Advanced Diploma
of Ayurveda
AUSTRALIA'S MOST ADVANCED GOVERNMENT-RECOGNISED AYURVEDA QUALIFICATION
HLT62615, CRICOS 0100556
Page last updated - 16.07.2026
ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF AYURVEDA - HLT62615 | CRICOS 0100556
About this course
COURSE CODES
HLT62615
CRICOS 0100556
CAMPUS LOCATIONS
HIA’s Campus
Level 1, 18 Rawlins Street, Southport
Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat Sanctuary
a 70-acre property in Beechmont, S.E. Queensland.
**Both premises are meat (including fish and chicken), smoke, alcohol, and drug-free.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 2 years (1200 hours / 104 weeks).
Cost: $25,650 (Payment plans available with a 10% per annum admin fee).
Please be advised that VET Student Loans ("fee help") are not available for Ayurveda health courses in Australia; these courses are self-funded.
Entry Requirements: No prerequisites; International students require an IELTS score of 6.0.
Delivery: On-campus (Southport, QLD), Mixed, or Online.
COURSE OUTCOMES
Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda
DELIVERY METHODS
On Campus - Southport QLD - available to all students
Mixed Delivery* - available to Ausralian domestic students
Online* - available to Ausralian domestic students
WHEN CAN I START?
Online: start anytime (available to Australian domestic students)
On Campus: there are 4 intakes per year that align with QLD school terms
2026 START DATES
Tuesday, 6th October
2027 START DATES
Wednesday 27th January
Monday 12th April
Monday 12th July
Tuesday 5th October
2028 START DATES
Monday 24th January
Tuesday 18th April
Monday 10th July
Tuesday 3rd October
2026 School terms
Term 1: Tuesday 27 January to Thursday 2 April—10 weeks
Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June—10 weeks
Term 3: Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September—10 weeks
Term 4: Tuesday 6 October to Friday 11 December—10 weeks
2026 School holidays
Term 1: Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April —17 days
Term 2: Saturday 27 June to Sunday 12 July —16 days
Term 3: Saturday 19 September to Monday 5 October —17 days
Term 4: Saturday 12 December to Tuesday 26 January 2027 —46 days
2027 School terms
Term 1: Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 25 March—9 weeks
Term 2: Monday 12 April to Friday 25 June—11 weeks
Term 3: Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September—10 weeks
Term 4: Tuesday 5 October to Friday 10 December—10 weeks
2027 School holidays
Term 1: Friday 26 March to Sunday 11 April —17 days
Term 2: Saturday 26 June to Sunday 11 July —16 days
Term 3: Saturday 18 September to Monday 4 October —17 days
Term 4: Saturday 11 December to Sunday 23 January 2028 —44 days
2028 School terms
Term 1: Monday 24 January to Friday 31 March—10 weeks
Term 2: Tuesday 18 April to Friday 23 June—10 weeks
Term 3: Monday 10 July to Friday 15 September—10 weeks
Term 4: Tuesday 3 October to Friday 8 December—10 weeks
2028 School holidays
Term 1: Saturday 1 April to Monday 17 April—17 days
Term 2: Saturday 24 June to Sunday 9 July—16 days
Term 3: Saturday 16 September to 2 October—17 days
Term 4: Saturday 9 December 2028 to Sunday 21 January 2029—44 days
COURSE STRUCTURE
It can be undertaken through the following 3 stages, which are:
- Knowledge and Theoretical components
- Skills Training
- Clinical placement - 400 hours of supervised clinical training.
Students must complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical training, where skills, knowledge and attitudes are developed as you work toward mastering your therapy practice. Qualified practitioners conduct and supervise these clinical sessions at the student clinic. Options include the HIA Gold Coast campus, the Nirvana Wellbeing Retreat or an HIA-approved clinic.
NOTE: Because of the holistic nature of Ayurveda and Yoga, all units of competency are assessed together at the end of the course. This also affects a Statement of Attainment.
PRACTICAL / IN-PERSON REQUIREMENTS
(applicabe to all students regardless of study method selected)
HIA has carefully structured the Advanced Diploma training pathway to build upon the requirements for the Diploma. This hierarchical curriculum ensures students develop their skills step-by-step, enabling them to become confident and capable Ayurvedic Practitioners.
The first year of the Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda is identical to the Diploma.
YEAR 1
SKILLS TRAINING
All students, including online and mixed delivery students must attend the following at our Southport and Beechmont campuses. These weekends are non-residential (students must organise own accommodation).
