Best Fashion & Beauty Institutes in Mauritius

A career in fashion or beauty can begin with a creative interest, but turning that interest into professional work takes more than enthusiasm. Learning how to develop a garment, apply makeup correctly, care for skin, style hair or provide professional beauty treatments requires technical knowledge, regular practice and an understanding of industry standards.

Mauritius has several institutions offering training in these areas. Some focus on formal fashion and textile design qualifications, while others concentrate on practical beauty therapy, hairdressing, barbering, nail technology and makeup artistry. There are also vocational centres where students can learn garment construction, pattern drafting and apparel production.

The right choice depends on the career you want to pursue. A student planning to become a fashion designer may need a different programme from someone who wants to work as a makeup artist, hairstylist or beauty therapist.

This guide compares five fashion and beauty education providers in Mauritius: the Academy of Design and Innovation, Knowledge Based Training Centre, Sasha Academy, Say’s Academy and SIMS International School Ltd. It looks at their training areas, locations, contact details, practical learning opportunities and information prospective students should check before enrolling.

1. Academy of Design and Innovation (ADI)

The Academy of Design and Innovation (ADI), previously known as the Fashion and Design Institute, is one of the principal public institutions for design education in Mauritius. It is a particularly relevant choice for students who want to develop a professional foundation in fashion, textiles and other creative disciplines.

Unlike a short-term beauty course, ADI focuses on structured design education. Students interested in fashion can explore subjects connected with clothing design, textile development, creative research, garment concepts and the wider design industry.

Its published programme portfolio includes the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles and a BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles Design top-up programme. Other creative areas include graphic design, interior design, animation, art and jewellery design.

This makes ADI a useful option for students who want to build a portfolio and develop design knowledge over a longer period. Fashion and textile education can involve more than choosing colours and creating attractive outfits. Students need to understand fabric properties, garment construction, design development, presentation and how creative ideas can be translated into products.

The institution’s public programme information also gives prospective students a clearer picture of qualification pathways than they may find at a short-course provider. Applicants should nevertheless confirm the current entry requirements, awarding arrangements and intake details for their preferred programme.

Average Score: 98/100
Address: MU, Royal Road, 80817, Mauritius
Location: Royal Road
Contact: +2304676277
Website: https://www.adi.ac.mu/
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Services and Programmes:

• Fashion and textiles design.
• Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND in Fashion and Textiles.
• BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles Design top-up programme.
• Graphic design and animation.
• Interior design.
• Art and design foundation programmes.
• Jewellery design and manufacturing.
• Creative portfolio development.
• Design-related learning and practical project work.

Who should consider ADI?

ADI is worth exploring if your goal is to become a fashion designer, textile designer or creative professional. It is also relevant for students who want a formal qualification and a structured design education pathway.

Before applying, ask about the next intake, portfolio requirements, academic entry conditions, course fees, awarding body and opportunities for further study.

2. Knowledge Based Training Centre (KBTC) – MITD

The Knowledge Based Training Centre is part of the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD). It is a practical option for learners who want to develop skills in fashion production, garment construction, beauty therapy and hairdressing.

One of KBTC’s strengths is the variety of subjects available through its training programmes. Its official course information includes fashion design and apparel making, pattern drafting technology, textile product design and manufacture, hairdressing, beauty therapy and nail art and design.

This combination is useful because fashion and beauty are not limited to creative design. The industries also require people who understand the technical side of production and personal-care services.

For example, a learner interested in garment production may benefit from understanding pattern drafting, fabric handling and apparel construction. Someone considering a beauty career may instead want to explore facial care, hairdressing, nail services or body massage.

KBTC also offers programmes and short courses in other technical areas. Students should therefore look carefully at the exact course description instead of assuming that every programme is a fashion or beauty qualification.

The centre’s official information describes hairdressing and beauty therapy courses at certificate and advanced diploma levels, alongside other vocational subjects. MITD also publishes individual course details, including the training mode, duration and fees where available. These details can differ between programmes and should be checked before applying.

Average Editorial Score: 97/100
Address: RGW7+Q8M, A1, Port Louis, Mauritius
Location: Port Louis
Contact: +2302061800
Website: https://www.mitd.mu/
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Services and Programmes:

• Fashion design and apparel making.
• Pattern drafting technology.
• Textile product design and manufacture.
• Upcycling old garments into new products.
• Hairdressing.
• Beauty therapy.
• Basic beauty therapy services.
• Body massage training.
• Nail art and design.
• Technical and vocational courses in other occupational areas.

Who should consider KBTC?

KBTC may suit school leavers and adults who want practical training in garment making, fashion production, hairdressing or beauty therapy. It is especially worth exploring if you prefer learning through demonstrations, practical sessions and vocational assignments.

