The Pilates Essential Course comprises 28 hours of theory, 20 hours of practice, and 76 hours of training. These sessions are conducted through a blend of online classes and in-person training. Our in-person sessions provide the optimal environment for receiving personalized feedback from instructors, fostering confidence as an instructor.

What Are the Main Pilates Instructor Qualifications in Australia/NZ?

There are three main qualification pathways:

1. Pilates Certificate Course

2. Certificate IV in Pilates (nationally recognised)

3. Diploma of Pilates

These are all valid and accepted across studios in Australia & New Zealand — each varies in cost, duration, depth, and career pathway. Some advanced programs may offer an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor degree in Pilates, but they’re not essential for starting your journey.

You can become a Pilates Instructor from studying our course, which is accredited by Korean Fitness standards. By completing the course, you can apply for national Pilates Instructor insurance which then allows you to teach at a Pilates studio.

The only benefit of studying at a Certificate IV/III is if you’re looking to work as a Pilates Instructor in an Australian gymnasium, which usually requires this particular certification.

Most boutique studios, wellness centres, and clinics accept certificate-trained instructors — especially if they’ve trained with reputable programs like FONV Academy.

You only need a Certificate III/IV in Fitness if you plan to work at commercial gyms like Fitness First or Goodlife. These chains often have internal policies that require fitness qualifications for insurance purposes.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including Pilates fundamentals, teaching of the reformer, mat, and props, as well as anatomy. The anatomy component is led by experienced instructors, ensuring a deep understanding of the body's mechanics and enhancing your ability to teach Pilates effectively and safely. Additionally, the course includes specialized instruction in addressing medical conditions and prenatal Pilates, providing you with a diverse skill set for a successful career in Pilates instruction.

With our course certification, you can pursue various career paths in the Pilates industry. You can work as a group Pilates instructor for mat or reformer classes, offering both group sessions and private lessons to clients. Additionally, the certification may open doors to opportunities where you can train and mentor aspiring Pilates instructors, shaping the next generation of professionals in the field. Our certification also allows you to work as an instructor in studios globally, providing flexibility and opportunities for international experience. The Pilates teachers' community is known for its supportive and encouraging atmosphere, offering flexible work hours and locations. Whether you have kids or other commitments, you can choose the hours you want to work, and the compensation is fair and competitive.

The course spans over a 2-month period and includes workshops and seminars. Following the educational component, there is a 2-month gap before the exam. During this time, students transition into apprenticeship roles, shadowing instructors to gain hands-on knowledge and real-life application. At Villa Pilates, we ensure guaranteed shadowing positions and offer opportunities for hands-on learning and practical application of education, enhancing the overall learning experience.

In conclusion, the course spans 2 months of weekend learning sessions and occasional weeknight seminars. Following this educational phase, there is a 1-month apprenticeship to facilitate exam revision and hands-on training. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, students sit for the exam.

By undertaking this comprehensive program, participants emerge as globally accredited and highly competitive Pilates instructors equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field.

The FONV Level 1 course is $6500 AUD.

There are payment options available for the course.

The payment options are below:

1. $1500 non-refundable deposit upon successful application. Then remainder full payment $5000 by 1st June 2025.

2. $1500 non-refundable deposit upon successful application. Then $1000 weekly instalments starting 1st June 2025.

There is no interest charged for the above payment plans.

As we have a close knit team and small intake, we can only allow two sessions missed within the fees of the $5500 course.

We will offer make-up sessions during apprenticeship month.

If more than 2 sessions are missed then any subsequent make up sessions will incur a $150 lesson fee.

The next Level One exam will be held in Melbourne in March or April 2025.

However, you may attend the examinations at other FONV association studios in other countries if they have one at a more suitable time for you.

With your certificate you may apply for positions at Pilates Studios of your choice. Villa Pilates requires all graduates to interview at the studio alike other applicants.

As Villa Pilates is the official FONV education centre in Melbourne, there are career opportunities to become a FONV educator in Melbourne.

Students of the FONV academy have the opportunity to undertake placement and observation hours at Villa Pilates studio.

However, students are welcome to organise these at any studio of their choice.

Who Is This Course Ideal For?

• Aspiring Pilates instructors (no fitness background needed)

• Allied Health professionals (Physiotherapists, Osteos, etc.)

• Certified instructors wanting deeper hands-on training

• International students looking to study with a respected studio brand in Australia

What’s Included in the FONV Course?

• In-depth pre-course materials (textbooks)

• Face-to-face sessions at Villa Pilates Melbourne

• Supervised practice teaching hours

• Small group mentoring

• Ongoing support + connection to an international network

• No hidden costs except optional Pilates Instructor insurance upon completion

• Studio use for self-practice at Villa Pilates (after-hours)

Our course is popular with international students as the FONV course is highly recognised in Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and China.

FONV Melbourne’s course is ideal for those on working holidays, tourist visas, or already residing in Australia.

No problem. FONV includes full anatomy and physiology education, so you’ll graduate feeling confident in cueing, correcting, and delivering exceptional classes.