massage-schools-in-australia

5 Best Massage Schools in Australia Where Future Therapists Begin

  • Accreditation and Recognition: I checked if each school meets national standards and is recognized by groups like MAA or IICT. This helps ensure your qualification is valued by employers and insurers.
  • Practical Training: I looked for schools with plenty of supervised clinic hours, not just classroom lessons. Real hands-on practice helps build confidence before you start working with clients.
  • Study Flexibility: I gave preference to schools with on-campus and flexible learning options. A schedule that fits around work or other commitments makes completing your course much easier.
  • Educator Experience: I reviewed the instructors' industry backgrounds and teaching experience. Learning from experienced massage professionals gives students practical skills they can use in real workplaces.

A career in massage therapy starts with choosing a school that gives you the skills and confidence to succeed.

Many graduates build their careers in wellness clinics that also offer physiotherapy and naturopath services, giving clients access to a more complete approach to care.

To help you choose the right program, I rounded up the best massage schools in Australia and highlighted the ones known for hands-on training, experienced instructors, and industry-recognized qualifications.

Take the first step toward a rewarding career.

How much does massage school cost in Australia?

Massage school in Australia typically costs $500 to $18,000 AUD, depending on the qualification you choose. 

Short certificate courses are the most affordable, while accredited diploma programs require a larger investment but prepare you for professional practice.

Qualification TypeEstimated Cost (AUD)Ideal For
Short / Certificate Courses (Non-Accredited)$500 – $1,600Basic relaxation massage
Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52021)$3,000 – $18,000Professional practice and health fund rebates

1. Melbourne Institute of Massage & Myotherapy

melbourne-institute-of-massage-myotherapy

Website: https://mimt.edu.au/

Address: 68 Mount St.

Contact: 03 9455 1926

Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM–4:45 PM

Melbourne Institute of Massage & Myotherapy (MIMT) focuses only on massage and myotherapy. This gives students more time to build real skills for real clinical settings.

On top of that, experienced instructors guide training with a strong grasp of professional bodywork. Lessons feel useful from day one, with nationally recognised qualifications and short courses to help students grow at any career stage.

Beyond that, practical lessons break tricky clinical ideas into simple, hands-on steps. This makes new skills easier to learn and use. A former student even said the teaching team made hard topics feel much easier to grasp.

That said, course schedules and venue spots can sometimes change. This may make long-term planning a bit trickier.

Pros

  • Specialist massage and myotherapy focus
  • Practical clinical skills training
  • Experienced clinical instructors
  • Qualifications and short courses

Cons

  • Changing course schedules
  • Venue location changes

Customer Reviews

The foundation I received at MIMT has stayed with me throughout my career

Melbourne Institute of Massage & Myotherapy (MIMT) opened doors for me in 2009. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Richmond FC soccer clubs, and I’m now working as a Physio Assistant.and a therapist

Massage remains a core part of my treatment approach, and the foundation I received at MIMT has stayed with me throughout my career. I was taught by Lily and Greg, who were exceptional teachers and truly passionate about their craft.

Thank you, MIMT, for the education, support, and inspiration that helped shape my professional journey.

The teachers are so experienced and very professional

The best place to study Myotherapy and Remedial Massage courses. All the teachers are so experienced and very professional. I can not just name any one or two of them, because they are all so so so great. I just completed my Myotherapy course in September. Best learning experience. The principal of Mimt is also a wonderful man. Loved by everyone. The receptionist and all the staffs are so nice, patient and supportive.

Can’t say enough about Mimt, because it just simply the best in all aspects.

2. Discover Massage Australia

discover-massage-australia

Website: https://www.discovermassage.com.au

Address: Cnr Flemington Rd.

Contact: 1300 585 989

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Discover Massage Australia helps beginners start a massage career with real confidence. Since 1997, the school has trained thousands of graduates. Lessons focus on hands-on learning instead of long theory sessions.

Students can join weekend entry-level courses. They can also pick flexible training spots across Australia to fit their schedule.

Plus, IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists) and MAA (Massage Association of Australia )-approved courses support professional membership applications. This gives grads a smoother path forward in their careers.

Just keep in mind that finishing a course alone doesn’t guarantee health fund rebates or provider numbers. Extra rules from outside groups may still apply.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly massage courses
  • Hands-on practical learning
  • Flexible locations across Australia
  • IICT and MAA approvals

Cons

  • Diploma doesn’t guarantee health fund rebates and provider numbers

Customer Reviews

I found the course to be a good size, hands on and informative

I’ve just completed the full body massage course over the weekend with Drew. I found the course to be a good size, hands on and informative. Both Drew and Cam were very approachable ,supportive and encouraging.

Best fun while learning great new techniques 

Just had the best fun while learning great new techniques with the whole body massage course. Our teacher Drew was very informative, easy to get along with and has a wicked sense of humour that kept me laughing all weekend. If you are wanting to see if massage is something you want to do as a profession do yourself a favour and do the course.

