Overview

Please note that our Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda intakes for 2024 and 2025 are currently full.
We are now preparing for new intakes of Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda, starting at the beginning of 2026.  Please fill out this form to register your interest for the 2026 intake. You will receive updates on course details, schedules, and enrollment procedures once applications open.

Established as the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world, Ayurveda has its origins dating back more than 5000 years ago. The name Ayurveda is derived from its ancient Sanskrit roots – ‘Ayur‘ (‘life’ or ‘longevity’) and ‘Veda‘ (‘science’ or ‘knowledge’). Ayurveda can be described as ‘The Science of Life or Longevity’ or ‘The Yoga of Life’.

Ayurveda and Siddha provide the knowledge and the tools to allow you to experience your ‘life-span’ to its fullest extent This medical science offers a rich, comprehensive, holistic and meaningful outlook to a healthy life.

Ayurveda aims to integrate and balance the body, mind and spirit. In doing so, it aims to:

1. Maintain the health of those who are well and are not suffering from any disease condition. This is achieved by regulating diet and nutrition, exercise, hygiene and lifestyle.
2. Cure disease and illness through accurate diagnosis and administering remedies and therapies to restore you to balance and good health.

However, the highest or ultimate goal of Ayurveda is to attain absolute detachment of the ‘Atman’ or soul. This is the state of liberation or ‘Moksham’. At the same time, the body, mind and its equipment are not neglected but brought very much into focus and attention, as it is the means of realising the Self or Truth.

Each person will practice and live differently as each person is different and unique. Ayurvedic philosophy believes that people, their health, and the universe are all related. It is believed that health problems result when these relationships are out of balance.

Ayurveda focuses on absolute perfect health and not disease; it embraces all areas of life – health, career, relationships and universal spirituality. Experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners can achieve wonderful results through sophisticated detoxification processes, lifestyle advice, diet, exercise and herbal therapy.

Our accredited Educators include experienced Ayurvedic Practitioners some of whom originally trained in India and now work in the west.

Ayurvedic training at EQUALS covers:

• Ayurvedic Nutrition
• Ayurvedic Cooking
• Kitchen Pharmacy
• Herbal Therapy
• Pulse diagnosis
• Tongue diagnosis
• Marma – Trigger point therapy
• Yoga & Pranayama
• Ayurvedic Massage
• Meditation
• Ayurvedic Remedial therapies
• Herbal Medicine Preparation
• Lifestyle Disease Management
• Lifestyle Counselling

The Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda HLT62615 course is dedicated to the integration of authentic, ancient Vedic education with the enlightened Western ideas of today.

Ayurveda offers a diverse range of career pathways, and opportunities are increasing with the acceptance of Ayurveda into western medicine. Typical career options include:

• Ayurvedic Lifestyle Management Consultant,
• Ayurvedic Massage Therapist,
• Ayurvedic Practitioner,
• Health Food Consultant,
• Ayurvedic Cook,
• Vedic Life Coach,
• Yoga & Meditation Practitioner

For more important information, please read our Student Handbook.

Alternatively, you may request to have the handbook emailed to you by contacting admissions@equals.edu.au.

Work Integrated Learning

Integrative Health Internship

Students seeking an Internship that contributes towards Work Integrated Learning hours should discuss directly with the Ayurveda Course Coordinator.

Internship Delivery Arrangements

Students will undertake individual and small group learning as part of their internship.  Learning activities are conducted in the workplace under the direction of qualified workplace trainers and practitioners.  Students also have full access to campus services at EQUALS throughout their studies. Students can expect to spend up to 20 hours per week in the workplace during the Study Period. Each academic year includes four Study Periods.

Upon acceptance of your application, our Course Coordinator will consult with you and prepare a customised study plan that seeks to match your aspirations and maximize your potential.   All interns will be required to complete Foundations of Ayurveda.

Embrace the chance to immerse yourself in Ayurveda’s time-honored knowledge and discover a path towards personal and professional growth.

Please refer to the Extended Course Information for unit details and sequence

Internship Duration

International students can expect to spend approximately 20 hours per week over their two-year internship (includes the Diploma of Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation HLT51615

Domestic students can expect to spend up to 8-12 hours per week over their 12 month internship.

Intern hours may be timetabled over weekends.

Students do not study during Study Period holidays.  

Apply for an Internship

Prospective interns are expected to have a commitment to the practice of Ayurveda and strive to excel in their acquisition of knowledge and skills. People who demonstrative resilience, humility, the ability to work well in teams and a strong commitment to their studies will thrive.

While applications are welcome at any time, a limited number of positions are made available each year.   Applications may be made via this website.

Applicants are encouraged to include a one page letter addressing the following criteria:

1. Interest in Ayurveda: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest and passion for Ayurveda, showing a desire to learn and apply its principles in their future careers.
2. Applicants should address their commitment to acquiring EQUALS’ Graduate Attributes
3. Motivation and Discipline: The internship requires self-motivated and disciplined individuals who can manage their time effectively and commit to the program’s requirements.
4. Applicants must be living in South Australia throughout the Internship Program.
5. Applicants must have access to transport or be willing to travel between host sites.
6. Team Player: Applicants should display an ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, respecting diverse perspectives and contributing positively to the group dynamic.6. Adaptability: The internship involves working in different settings, such as clinics and retreat sites, so candidates should demonstrate adaptability to various environments.
7. Empathy and Compassion: A caring and empathetic approach towards clients and fellow team members is crucial, as Ayurveda emphasises personalized care and holistic healing.
8. Wellness-oriented: Applicants who prioritise their own well-being and demonstrate an interest in promoting a healthy lifestyle align well with the principles of Ayurveda.
9. Future Goals: Applicants should articulate how the internship aligns with their professional goals and how they envision contributing to the field of holistic health in the future.
10. Commitment to Learning: A willingness to embrace continuous learning and a growth mindset are highly valued, as the internship offers opportunities for personal and professional development.

