($3250.00 for Kit and $4300 for Tuition)

Monthly Payment for the next 8 months - $962.50 (8 x $912.50 = $7700.00)

Total Paid - $15,250.00

Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding fees and financing or click the Read More button to the right for information regarding the repayment of a student loan.

As of January 2025 the cost of the program will be changing to the following:

Tuition -                   $12,500.00

Kit and Supplies -   $  3,333.33

GST -                        $     166.67

Total -                        $16,000.00

Monthly payment plan will be $8000.00 at the start ($4500.00 for tuition, and $3500.00 for Kit and GST), and then 8 payments of $1000.00 in each of the next 8 months of school.  

The paid in full option will still qualify for the $700.00 discount on tuition.

As you are looking at applying to go school you may also be starting to look into securing a student loan for your course.  The application for a loan is done on line at www.studentaid.alberta.ca    The process is reasonably straight forward and can usually be completed in less than a hour for most people.  If you need assistance you may call the school and ask to speak to Kevin and you can schedule a time to come in and he can help you go through the process. 

Please note that this process is a very serious one and does come with obligations to you as the student.  As easy as the process seems you are entering into a binding contractual obligation with the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada to repay any loans you receive.  A failure by you to live up to your repayment program with either or both of your loans will have serious and detrimental effects on your credit rating and your ability to secure future financing from banks, credit card, and financing companies.  Do not think that just because it comes from the government that it doesn’t carry the same weight as other financing you my engage in.  There are numerous resources available to you during your repayment process to help you if you get into trouble and these can be found at http://studentaid.alberta.ca/repaying-your-loan/   as well as on our website at http://www.est-elle.ab.ca in the Alumni and FAQ section, and never be afraid to come into the office and speak with Kevin about any issues or concerns you may have about your loan.  I know it sounds a bit scary but it really comes down to just be careful about payments.  People are here to help you but you have to ask for that help, and we are for you!

When it comes time to repay your student loan you will be able to find a great deal of information online.   The first place to start is at www.studentaid.alberta.ca and click the Repaying Your Loan link in the top menu bar. 

The 4 main subdivisions of this section deal with

1. Making Payments  http://studentaid.alberta.ca/repaying-your-loan/making-payments/
2. Interest Rates   http://studentaid.alberta.ca/repaying-your-loan/interest-rates/
3. Repayment Assistance  http://studentaid.alberta.ca/repaying-your-loan/repayment-assistance/   (if you run into trouble in keeping your loan current)
4. Default Consequences  http://studentaid.alberta.ca/repaying-your-loan/default-consequences/

Other Helpful Links

Student Aid Alberta Service Center   https://myloan.studentaid.alberta.ca/ABDLWeb/En/index.aspx

Government of Canada Student Financial Assistance  http://www.esdc.gc.ca/en/student_financial_aid/index.page

Kit and Equipment

The Kit and Equipment contains all of the supplies and tools you will need to complete the course.  There are no additional charges for product usage for you in the classroom or for your work on your guests, and if you need something for the course it is included in your kit or supplied by Est-elle Academy.  There are no hidden costs for you as a student.