What is government funding?
Government funding programs are designed to make education and training more affordable. Here are the main types of funding offered:
Vocational Education and Training
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State-based funding
Each state and territory in Australia has its own VET funding schemes and the eligibility criteria varies. A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can assess your eligibility. Find a funded course and speak to an RTO.
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VET Student Loans (VSL)
A loan to help cover tuition fees for approved vocational courses at the diploma level or above. You repay the loan once your income exceeds a certain threshold.
Higher Education
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Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The government subsidises part of your university tuition for eligible courses. You can delay paying your student contribution with a HECS-HELP loan.
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HELP Loans (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP)
A loan to help cover tuition fees for approved higher education courses. You repay the loan once your income exceeds a certain threshold.
State-based funding
Each state offers funding for VET courses to eligible students, targeting industries crucial to economic growth. To access this funding, you need to find a course that is approved under the funding scheme and delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation. Learn more about each scheme below.
Fee-Free TAFE
Looking to enhance your skills for better employment opportunities? If you're in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), you might be eligible for complimentary training.
Learn more- be 17 years of age or older
- not enrolled at school or another program leading to the completion of Year 12
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in the ACT
- not have enrolled in the course previously
Skilled Capital
Skilled Capital allows eligible ACT students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma as well as skill sets.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled in or attending secondary school or college except where the student:
- is undertaking a course of study leading to completion of year 12 in an alternative program, or
- has an Exemption Certificate and the selected Skilled Capital qualification is an approved ASBA pathway.
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in the ACT
User Choice
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an Australian Apprenticeship. The level of funding varies by state.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- be working in the ACT and receiving remuneration for your work
- be completing a minimum of 15 hours combined work and training per week
- be employed on a part-time or full-time basis (not casual) when you commence your training
- be undertaking an approved Australian Apprenticeships qualification with an approved registered training organisation
- have the required supervision in the workplace for an Australian Apprentice
Fee-Free TAFE
Need the skills to get a job or follow your career passion? If you live in New South Wales (NSW) you might be eligible for free training.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in NSW
- not have enrolled in the course previously
NSW Fee-Free training
Browse fully subsidised courses and check your eligibility for the hundreds of qualifications up-for-grabs under the NSW Fee-Free scheme.
Learn more
- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in NSW
Smart and Skilled
Smart and Skilled allows eligible NSW students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma as well as all NSW apprenticeships and selected new entrant traineeships.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in NSW
Fee-Free TAFE
Seeking to upgrade your skills for a fulfilling career? Residents in the Northern Territory (NT) might have access to free vocational training.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in NT
User Choice
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship, and provides additional incentives for students in remote and regional areas.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in NT
Certificate 3 Guarantee
The Certificate 3 Guarantee provides funding for a range of Certificate III qualifications as well as foundation skills training.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school (with the exception of VET in Schools students)
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in QLD
- not hold, or be enrolled in, a certificate III level or higher qualification (not including qualifications completed at school and foundation skills training).
Construction Skills Queensland
Eligible Queensland building and construction workers can have up to 75% of training costs covered by Construction Skills Queensland for short courses, higher qualifications, skills assessments, and gap training, supporting those seeking to upskill or re-enter the industry.
Learn more- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in QLD
- be employed in the building and construction industry for at least six months or be an unemployed eligible worker for no more than six months
- not be an employee of an authority
- not be a contracted trainer, assessor, or existing worker of an RTO
- not be receiving funding from another source for the same training
- not be funded for more than eight short courses in the same program period
- not be funded for more than three high-risk work units (excluding asbestos units) in the same program period
- not be seeking a Verification of Competency
Fee-Free TAFE
Fee-Free TAFE (QLD) is a state government initiative that offers eligible Queenslanders the chance to attain a fully accredited diploma, certificate qualification, or short course at zero cost.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in QLD
- not have enrolled in the course previously (not including foundation skills training)
- not have completed a qualification previously under Fee-Free TAFE or Free Nursing
Free training for Apprenticeships
This funding scheme provides free training for students who are under 21 years of age in priority apprenticeship and traineeship programs.