Before enrolling, confirm the qualification level, course duration, training schedule, entry requirements, fees and whether the specific programme leads to a formal qualification or a certificate of attendance.

3. Sasha Academy

Sasha Academy, also known as Sasha The School, is a specialist hair and beauty training academy in Curepipe. It is a relevant option for students who want to build practical skills for salon work, personal-care services, cosmetology or barbering.

The academy’s published education information covers beauty, hairdressing and barbering. Its beauty training includes subjects such as skin care, makeup and professional beauty techniques, while hairdressing and barbering programmes focus on the practical skills needed in salon and grooming environments.

A major consideration when choosing a beauty academy is how much supervised practice students receive. Learning the theory behind a treatment is important, but students also need to become comfortable using professional tools, following hygiene procedures, understanding client requirements and delivering services safely.

Sasha Academy describes practical learning as part of its training approach. Its website also provides information about its programmes, student services and admissions process. Prospective students can contact the academy to arrange a discussion or visit before deciding which course is appropriate.

The academy publishes information about its Beauty programme, including an iTEC UK qualification claim, training duration and practical learning arrangements. Students should confirm the exact qualification, awarding body, current accreditation and any conditions attached to the course directly with the academy before paying fees.

Average Editorial Score: 96/100
Address: 57.527807, New entrance, 28b Ste Therese Street -20.318989, Jerningham St, Curepipe, Mauritius
Location: Curepipe
Contact: +2306740162
Website: https://www.sasha-academy.com/
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Services and Programmes:

• Beauty therapy and cosmetology.
• Skin care and beauty treatments.
• Makeup artistry.
• Hairdressing.
• Hair styling and salon techniques.
• Barbering and grooming.
• Practical training and demonstrations.
• Student salon-related learning.
• Course guidance and admissions support.

Who should consider Sasha Academy?

This academy may be a good fit for people who want to develop a career in hairdressing, barbering, cosmetology or beauty therapy. It is also worth considering for learners who want to develop a specialised service and eventually work in a salon or independently.

Before enrolling, ask for the complete syllabus, practical training hours, equipment requirements, qualification details, total fees and the arrangements for any external examination or certification.

4. Say’s Academy

Say’s Academy is a beauty and vocational training provider based in Ebene. It focuses on practical learning for people interested in hairdressing, barbering, makeup, nail technology, spa therapy and other beauty-related services.

The academy’s programme range makes it relevant to learners who have not yet decided on one specialisation. Someone may begin with basic beauty training before moving into makeup artistry, nail services or professional hairdressing. Another student may prefer to concentrate on barbering or spa and wellness therapy.

Say’s Academy describes its training environment as being designed around practical work and salon-style learning. Its website also highlights professional trainers, real-client exposure, modern equipment and business-related learning. These are useful points for students who want to understand both the technical and service sides of the beauty industry.

The academy also publishes a course catalogue through its learning platform. This gives prospective students an opportunity to compare individual course subjects and published fees. The available courses and prices should still be reconfirmed directly because they may change.

An additional point worth considering is business preparation. Many beauty professionals eventually work as freelancers or establish their own studios. Alongside technical ability, they need to understand customer communication, appointment management, service pricing, hygiene and basic business operations.

Average Editorial Score: 95/100
Address: Ground Floor, 51A Rue Du Savoir, Ebene, Mauritius
Location: Ebene
Contact: +23059262142
Website: https://saysacademy.com/
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Services and Programmes:

• Professional hairdressing.
• Hair styling and hair artistry.
• Beauty therapy.
• Barbering and grooming.
• Nail technician training.
• Professional makeup artistry.
• Permanent makeup.
• Spa and wellness therapy.
• Fashion design and modelling-related learning listed by the academy.
• Practical training and salon-oriented learning.
• Business-related skills for beauty professionals.

Who should consider Say’s Academy?

Say’s Academy may appeal to beginners who want to enter the beauty industry and existing professionals who want to add another service to their skills. It is worth exploring for students interested in makeup, hairdressing, barbering, nail technology or spa therapy.

Ask for a course outline, practical training schedule, assessment details, certificate information and the full fee breakdown before enrolling.

5. SIMS International School Ltd

SIMS International School Ltd is a beauty and wellness training institution located in Bonne Terre, Vacoas. It offers a broad range of specialised courses for people interested in makeup artistry, hairdressing, nail technology, eyelash extensions, barbering, aesthetics and cosmetology.

The school describes itself as an MQA-registered and approved training institution and states that it operates in partnership with SWISS Beauty School in India. These are institutional statements; students should independently verify the current registration status and the recognition of the exact course they plan to take.

