Questions? We Have Answers

With over 20 years of experience, the Australian College of Aromatherapy offers flexible, accredited courses that empower students to build fulfilling careers in natural health and holistic wellness.

Common FAQs
Will I be able to get insurance and practice?

Our Qualification Program courses empower graduates to practice as Qualified Practitioners within their scope of education.

Each Qualification Program course is recognised by one or both of these prestigious associations, ensuring Practitioner recognition and the ability to obtain necessary insurance through their partnered providers.

Important Note: Students should verify which association recognises their course before enrolment if they have a preferred association membership.

Other Graduate Benefits:

  • Use of the ACOA post-nominal letters
  • Attain the title of the course accreditation


For more information on our History and Accreditation, please click here.
Are the courses online?

Absolutely! The College specialises in distance education. All students have access to the College’s Digital Campus. Students can save and print lesson material, submit their assessments, and communicate with their tutor and support team via the Digital Campus.

Study from anywhere in the world with the flexibility and support you need to succeed!
What is the enrolment/payment procedure?

We offer multiple convenient options for student enrolment:

1. Online Enrolment:

  • Visit our secure website, browse our extensive course list, select your desired course, add it to your cart, and complete the checkout process.

2. Phone Enrolment:

  • Give us a call at 1300 13 14 72 during office hours. Our friendly staff will be happy to complete your enrolment and arrange your payment.

Flexible Payment Options:

  • We accept payments via Credit Card, PayPal, or Bank Deposit.

Important Information for International Students:

  • International students are exempt from GST and eligible for a 10% reduction in course fees.
  • However, all overseas students are subject to a 20% International Student Levy (calculated on the total course fee amount, excluding GST).
Are there payment plans available?

We strive to ensure our courses are accessible and affordable for all. While paying in full is the most cost-effective option, we understand that it's not always feasible. Here are our flexible payment options:

Option 1: PayPal's 'Pay in 4' Plan

  • Enrol via our website and take advantage of PayPal’s convenient ‘Pay in 4’ payment plan at check out.

Option 2: Payment Plan Deposit

  • Enrol on our website and choose ‘Payment Plan Deposit’ from the drop-down menu for your selected course. This secures your enrolment with a non-refundable deposit. A Course Advisor will call you to finalise your payment plan, allowing you to choose from weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments for up to 24 months.

Option 3: Personalised Payment Plan

  • Call us at 1300 13 14 72 to discuss and set up a personalised payment plan with a Course Advisor. Enrol over the phone with a plan that suits your needs.

Important Information:

  • A $15.00 administration fee will be applied monthly to all overdue payments.
  • Please note: When you enrol with a payment plan, you are liable for all payments, even if you discontinue your studies. Failure to make payments may result in your debt being referred to a collection agency or legal action, with additional costs payable by the debtor.
When can I get started?

Now! Enrol today and you will start the next business day. Alternatively, you can also defer your study date by up to 3 months.
How long is the course duration?

Our courses come with clearly stated maximum time frames, which you can find on our website and in the corresponding information packs. Since our courses are self-paced, it's up to you to complete them within these time frames.

Note: The maximum allowed times are quite generous, and extensions are available if needed.

We are here to support you throughout your studies. If you ever need to pause your studies, don't hesitate to reach out to your Student Liaison for assistance.
I haven't studied for a long time! Will I find it too difficult?

Many students worry that they will not be able to return to study after leaving the books behind for so long. However, ACOA staff are here to help you achieve your education goals. As our courses are fully self-paced, and can be completed from the comfort of your home, we cater to your schedule, and there is no undue pressure or competition to cause you stress. If you are having trouble, please don't hesitate to give us a call - our friendly tutors and staff will gladly assist you to overcome any problems you may face along the way.
Do I require any prior skills, or need any extra books or resources?

To view course materials and complete your assessments, you'll need basic computer and web browsing skills. Ensure you have access to a program capable of editing Microsoft Word documents, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

For practical assessments, you may need to purchase some essential oils. Most students find they already have a few oils on hand. The Herbalist course may require purchasing some basic items.

We provide essential reference materials within the course content. However, we encourage extracurricular reading, as some assessments will require additional research. If you have any questions about recommended reading resources, please contact the College, and we will be happy to assist you.
Do I need to register an account to shop online or enrol in courses with the Australian College of Aromatherapy?

No. You can browse our website, including all resources and information, as well as shop for products and purchase courses, without an ACOA account. During the checkout process, you will be given the option to log in using an existing ACOA account, if you have one. If not, you can simply complete the checkout as normal without an account, or choose to create a free account that you can use for future visits to our website. Creating an account makes it easy for customers and students to track purchases, view their order history, and store their details for future transactions.
Do you offer RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)?

Yes! Where applicable, RPL can save students both time and money.

For previous or current ACOA students enrolling in a new course, Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied automatically toward any relevant areas in the new program (Certificate or Diploma).

If you have previously studied at an educational institution other than ACOA, we will assess your previous studies so that you only need to study competencies not already achieved. RPL assessment may attract a fee, but ultimately can help to reduce course fees and study time. Please contact the College if you have any further questions about RPL.

Please Note: There is no RPL available for the Herbalist Qualification Program.
What happens if I need to stop studying for a while (e.g. Illness, holiday, etc.)?

Simply contact the College to apply for an extension to your allowable study time. It is fine to take a break, but please contact us, as individual arrangements must be made with each student to determine length and terms of extension, including any adjustments to payment plans, assessment deadlines, etc.
How do I contact a student support?

Student support is available to all current students. To get in touch, you can either phone or email the College.
Can I get a refund?

In the unlikely event that ACOA cancels a course, current students actively participating in that study program will be entitled to a full refund, otherwise no refund will be granted. ACOA reserves the right to change policies, procedures, and prices without notice.
How can I learn more about aromatherapy and essential oils?

ACOA has lots of free information available on our website, and we regularly update our social media pages with helpful tips, information, recipes, and educational content. In addition, the ACOA shop is stocked with some fantastic books, oils, and other learning materials available for purchase. Or, why not study a course with us? The options for learning are limitless!

Why Study with the ACOA?

With decades of experience, our college is a trusted leader in natural health education. Our online qualifications are designed to support both personal growth and professional goals, with the freedom to learn at your own pace.

Move at your own speed

Make time for yourself and your goals with online learning that fits your life. Study at your pace, without stress, in the comfort of your home.

Grow with Confidence

Professionally recognised course by Holistic Health Associates International (HHAI) and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).

Flexible ways to begin

Whether you prefer to pay upfront or spread the cost over time, we offer payment options designed to make things easier and more affordable for you.

We Are Here to Help

Please fill out the form with your request or feedback, and one of our friendly support team will contact you soon!