3. Australian College of Fitness and Bodywork

australian-college-of-fitness-and-bodywork

Website: https://acfb.edu.au/

Address: Suite 4/333 Mitcham Rd.

Contact: 1300 002 232 / 03 9873 4858

Hours: Monday, Friday & Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Australian College of Fitness and Bodywork (ACFB) is an award-winning training school that helps busy learners build massage skills fast. The programs stay flexible, so they fit around real, busy lives.

On top of that, ACFB offers recognised courses and FLEXI options. This makes it easier for students to learn while juggling work, family, or other tasks.

From there, learners get small classes, real hands-on practice, and support from trainers with true industry experience. This helps students feel job-ready and work toward a Healthcare Provider Number once they finish the steps.

That said, some students may need extra help with tough written work. On top of that, staff replies can be slow at times, which may affect the learning experience.

Pros

  • Flexible FLEXI study options
  • Nationally recognised qualifications
  • Small classes and experienced trainers
  • Supervised clinical experience

Cons

  • Limited assignment support
  • Slower staff communication

Customer Reviews

I loved studying there 

Everyone at ACFB is very helpful and they are all lovely people. I felt the trainers genuinely wanted us students to do well. I was a Myotherapy student and after reading a negative review on Google I struggle to believe it was written by someone who knows or ever visited this school. I loved studying there and I’m very happy I chose ACFB in the first place!

The school was fantastic

From my experience as a mature age student, I must say that the experience that i have had at the school was fantastic. The entire staff and teachers are always there to help you on your journey and the cost was extremely affordable and what i have learnt here has helped me establish my business and working in the field successfully. I would recommend anyone who is looking to change careers to consider ACFB. You will not be disappointed.

4. Body Sense Massage School

body-sense-massage-school

Website: https://bodysensemassageschool.com.au/

Address: 5-11 Wentworth Ave.

Contact: 1300 910 821

Hours: Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM–7:30 PM, Monday 9:00 AM–7:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday by advanced booking

Body Sense Massage School helps career changers switch paths fast, with no wasted classroom time.

The courses are short and fully hands-on. Students learn deep tissue massage techniques along with core business basics, so they can treat clients well and manage a practice with ease.

Students also train under Kevin Salimi, a skilled therapist who has worked abroad since 2003. His hands-on style builds real skills fast, while helping students work toward pro membership and insurance.

However, it’s worth noting these courses don’t carry national accreditation in Australia. Anyone needing a formal license may want to look at other schools instead.

Pros

  • Fast intensive training courses
  • Wide range of massage techniques
  • Business and marketing lessons
  • Experienced international trainer

Cons

  • Not nationally recognised qualifications
  • Limited for formal accreditation needs

Customer Reviews

Very thorough and professional

I have done the course at Body Sense Massage School and Kevin who teaches the course is very thorough and professional. It was a nice, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Now I am running a successful business called Healing Hands Massage, many thanks to Kevin to making this possible.

Friendly yet professional team from start to finish

Body sense massage school Sydney is such a friendly yet professional team from start to finish. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to learn with body sense massage school Sydney as they were full of helpful advice and quite knowledgeable about the industry and industry standards. Definitely a fun course too!

5. TrainSmart Australia Massage Therapy Courses

trainsmart-australia-massage-therapy-courses

Website: https://tsa.edu.au/courses/

Address: Level 9 & 12, 251 Adelaide Terrace

Contact: 1300 855 517

Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

TrainSmart Australia Massage Therapy Courses helps students build real massage careers with a nationally recognised Diploma of Remedial Massage. Both on-campus and blended study options let students plan classes around their busy lives.

On top of that, students get real practice through 200 hours of supervised clinic work. They also learn Cliniko, a clinic software tool used in real massage jobs today.

Plus, strong ties to pro massage groups help students gain trust and support as they work toward full career recognition.

On the flip side, blended students must still show up for some on-campus training days. In short, the course isn’t fully online, so in-person time is still a must.

Pros

  • Nationally recognised Diploma qualification
  • Flexible blended study options
  • 200 hours of clinic experience
  • Cliniko software training

Cons

  • Mandatory campus practical sessions
  • Not fully remote learning

Customer Reviews

Attention to detail in focusing on issues specific to me is so appreciated

This morning I had a relaxation massage with Rebecca and my life is forever changed.

The care and attention I received from her was outstanding!

Her attention to detail in focusing on issues specific to me is so appreciated. She gave me stretches to continue at home and explained the muscles that could be responsible for my tension headaches… more then my GP has ever been able to explain or help to treat.

I have walked away happy, relaxed and educated.

I cannot wait to see where this career takes her.

Thank you Rebecca!

Every massage has been amazing 

Three weeks in a row, I have had a massage from three different students. Every massage has been amazing and as good if not better than one’s I have paid full price for. Thankyou and we’ll done. 

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