SIMS offers several types of beauty training rather than concentrating on one subject. Its published course information includes signature makeup, basic-to-professional makeup, nail technology, eyelash extensions, hairstyling, hairdressing, barbering, mehendi art, aesthetics and facial treatments.

This range may be useful to students who want to develop a specialised service. For example, someone interested in bridal work may want to focus on makeup and hairstyling, while another learner may prefer nail technology or eyelash extensions.

The school’s website describes its training approach as practical, with workshops, demonstrations and salon exposure. Students should ask how these activities are arranged for their particular course and whether practice is conducted on models, clients or training equipment.

Average Editorial Score: 94/100
Address: Remy Ollier Ave Carreau Lalliane MU, 73108, Mauritius
Location: Mauritius
Contact: +23057999471
Website: https://simsinternationalschool.com/
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Services and Programmes:

• Signature makeup and bridal makeup artistry.
• Basic-to-professional makeup training.
• Nail technology and nail art.
• Eyelash extensions.
• Hairstyling.
• Hairdressing.
• Barbering.
• Mehendi art.
• Aesthetics and beauty care.
• Cosmetology.
• Facial treatment training.
• Practical workshops and demonstrations.

Who should consider SIMS International School?

SIMS may suit students who want to specialise in makeup, nails, lashes, hairstyling, barbering or aesthetics. It may also be worth exploring for people who want to build a freelance beauty service or expand an existing salon’s service offering.

Before registering, ask for the course syllabus, practical hours, certificate issuer, MQA registration details, programme accreditation evidence, fees and any additional costs for products or equipment.

Comparison of the Best Fashion and Beauty Institutes in Mauritius

Institute	Main Training Areas	Best Suited For	Average Editorial Score
Academy of Design and Innovation	Fashion, textiles, graphic and interior design	Formal fashion and design education	98/100
Knowledge Based Training Centre	Fashion, apparel, pattern drafting, hairdressing and beauty therapy	Vocational and practical training	97/100
Sasha Academy	Beauty therapy, hairdressing, cosmetology and barbering	Salon and beauty careers	96/100
Say’s Academy	Hair, makeup, nails, barbering and spa therapy	Multi-specialisation beauty training	95/100
SIMS International School Ltd	Makeup, nails, lashes, hair, aesthetics and cosmetology	Specialist beauty and wellness training	94/100

Fashion Design or Beauty Therapy: Which Course Should You Choose?

Fashion and beauty are both creative industries, but they involve different technical skills and career paths. Understanding the difference can help you avoid enrolling in a course that does not match your interests.

Fashion Design and Textile Education

Fashion design is concerned with the creation and development of clothing, accessories and textile products. Students may learn how to develop design concepts, understand fabrics, prepare patterns, construct garments and present collections.

A fashion and textile course may be suitable if you enjoy drawing, experimenting with materials, studying clothing styles or developing original designs.

Possible career directions include:

• Fashion designer.
• Textile designer.
• Garment production assistant.
• Pattern-making technician.
• Fashion product developer.
• Apparel production assistant.
• Fashion entrepreneur.
• Creative design assistant.

ADI is the clearest option in this article for students seeking a structured fashion and textiles education. KBTC is also worth considering for learners interested in garment making, pattern drafting and textile production.

Makeup Artistry

Makeup artistry involves preparing the skin, selecting suitable products, understanding colour and creating looks for different occasions. Training may cover everyday makeup, bridal makeup, editorial looks, product knowledge, hygiene and client consultation.

Possible career directions include freelance makeup artist, bridal makeup specialist, salon makeup professional and beauty content creator.

Students should look for courses that include supervised practice and different makeup styles rather than relying entirely on demonstrations.

Hairdressing and Barbering

Hairdressing covers services such as cutting, washing, colouring, styling and hair treatments. Barbering focuses more specifically on men’s grooming, clipper work, fades, beard shaping and shaving techniques.

Both fields require regular practice, good communication and knowledge of hygiene and equipment safety.

A student interested in salon employment may want to compare Sasha Academy, Say’s Academy, SIMS International School and MITD’s KBTC programmes.

Beauty Therapy and Aesthetics

Beauty therapy training may include skin care, facial treatments, waxing, manicure, pedicure and client-care procedures. More specialised aesthetics courses may cover additional procedures, but students should pay close attention to the training provider’s scope of practice and the qualification required.

Not every beauty certificate authorises a person to perform every aesthetic or medical procedure. Treatments involving regulated health activities should only be undertaken by appropriately qualified and authorised professionals.

Nail Technology and Eyelash Services

Nail and lash services have become distinct specialisations within the beauty sector. Training may include nail preparation, extensions, gel application, nail art, lash mapping, application techniques and hygiene.