- Skills Training (Southport):
2 x 3-day weekends
Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage course and Common Units)
2026 dates: 4-6 September
2027 dates: 19–21 March OR 3–5 September - Kati Basti and Shirodhara (Ayurvedic specialist treatments and Common Units)
2026 dates: 16-18 October 2026
2027 dates: 7–9 May OR 15–17 October - Residential Retreat
7–10 days Living Ayurveda and Yoga residential retreat (complementary, includes accommodation) at the Beechmont Campus.
2026 / 2027 available dates:
18–27 September 2026
3–10 January 2027
Southport campus (dates TBA).
Year 2
- Skills Training (Southport):
2 x 3-day weekends
Allied Ayurvedic treatments, for pain management, Lepas, preparations, and Year 2 Common Units
2026 dates: 14–16 August
2027 dates: 16–18 July and 13–15 August - Residential Retreat
7–10 days Living Ayurveda and Yoga residential retreat (complementary, includes accommodation) at the Beechmont Campus.
2026 / 2027 available dates:
18–27 September 2026
3–10 January 2027
Southport campus (dates TBA).
UNITS OF COMPETENCY
The Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda is a course from the Australian Government’s Health Training package. It has 25 Units of competency.
For the Advanced Diploma in Ayurveda you need to achieve competencies in the following:
CORE AYURVEDIC UNITS (12 units)
HLTAYV001 Develop Ayurvedic practice (1st year)
HLTAYV002 Make Ayurvedic lifestyle assessments (1st year)
HLTAYV003 Provide Ayurvedic bodywork therapies (1st year)
HLTAYV004 Provide Ayurvedic lifestyle advice (1st year)
HLTAYV005 Provide advice on Ayurvedic nutrition (1st year)
HLTAYV006 Take cases within an Ayurvedic framework (2nd year)
HLTAYV007 Diagnose conditions within an Ayurvedic framework (2nd year)
HLTAYV008 Provide Ayurvedic remedial therapies (2nd year)
HLTAYV009 Provide therapeutic Ayurvedic nutritional advice (2nd year)
HLTAYV010 Select and advise on Ayurvedic medicines – dravyaguna (2nd year)
HLTAYV011 Prepare and dispense Ayurvedic medicines – dravyaguna (2nd year)
HLTAYV012 Monitor and evaluate Ayurvedic treatments (2nd year)
COMMON UNITS (9 units)
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships (1st year)
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people (1st year)
CHCLEG003 Manage legal and ethical compliance (1st year)
CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice (1st year)
HLTINF004 Manage the prevention and control of infection (1st year)
HLTWHS004 Manage work health and safety (1st year)
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (1st year)
HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information (2nd year)
CHCPRP005 Engage with health professionals and the health system (2nd year)
ELECTIVE UNITS (4 units)
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans
CHCCCS001 Address the needs of people with chronic disease (1st year)
HLTMSG010 Assess client massage needs (1st year)
CHCMHS001 Work with people with mental health issues (1st year)
Please note: The units from the Health Training Package are prerequisites and a necessary part of the hierarchy before you attend your practicals and clinical training. This is because their subject matter must be incorporated into the practicals, as they are the underpinning Training Standards (in their various contexts) for the practicum.
NOTE: The sooner you complete these, the sooner you can embark on the practicum.
WHAT IS THE STUDY TIMETABLE LIKE?
Online:
Start any time. Study at your own pace.
To successfully complete the course in two years, we recommend allocating a minimum of 15 hours per week to study.
On Campus:
- Full time students, must attend 15 hours a week.
- The schedule for the days of Campus attendance is provided after you have decided which course intake you will enrol for.
- Please check with HIA Office Administrator at the beginning of your term.
- Each year is comprised of one-third theory + two-thirds practice.
- Full-time students must complete their lecture, tutorial and attendance within the allocated period.
- It is mandatory to sign off hours attended immediately after each and every attendance (class, tutorial, retreat, whatever) and student logbooks need to be kept current. They remain the property of the Institute in your file for assessment validation.
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION AND LICENSING
Graduates of this course are eligible to apply for membership with professional associations such as the Australasian Ayurvedic Practitioners Association (AAPA), the Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA) the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) or other organisations representing Ayurvedic practitioners.
Please note that these associations may require additional information or have specific conditions for membership, and these requirements can change. We encourage prospective students to contact the relevant professional bodies directly to confirm current membership criteria.
Currently, there are no licensing requirements to practice Ayurveda in Australia.
The Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda (HLT62615, CRICOS 0100556) is Australia’s most advanced government-recognised Ayurveda qualification.
