Cosmetology course to fulfill booming appeal

Students in China will be able to study cosmetology to meet the country's growing demand for beauty services, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Education.

In a response to a proposal of the third session of the 13th National People's Congress, the ministry said it will adjust the list of majors to add cosmetology as a subcategory, depending on the school's own circumstances.

The ministry said the move will work toward a more scientific and flexible education system to cultivate more diverse talents. After being accredited by the Health Human Resources Development Center, students will be eligible for technical titles to further their career.

China's cosmetology industry is soaring, with procedures such as plastic surgery on the rise. In 2019, the medical market size was 17.69 billion yuan ($2.74 billion), with over 13,000 clinics and 38,343 beauticians, according to iResearch Consulting, a market research company in China.

While investors and venture capitals cash in, the sector has grown despite lack of qualified professionals and clear assessment standards which sometimes leads to malpractices.

Many netizens welcomed the decision and believe the new major can create new career pathways into the industry, while some worried the latest measures will result in needless red tape and prevent people from finding employment.