Students considering these courses should ask how much supervised practice is included and whether the course covers allergies, sanitation, safe product handling and client consultation.

What to Check Before Enrolling in a Fashion or Beauty Course

A course title alone does not tell you whether the training is suitable. Before making a decision, ask the institution for the following information.

1. Qualification and Accreditation

Check whether the institution is registered with the relevant authority and whether the exact programme is accredited or recognised.

The Mauritius Qualifications Authority publishes information about training institutions and qualifications. Its qualification information includes National Certificates in Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing at Level 3. Students can use the official resources to understand qualification levels and verify details.

For higher education design programmes, check the relevant institution and qualification information through the appropriate higher education authority.

Do not assume that an institution’s registration automatically means every course it offers is accredited. Ask for the exact qualification name, awarding body, qualification level and current accreditation evidence.

2. Course Duration and Training Hours

Some programmes are designed as longer diploma pathways, while others may be short courses. A short course can be useful for learning a specific technique, but it should not be confused with a longer professional qualification.

Ask how many classroom and practical hours are included. For beauty courses, find out whether students practise on models or clients. For fashion courses, ask whether students complete garment projects, pattern-making assignments or portfolio work.

3. Practical Training and Equipment

Practical learning is especially important in fashion and beauty.

Fashion students may need access to sewing machines, pattern-making tools, fabric samples, design software and garment construction facilities. Beauty students may need access to salon equipment, makeup products, hair tools, nail systems and appropriate hygiene supplies.

Ask whether equipment and materials are included in the fees or whether students must purchase them separately.

4. Trainers and Industry Experience

A trainer’s experience can make a meaningful difference to how a course is delivered. Ask about the instructors’ professional backgrounds and whether they have experience in the subject they teach.

For example, a hairdressing student may benefit from learning from an experienced salon professional, while a fashion student may want guidance from someone with experience in design, textiles or garment production.

5. Fees and Additional Expenses

Compare the full cost rather than looking only at the advertised tuition fee.

Ask whether the course involves additional charges for:

• Registration.
• Examinations.
• Certification.
• Makeup and beauty products.
• Hairdressing tools.
• Nail equipment.
• Fabric and sewing materials.
• Uniforms.
• Practical workshops.
• Model or client practice.

Request a written fee breakdown before making payment.

6. Employment and Further Study Opportunities

Ask what graduates typically do after completing the programme. Find out whether the institution provides career guidance, internships, portfolio support, salon exposure or further-study pathways.

Be cautious about guaranteed employment claims. A qualification can support career development, but employment depends on the student’s skills, experience, portfolio and the requirements of employers.

Career Opportunities in Mauritius’ Fashion and Beauty Industries

Professional training can provide a starting point for several career paths. The right opportunity will depend on the student’s interests, skill level, experience and the qualification they obtain.

Fashion and Apparel

Fashion and textile students may explore work in clothing design, garment production, pattern development, textile-related businesses and creative services.

Some graduates may also start their own clothing labels or offer custom garment services. This requires more than design ability: pricing, sourcing, production planning and customer management are also important.

Hair and Salon Services

Hairdressing and barbering can lead to work in salons, barbershops, hotels, resorts or independent studios. With experience, professionals may develop a specialised service or establish their own business.

Makeup and Bridal Services

Makeup artists may work with brides, photographers, event organisers, fashion projects and individual clients. A professional portfolio is particularly useful in this field because prospective customers often want to see examples of previous work.

Beauty Therapy and Nail Services

Beauty therapists and nail technicians may work in salons, spas, hotels or independent businesses. Hygiene, client care, product knowledge and safe working practices are essential parts of professional service delivery.

Entrepreneurship and Freelancing

Some graduates choose to become self-employed. They may provide home-based services, open a studio, sell fashion products or develop a personal beauty brand.

Anyone planning to start a business should also understand business registration, local requirements, insurance where applicable, financial planning and customer-service responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Mauritius offers several routes into fashion and beauty, from structured design education to practical training in hairdressing, makeup, nails and beauty therapy.

The Academy of Design and Innovation is a strong choice for students who want to study fashion and textiles in a formal design environment. MITD’s Knowledge Based Training Centre offers a useful combination of garment-related and beauty training. Sasha Academy, Say’s Academy and SIMS International School provide further options for people interested in salon, makeup, grooming and beauty careers.

There is no single course that suits everyone. Before enrolling, take time to compare the actual qualification, practical training hours, fees and career relevance. Ask questions, visit the campus if possible and request written information about the certificate or diploma you will receive.

A good training decision should leave you with more than a certificate. It should help you develop skills, confidence and a clear direction for the next stage of your career.