These criteria assist the Course Coordinator identify candidates who are the best fit for the Integrative Health Internship, ensuring a rewarding and enriching experience for both the interns and our industry partners alike.

Consultations with the Course Coordinator will be open prior to the next scheduled intake in mid 2025.

Rejuvenation Retreat

Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda students have the unique opportunity to experience a 2 night Rejuvenation Retreat in the second half of their training.  Rejuvenation Retreats are offered at Ayurveda Village, a healing and nurturing retreat located in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, where traditional Ayurveda and Yoga bring wellness and peace to clients visiting from across Australia and internationally.

Ayurveda recognises that we are each unique and therefore need something different. Ayurveda Village offers Yoga, workshops and traditional, classical Ayurveda treatments including elements of Pancha Karma customised to each individual in an environment conducive to health and healing. At the same time, they are committed to education and empowering clients to know and understand their constitution (Prakriti) and what creates the imbalances (Vikriti) that cause dis-ease.

The Rejuvenation Retreat includes daily Ayurveda Detoxification treatments (Abhyanga massage) using traditional Ayurveda oils to help balance your dosha, steam treatment and body exfoliation made with ayurvedic herbs to cleanse the body. This treatment is given on a Neem wood table and steam box to add the healing energetic properties of the Neem wood to the treatment.

Students enjoy the beautiful acreage and walking trails surrounding the Ayurveda Village.  Accommodation and nourishing meals are also included.

Please note that dates are offered to Students in advance.    Rejuvenation Retreats are not transferable, and Students must be in good financial standing to participate.

Your Educators

Vaidya (Dr) Shweta Rao has completed a Bachelor degree of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S) from India and is a certified Yoga Instructor.

Born and brought up in a traditional South Indian Brahmin family, Ayurveda had a profound influence on Shweta’s life. Shweta was introduced to authentic Ayurveda and its spiritual aspect by her mentor, Dr. Maheshwar Vaidya. The learning from this life science, brought a radical change not only in her health but also in all aspects of her life. She practised authentic Ayurveda for 8 years in Mumbai (India) before immigrating to Australia.

For over five years, Shweta has worked as the principal Ayurvedic practitioner with leading ayurvedic treatment and retreat centres, Aspects of Healing and Ayurveda Village, in Adelaide, South Australia.  For over four years, our students have been fortunate to benefit from Shewta’s knowledge and experience through her teaching of our nationally recognised courses in Ayurveda, delivered locally in South Australia to students all over the Australia and internationally.

In her Ayurvedic journey she learnt that one cannot control the extrinsic factors and pressures which affect our health and life, but one can always try to keep the intrinsic system strong to handle these pressures and use them for our advantage/ growth rather than suffering from their ill effects/disadvantages.

Shweta’s special interests include preventive Ayurvedic lifestyle, digestive health, women’s health, children’s health, pregnancy care, post-partum care, lifestyle related disorders, mental health, and reproductive health.

She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of Ayurveda and empowering learners to be responsible for their health by making conscious choices and sharing this experience with others.

Entry Requirements

Distance Learning Delivery

Each academic year includes four Study Periods. Ayurveda students undertake the following learning activities:

• 1 weekday evening workshop via live webcast each week of the Study Period, led by one of our Ayurvedic physicians and educators; and
• 2 x 7 days of practical training during Integration Week at our campus in Adelaide, South Australia. Integration week is a rich learning opportunity where students and educators come together to integrate theory with practical application and experience. Includes the 2 night Rejuvenation Retreat.

Please refer to the Extended Course Information for unit details and sequence.

Study Units

The course structure comprises of four study periods each full academic year.  Each Study Period includes learning and teaching across core and elective content areas.  This Study Plan requires completion of the Diploma of Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultation prior to starting the Advanced Diploma.

Study Period 1

HLTAYV006 Take cases within an Ayurvedic framework

HLTAYV007 Diagnose conditions within an Ayurvedic framework

HLTAAP003 Analyse and respond to client health information

Study Period 2

HLTAYV009 Provide therapeutic Ayurvedic nutritional advice

Study Period 3

HLTAYV010 Select and advise on Ayurvedic medicines – dravyaguna

HLTAYV011 Prepare and dispense Ayurvedic medicines – dravyaguna

Study Period 4

HLTAYV008 Provide Ayurvedic remedial therapies

HLTAYV012 Monitor and evaluate Ayurvedic treatments

Recognition of Prior Learning

Yes.

Nationally Recognised Training

Yes.

National Recognition (Credit Transfer) and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have related prior education and experiences, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please follow this link for more information on applying for Recognition of Prior Learning. If you have successfully completed units of competency from this qualification previously, you may be eligible for National Recognition, please follow this link for more information on National Recognition (Credit Transfer).