Doc Summary
Short answer: Yes. Australia offers government-backed Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) support through national initiatives and state-based funding programs. Eligibility and coverage vary by state/territory, the qualification, your residency/work status, and the approved training provider (RTO).
What is RPL and why it matters #
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process used by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to formally recognise your existing skills and experience against national units of competency. It can reduce the time and cost needed to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. See the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s definition: https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/glossary/recognition-prior-learning.
The landscape in 2025: where funding comes from #
Government-backed support for RPL typically flows from two sources:
- Commonwealth–state initiatives (e.g., Fee-Free TAFE and VET for priority qualifications), which may allow RPL as part of a funded training place depending on the state and the RTO’s policies. Learn more: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills/fee-free-tafe.
- State and territory programs (e.g., Smart and Skilled NSW, Skills First VIC), which can subsidise eligible learners. RPL may be fully or partially subsidised, and some learners may pay a gap fee.
State-by-state snapshot of RPL support #
Below is a high-level overview. Always check your state’s current rules and the RTO’s policy.
- New South Wales (NSW): Smart and Skilled can subsidise approved qualifications with RPL components for eligible learners. Details: https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/.
- Victoria (VIC): Skills First funding may cover RPL within subsidised places for eligible learners in approved qualifications. Start here: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/learners/fees/Pages/state-funded.aspx.
- Queensland (QLD): Programs such as Certificate 3 Guarantee, Higher Level Skills, and User Choice (apprenticeships/traineeships) may support RPL as part of subsidised delivery. Info: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/providers/funded.
- Western Australia (WA): Jobs and Skills WA subsidises priority courses; many providers allow RPL under funding arrangements. See: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training/subsidised-training.
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Skilled Capital and User Choice can subsidise eligible training and RPL components. Overview: https://www.skills.act.gov.au/skilled-capital.
- South Australia (SA): Subsidised training (including RPL in some cases) is available for eligible learners via Skills SA-approved qualifications. Check: https://skills.sa.gov.au/.
- Tasmania (TAS): Skills Tasmania funds priority training; some providers include RPL assessments within subsidised places. Info: https://www.skills.tas.gov.au/.
- Northern Territory (NT): Funding is available for eligible qualifications through NT training programs; RPL may be included by provider arrangement. See: https://nt.gov.au/ (search “VET funding RPL”).
What RPL subsidies usually cover #
- Assessment fees for RPL against selected units or the whole qualification.
- Gap training where evidence shows partial competence and you need limited training to complete units.
- Priority qualifications aligned to skills shortages (e.g., care, construction, tech, hospitality), often under Fee-Free TAFE/VET or state lists.
Note: Many programs apply a student contribution (co‑contribution) or gap fee. RPL pricing can differ from standard training fees. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on the RTO and program rules.
Who is typically eligible #
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder living/working in the state.
- Applying for a subsidised qualification delivered by an approved RTO with available funded places.
- Meeting enrolment limits (e.g., number of funded qualifications at the same AQF level).
- Providing sufficient evidence of prior learning (work history, references, portfolios, licences, overseas qualifications).
How to check your RPL funding eligibility fast #
- Identify your target qualification (e.g., Cert III/IV/Diploma) and the state where you live/work.
- Confirm provider approval: ensure the RTO is approved for the program in your state and accepts RPL under funding.
- Gather evidence: CV, job descriptions, work samples, references, licences, prior study (including overseas).
- Request an RPL pre-assessment to map your experience to units and estimate any gap training and fees.
Useful government links #
- ASQA on RPL: https://www.asqa.gov.au/resources/glossary/recognition-prior-learning
- Fee-Free TAFE and VET: https://www.dewr.gov.au/skills/fee-free-tafe
- Australian Apprenticeships (supports competency/RPL pathways): https://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
- NSW Smart and Skilled: https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/
- VIC Skills First (learners): https://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/learners/fees/Pages/state-funded.aspx
- QLD funded training: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/providers/funded
- WA subsidised training: https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/training/subsidised-training
- ACT Skilled Capital: https://www.skills.act.gov.au/skilled-capital
How Skills Campus can help #
As an Australian education and migration consulting team, Skills Campus can review your background, identify the most suitable qualifications, connect you with compliant RTOs, and advise on the funding and RPL options available in your state. We assist with evidence gathering and RPL applications, and for migrants, we align skills recognition with broader study and migration goals.
Important notes and timing #
- Funding settings change regularly. Information is current as at November 2025—always verify with the state authority and the RTO.
- RPL places may be limited and subject to priority lists, intake windows, and provider capacity.
- Some programs cover only a portion of RPL fees; a co-contribution may apply.
Take the next step #
Ready to confirm your eligibility and fast-track your qualification via RPL? Speak with our advisors at Skills Campus or contact us directly: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