HIA’s Advanced Diploma in Ayurveda is a nationally recognised vocational training course rooted in authentic classical traditions. It offers a depth of learning highly regarded both in Australia and internationally, and is dedicated to upholding high standards, education, and professional ethics in the field.
The curriculum synthesises classical heritage with contemporary health perspectives and modern well-being practices. Developed in consultation with industry experts, teachers, and training authorities, this accredited course ensures a comprehensive professional education.
INCLUDED IN YOUR COURSE FEES:
Student Benefits
Your fees include a Welcome Package containing textbooks by Shanti Gowans, Ayurvedic oral care tools, health aids, and digital learning resources. You will also have access to weekly tutorials and signature yoga/meditation practices.
- AYURVEDIC STUDENT WELCOME PACKAGE
You will receive your ‘Welcome package’ during your week day, which includes:
Introduction to Ayurvedic Knowledge
3 Ayurvedic textbooks by Shanti Gowans, namely:
Ayurveda for Health and Wellbeing
Ayurvedic Cooking
Yoga and Ayurveda Dictionary (PDF)
Ayurvedic Oral Care
Gum powder
Copper tongue scraper
Health and Wellness
Dragon balm (roll-on applicator)
Hatha Yoga for body, mind and spirit. Yoga text book authored by Shanti Gowans
Samadhi - Guilded Practice by Shanti Gowans (MP3)
Hatha Yoga - Guided practice by Shanti Gowans (MP3)
Yoga for Health and Fitness - Guided practice by Shanti Gowans (MP3) - COURSE TUTORIALS + DIGITAL COURSE MANUALS
Weekly Tutorials on Campus for 15 hours a week, 40 weeks per academic year, provide the curriculum. These are conducted in discrete modules, which holistically meld into the syllabus. They accrue course-hours per year. Tutorials are supported by instruction during ‘mat’ classes. - FIRST AID COURSE - delivered externally
- ON THE MAT AND MEDITATION CUSHION
Weekly Institute Attendance.
•Shanti Yoga signature sequences. Gentle, easy stretches, postures. Restorative, ground yoga.
•Yoga Nidra. Deep yoga relaxation and self-healing
•Meditation, mindfulness, focus and concentration
•Mindfulness and Pranayama: breathe and heal
•Chanting, kirtan, sound bathing and vibrational therapy - LIFE ENHANCEMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
(on the mat and meditation cushion, on-campus)
•Darshan: What’s it all about? •Philosophy and discussion led by Shantiji
•Video learning (on-campus)
•Sanskrit calligraphy and pronunciation
•Ayurvedic vegetarian cooking - ONLINE STUDY COURSE
Healthy Body. Yogic, Ayurvedic and Western understanding of A&P. - LIVING YOGA AND AYURVEDA
A residential retreat inclusive of shared accommodation and shared facilities, Ayurvedic vegetarian meals, programs, and seva (karma yoga duties). - MISCELLANEOUS
• Induction and manual
• Student ID Card
• Contact Diary
• Induction day vegetarian lunch
Ayurveda Course FAQ
What are the main differences between Diploma of Ayurveda and Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda?
In Australia, the primary difference between these two qualifications, HLT52615 (The Diploma) and HLT62615 (the Advanced Diploma), lies in their professional scope.
The Diploma (HLT52615) focuses on preventive health and lifestyle management, while the Advanced Diploma (HLT62615) qualifies you as a clinical practitioner.
Diploma graduates are trained to provide simple but effective health management strategies. They typically focus on Ayurvedic nutrition (Ahara), lifestyle (Vihara), and basic bodywork such as massage.
Advanced Diploma graduates have specialised knowledge to formulate responses to specific therapeutic needs. They can diagnose conditions, prescribe herbal medicines (Dravyaguna), and perform advanced remedial therapies.
The Advanced Diploma involves significantly more intensive training, often requiring around 1,200 hours of study. Practitioner-level membership with associations such as the Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA) requires the Advanced Diploma plus hundreds of documented clinical hours.
The Advanced Diploma covers complex areas not found in the initial Diploma, such as Ayurvedic Pathology, clinical case work for chronic disorders, and Women & Child Care (conscious conception and infant care).
Key Differences of Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda at a Glance:
Scope of Practice: Wellness assessments, diet/lifestyle advice, and basic health management.
Core Focus: Preventive healthcare and balance (Prakruti/Vikruti analysis).
Pathway Status: Prerequisite for the Advanced Diploma.
Scope of Practice: Remedial treatments, clinical diagnosis, herbal medicine, and pathology.
Core Focus: Therapeutic interventions for specific diseases and disorders.(Prakruti/Vikruti analysis).
Pathway Status: Highest vocational level for independent practice.
