How to Fund Your Level 7 Aesthetics Course – Options for Non-Medics

Training in aesthetics is an investment in your future, but let’s be real - Level 7 training isn’t cheap. If you’re serious about becoming a qualified, future-proofed aesthetics practitioner, you need to plan how to fund your training properly.

With government regulations changing, fast-track courses will soon be worthless, and without a proper Ofqual-accredited Level 7 qualification, you won’t be able to practice legally. So, how do you afford the right training without breaking the bank?

In this post, I’ll share the best funding options for non-medics who want to train in aesthetics, including grants, loans, payment plans, and creative ways to save.

Step 1: Understand the Cost of a Legitimate Level 7 Course

Before looking at funding options, you need to understand the costs of a fully accredited aesthetics training pathway.

Average Costs for Level 7 Training:

Proper Ofqual-accredited Level 7 pathway course: £7,000 - £15,000

Beware of courses that seem too cheap. If a provider offers “Level 7” for £3,000-£4,000, it’s likely not fully accredited, meaning it won’t count under new UK regulations.

Once you know the cost, you can start planning how to afford it.

Step 2: Check for Grants & Government Funding Options

While aesthetics courses don’t qualify for traditional student loans, there are some funding options available.

1. Advanced Learner Loan (For Level 3-5 Only)

    •    Covers up to £11,356 for eligible Level 3, 4, or 5 courses.

    •    Some aesthetics academies accept this for part of the training pathway.

    •    Does NOT cover Level 7 injectables, but can help reduce total costs.

How to apply: Check with your training provider if they accept Advanced Learner Loans and apply through Student Finance England.

2. Grants & Business Start-Up Funding

If you plan to start your own aesthetics business, you may qualify for business start-up grants or loans.

Options to look into:

    •    The Prince’s Trust – Offers start-up grants and loans for young entrepreneurs (aged 18-30).

    •    Local council business grants – Some areas offer funding for small businesses, including aesthetics.

    •    Women in Business grants – If you’re a female entrepreneur, look for women-focused business grants.

Where to check:

    •    Visit Gov.uk’s business finance finder to search for grants.

    •    Check local council websites for funding opportunities.

Step 3: Consider Payment Plans & Private Loans

If grants aren’t an option, there are still ways to spread the cost.

3. Training Provider Payment Plans

Many reputable training academies offer payment plans to make Level 7 more affordable.

Typical payment plan options:

    •    3-12 month installment plans (some academies offer interest-free options).

    •    Low deposit, pay-as-you-train plans (reducing upfront costs).

    •    Some providers allow spreading payments over 2 years.

What to check:

    •    Is the payment plan interest-free? Some academies charge high interest, making it more expensive in the long run.

    •    Are there hidden fees? Ensure you read the contract carefully before signing.

Red Flag: If a provider doesn’t allow a payment plan or financing, it could indicate they aren’t properly accredited.

4. Personal Loans & Credit Options

If you can’t get grants or payment plans, a personal loan may be an option.

Loan Options:

    •    Bank personal loans – Check interest rates with major banks.

    •    Credit unions – Offer lower interest rates than banks.

    •    Buy Now, Pay Later services – Some academies offer Klarna, PayPal Credit, or DivideBuy as payment options.

What to check:

    •    What’s the interest rate? Low APR (below 10%) is best.

    •    How long do you have to pay it off? Ensure the monthly payments are affordable.

    •    Can you pay early without penalty? Some loans charge fees for paying early.

Step 4: Get Creative with Self-Funding

If you want to fund your training without loans, here are some creative ways to save money:

5. Work & Save in Advance

    •    Take a part-time job or increase hours in your current role.

    •    Work in a beauty salon or clinic to gain experience while saving.

    •    Reduce unnecessary expenses for 6-12 months to save faster.

Example: Saving £500 per month for a year would cover most of a Level 7 course.

6. Offer Pre-Bookings to Fund Your Course

If you have an existing client base in beauty therapy, you can offer:

    •    Discounted pre-bookings for treatments once qualified.

    •    Gift vouchers for future clients (paid upfront, redeemable after your training).

Example: If 20 people pre-pay £200 each for treatments, that’s £4,000 towards training.

Important: Be transparent with clients about when you’ll be trained and insured to treat them.

7. Partner with a Prescriber or Aesthetics Clinic

Some prescribers and clinics sponsor trainees in exchange for:

    •    Working in their clinic after qualification.

    •    Revenue-sharing agreements.

Example: If a prescriber covers part of your training costs, you could work in their clinic for 6-12 months in return.

Where to look:

    •    Aesthetics Facebook groups

    •    Industry networking events

    •    Contact local clinics and prescribers directly

Final Thoughts: Funding Your Level 7 Training is Achievable

While aesthetics training requires an upfront investment, there are many ways to make it more affordable.

Best funding options:

• Grants & business start-up funding (if eligible)

• Advanced Learner Loan (for Level 3-5 courses)

• Payment plans from your training provider

• Personal loans & Buy Now, Pay Later options

• Self-funding through savings, pre-bookings, or clinic sponsorship

My Advice:

    •    Avoid fast-track courses - they won’t be legally recognized soon.

    •    Take the time to research funding options before committing.

    •    Choose a provider that offers payment plans or financing to make training manageable.

Follow my journey as I train the right way! Let’s find ways to fund your training and build a successful, legally compliant aesthetics career together.