Doc Summary
Government‑subsidised training helps workers upskill or reskill at a reduced cost through nationally recognised courses delivered by approved providers. In Australia, most funding is managed by state and territory governments (for example, Smart and Skilled in NSW or Skills First in Victoria), alongside national initiatives such as Fee‑Free TAFE and support for apprenticeships and traineeships. Below is a clear, step‑by‑step guide to help you apply—whether you are an employee seeking individual funding or an employer supporting your workforce.
Quick answer: the steps to apply #
- Check your eligibility (residency, location, age, prior study).
- Choose a subsidised course and approved provider in your state/territory.
- Create or locate your Unique Student Identifier (USI) at https://www.usi.gov.au/.
- Gather documents (ID, proof of residency/citizenship, concession card if relevant, employment details).
- Complete the provider’s enrolment and funding application or apply via your state portal if required.
- Obtain employer approval if the training is work‑related or part of a traineeship/apprenticeship.
- Confirm your fees and any co‑contribution/concession.
- Finalise enrolment and commence training; keep records for audits and incentives.
Eligibility: who can apply? #
Eligibility criteria vary by jurisdiction and program, but commonly include:
- Residency status: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen.
- Living or working in the funding state/territory at the time of enrolment.
- Age thresholds (often 15+ and not at school, unless in a school‑based program).
- Course level and your prior qualifications (some funding is for first post‑school qualification or priority skill areas).
- Employment status (for traineeships/apprenticeships or specific worker‑upskilling programs).
Temporary visa holders may have limited access. If you are on a visa or unsure about eligibility, contact an approved provider or speak with Skills Campus for tailored guidance.
Which programs can I use? #
Explore your local options and apply through your state/territory or via an approved provider:
- NSW – Smart and Skilled: https://www.smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au
- VIC – Skills First: https://www.vic.gov.au/skills-first
- QLD – Subsidised training: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/subsidised-training
- SA – Skills SA: https://skills.sa.gov.au/
- WA – Jobs and Skills WA: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training
- TAS – Skills Tasmania: https://www.skills.tas.gov.au/funding
- ACT – Skilled Capital: https://www.skills.act.gov.au/skilled-capital
- NT – Training and skills: https://nt.gov.au/industry/trade-jobs-and-skills/training-and-skills
National initiatives to consider:
- Fee‑Free TAFE (priority courses, states/territories deliver): https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/fee-free-tafe
- Apprenticeships and traineeships (incentives and support): https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au
- Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers (career planning and training co‑funding): https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/individuals/training/careers-advice/skills-checkpoint
Step‑by‑step application process #
- Identify your goal and course
Decide the skills or qualification you need (e.g., Certificate III in Individual Support, Diploma of Project Management). Ensure the course is on your state’s subsidised list. - Use eligibility checkers
Most portals have online tools to confirm eligibility and indicative fees (e.g., NSW Smart and Skilled eligibility checker). - Choose an approved provider
Select a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with the right mode (online, blended, on‑campus), schedule, and location. Verify they are approved for funding for your chosen course. - Create/find your USI
Obtain your Unique Student Identifier at https://www.usi.gov.au/. You need this to enrol in nationally recognised training. - Prepare documentation
Gather ID (driver licence or passport), Medicare card, proof of residency/citizenship, concession card (if relevant), and employment details (letter or contract) for work‑based programs. - Complete the funding application
Either apply through the provider (most common) or via your state portal, then finalise enrolment with the RTO. You may need a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment. - Employer approval (if applicable)
If your training is a traineeship/apprenticeship or done during work hours, obtain written approval and sign the training contract as required. - Confirm fees and concessions
Review your student fee, concessions, or fee‑free eligibility before you start. Keep evidence for audit purposes.
Documents you’ll typically need #
- USI number
- Proof of identity and age
- Proof of residency/citizenship or eligible visa status
- Evidence of living/working in the state/territory
- Concession or health care card (if seeking reduced fees)
- Employer details and training contract (for apprentices/trainees)
- Prior qualifications transcripts (to assess eligibility and avoid duplication)
Costs, co‑contributions and concessions #
Funding usually covers a substantial portion of tuition; you may still pay a student co‑contribution. Concessions are available for eligible learners (e.g., Healthcare Card holders). Some courses may be fully fee‑free under government priorities. If you already hold a qualification at the same or higher level, funding may be limited or different fees may apply.
Use Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to fast‑track #
If you have relevant work experience, RPL can convert your skills to nationally recognised outcomes, reducing time and cost. Many subsidised programs allow RPL, though evidence requirements apply. Skills Campus can pre‑assess your RPL suitability and align it with the right funding stream.
Recommended timelines and tips #
- Start 4–6 weeks before your target start date to allow for checks and documentation.
- Compare at least two approved providers for fees, intakes and delivery mode.
- Keep copies of all submissions and confirmations.
- If you change jobs or move state, notify your RTO—funding conditions can change.
How Skills Campus can help #
As an Australian education and RPL specialist, Skills Campus guides workers and employers to the right subsidised pathway, verifies eligibility, prepares documentation, supports RPL assessments, and manages applications end‑to‑end. We also advise on employer training strategies and traineeship/apprenticeship options to maximise incentives while building real capability.
Explore our services at https://skillscampus.com.au/ and speak with an advisor today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