Learn more- be 25 years of age or younger
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in QLD
Free training for Year 12 graduates
Fee Free Training for Year 12 Graduates enables eligible Year 12 graduates to access fee-free apprenticeships, traineeships and training in high priority areas. The Queensland government provides subsidised training within the calendar year after graduating from high school.
Learn more- be 17 years of age or older
- have completed Year 12 in Queensland and hold a Senior Statement, or equivalent certification
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in QLD
Higher Level Skills
The Higher Level Skills Program provides funding for Certificate IV or higher level qualifications within priority skill sets.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in QLD
- not have enrolled in the course previously
User Choice
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Learn more- be 17 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in QLD
- have entered a training contract for a qualification funded by the government
- have selected a government-approved training provider.
Fee-Free TAFE
Looking to upgrade your skillset and propel your career forward? If you're in South Australia (SA), you might have the opportunity to access free training.
Learn more
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- be a First Nations Australian; OR
- be 17-24 years of age; OR
- be unemployed or receiving income support payments; OR
- be an unpaid carer; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is facing economic insecurity; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is undertaking study in non-traditional fields; OR
- be a person with a disability, including autism and neurodivergence.
- be a certain category of visa holder.
As well as ALL of the following requirements:
- be 16 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in SA
Skilling South Australia
Skilling South Australia allows eligible SA students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma.
Learn more- be 16 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in SA
Fee-Free TAFE
Ready to enhance your skills and advance your career? If you're in Tasmania (TAS), you might be in luck with access to free training.
Learn more
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- be a First Nations Australian; OR
- be 17-24 years of age; OR
- be unemployed or receiving income support payments; OR
- be an unpaid carer; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is facing economic insecurity; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is undertaking study in non-traditional fields; OR
- be a person with a disability
As well as ALL of the following requirements:
- a dependent (aged over 18) or partner (spouse) visa holder of an eligible applicant
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in TAS
Skills Tasmania
Skills Tasmania is a state government program that helps the citizens of Tasmania access subsidised qualifications and the vocational training that leads to actual jobs and business opportunities.
Learn more- a dependent (aged over 18) or partner (spouse) visa holder of an eligible applicant
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in TAS
Fee-Free TAFE
Fee-Free TAFE is a Victorian government initiative aimed at providing free training in selected courses to help people gain the skills they need to secure a job. It offers a range of qualifications in industries such as health, construction, and technology, with the goal of reducing the cost of education and increasing job opportunities.
Learn more- be 17 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in VIC
Skills First
Skills First allows eligible VIC students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma.
Learn more- be 17 years of age or older
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in VIC
Fee-Free TAFE
Seeking to boost your skillset and explore new career opportunities? If you're in Western Australia (WA), you might have the chance to benefit from free training.
Learn more
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- be a First Nations Australian; OR
- be unemployed or receiving income support payments; OR
- be an unpaid carer; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is facing economic insecurity; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is undertaking study in non-traditional fields; OR
- be a person with a disability
As well as ALL of the following requirements:
- be 17 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in WA
Jobs and Skills
Jobs and Skills allows eligible WA students to enrol a range of training options including apprenticeships, traineeships, and industry qualifications.
Learn more
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- be a First Nations Australian; OR
- be unemployed or receiving income support payments; OR
- be an unpaid carer; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is facing economic insecurity; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is undertaking study in non-traditional fields; OR
- be a person with a disability
As well as ALL of the following requirements:
- be 17 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in WA
Lower Fees, Local Skills
The Lower Fees, Local Skills program is an initiative of the Western Australian Government and the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Through this program, the state government of WA is heavily subsidising VET training courses in job growth areas and industry sectors that play an important role in diversifying the economy of WA.
Learn more- be 15 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live or work in WA
- be dependent or spouse of the primary holder of a visa
- be a Bridging Visa E holder
Popular government funded courses
Enquire with a course provider to confirm availability of funded places and eligibility requirements.
Certificate IV in Disability Support
- Completed Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) or equivalent qualifications OR
- Completed CHC30408 Certificate III in Disability PLUS the CHCSS00125 Entry to Certificate IV in Disability Support Skill Set.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Mental Health
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Pathology Collection
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate II in Security Operations
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Community Services
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Community Services
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Community Services
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
- Completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care OR Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualifications
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Patisserie
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Fitness
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Carpentry
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Beauty Therapy
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
