Kenko Academy was established in 2007 by the renowned Kenko Wellness, known for their contributions to the country’s spa industry. They aim to empower students with essential skills for career success, ensuring they are well prepared for industry demands.

They offer massage therapy certification in both English and Mandarin. The course comprises lessons on seated chair massage, hand and foot reflexology, and full-body massage—more than enough to kickstart your career.

They’re truly a great choice if you have no experience. Their VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage is an internationally recognised qualification designed for aspiring massage therapists. It covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of holistic massage.

Aware that some students have busy lives, they provide part-time and full-time options so you can complete the programme at your preferred pace.

That said, a few students we spoke to said it took them a long time to secure a slot.

The trainer was very professional and knowledgeable

“Attended body massage with oil course. Trainer Emily was very professional and knowledgeable.” 

-Mabel Kiu, Google Review 

Teachers are experienced

“Teachers are experienced therapists and managers with authentic character to pass on their knowledge on how a great massage therapy should be.” 

-Gloria Francesca Lim, Google Review 

The Beauty Forever Learning Hub team is committed to delivering authentic and effective training in holistic therapy. They equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their careers, whether they’re new to the industry or want to improve.

We were particularly impressed by the wide range of massage courses they have, totalling 20 programmes, including sports massage, hot stone massage, Chinese Tuina Therapy, and Indian head massage.

They also offer multiple level 3 VTCT (ITEC) certifications, allowing you to work not only in Singapore but also abroad. Even better, their Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage and Level 3 Certificate in Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be completed online.

Our only concern involves reports from some former students about delays in certificate issuance, which in some cases lasted for months.

My teacher has been very helpful and supportive throughout my learning journey

“My teacher, Roy, who teaches Holistic Massage, has been very helpful and supportive throughout my learning journey. Studying at Beauty Forever Learning Hub Singapore has been such a wonderful experience — everyone there is so kind and friendly, including the other students of Teacher Roy. Alhamdulillah, I have successfully completed my ITEC Diploma in Holistic Massage with Teacher Roy. I highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in learning holistic massage.” 

-Red Wardah Spa, Google Review 

The teacher is knowledgeable and generous in sharing his experience

“I am a student since 2018 with the school. I highly recommend Mr Roy Rani for his expertise. He teaches ITEC Holistic Massage and ITEC sport massage which both recognise internationally worldwide. Mr Roy is not someone who only teach by the book. He ever had a massage shop and had the hands on experience which is a plus point for student who want to start a career in this line.He is knowledgeable and generous in sharing his experience. He will make the class fun with educational facts in it. It was a wonderful learning journey with Mr Roy Rani” 

-Faridah Azali, Google Review 

ProTherapist Academy has been around since 2005, offering affordable spa massage and health therapy courses for those pursuing a career in long-term healthcare.

They’re a massage-only training institution and do not teach other types of Workforce Skills Qualifications courses. Because of this, we’re confident that they have a more focused learning environment tailored specifically to the skills needed for a massage therapy career.

Their diverse courses—including Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, manual lymphatic drainage massage, and infant massage—provide significant advantages in career versatility if you’re looking to upskill.

Some students, however, hope the academy will consider offering weekend classes so they can complete the programme faster.

All the massage techniques were taught to us in a very professional manner

“It was indeed a great learning experience at ProTherapist Academy (PTA). I just finished my Swedish massage course. All the massage techniques were taught to us in a very professional manner. For both theory and practice, guidance was provided at every level of learning. The trainer Ms. Cynthia has great knowledge and passion towards teaching. I surely recommend to get your massage course from PTA.” 

-adoniv, Google Review 

They’re professional in their teachings and sharings

“Had several courses attended with pro therapist under tr Cyn, tr Wati and tr Lynne. Teachers are experienced and knowledgeable. They are professional in their teachings and sharings. The administrator Ms Siti is very proactive and passionate of her job in engaging with us professionally.” 

-Pat Liew, Google Review 

Since 2003, International Sports Academy has been offering industry-recognised training and certification across all segments of the sports and fitness industry.

They are, without a doubt, the ideal school if you want to work with athletes. They specialise in sports massage, providing in-depth, science-based training focused on injury rehabilitation, performance enhancement, and advanced anatomical knowledge.

We like that they have both basic and advanced sports massage courses, enabling aspiring students and fitness enthusiasts to work effectively with both amateur and elite sports professionals.

The only area where they need to improve is the pacing of their lectures. Some students mentioned that their instructor spoke too quickly, making it difficult for them to keep up.

Picked up some useful skills that I can use to benefit my family

“Attended the Basic Sports Massage course for self enrichment and it was well worth the time and $! Faizul was patient and accommodating, and the practical lessons were fun. Picked up some useful skills that I can use to benefit my family. Very happy with it! Oh, one suggestion though: It’d be good if fresh sets of towels are provided for every student who’re practiced on, even if the student need to use the same set for 2 days (weekend class) before they get washed.” 

-Chelle Ng, Google Review 

An insightful course that perfectly complements my sports massage training

“Kwan is an awesome and passionate instructor with a clear vision for educating and mentoring future therapists. An insightful course that perfectly complements my sports massage training, enhancing the support I can offer to both current and future clients. I highly recommend these and other courses, as they will greatly benefit anyone interested in rehab therapy and helping others.” 

-Joseph N Harold, Google Review 

The SOHA Institute team was inspired by the rich, deeply rooted knowledge behind various forms of the Healing Arts. 

Their main objective is to help each student master their chosen massage techniques so that, in turn, they’re empowered to help improve the overall physical and spiritual well-being of others.

They offer a wide range of in-person massage programmes, from hand and foot reflexology essentials to infant and geriatric massage. 

What caught our attention was their multiple advanced certifications, allowing you to specialise in high-demand, niche areas like sports or medical massage.

One thing to keep in mind about their face-to-face classes is that instructors sometimes arrive almost an hour late, according to some students.

For those with busy schedules, take advantage of their online courses, including Chinese massage, seated chair massage, and Swedish massage. These programmes have no fixed class times or deadlines, enabling you to learn at your own pace.

A very educational, intense and fun learning experience

“Mr Khoo is very knowledgeable and experienced in TCM meridian massage, and a passionate educator on the topic. He’s always open to answer queries and uses visual examples to support explanations on anatomy etc. which I really appreciate. The school facilities are simple, ‘old-school’ nostalgic but adequate. Overall a very educational, intense and fun learning experience, getting to know classmates (practice partners) as well.” 

-b p, Google Review 

The instructor teaches very well and is very knowledgeable about the subject

“The training in Holistic Massage is excellent in Soha Institute. The course is blended learning, you have online modules, and there are practice sessions and lectures on site. The instructor teaches very well and is very knowledgeable about the subject. I recommend Soha to anyone who aims for an ITEC certification in Holistic Massage.” 

-Jack Gilbert Medrana, Google Review