Government Funded Courses in New South Wales

What are government-funded courses in NSW?

Government-funded courses are training programs where the NSW government pays all or part of your course fees directly to the training provider.

This means:

• You may pay reduced fees or nothing at all
• Training is aligned with industries that need workers
• Courses are designed to deliver practical, job-ready skills

What is Smart and Skilled?

Smart and Skilled NSW is a government initiative that makes education more accessible by subsidising courses for eligible students. It’s designed to help you earn your first qualification after school and take the first step towards your career.

The program focuses on:

• Providing subsidised, low-cost training to eligible NSW residents
• Ensuring all eligible students have access to a Certificate II pre-apprenticeship or a Certificate III of their choice
• Supporting higher-level qualifications in targeted priority areas
• Addressing skill shortages across high-demand industries

Whilst most of your course tuition is subsidised by the government, you may have to pay for additional costs like student services or study materials.

Eligibility criteria for NSW

To qualify for a subsidised training place in New South Wales, you must meet residency, visa and age requirements.

Residency requirements

You must be living or working in New South Wales.

Citizenship and visa eligibility

You must be one of the following:

• Australian citizen
• Australian permanent resident
• New Zealand citizen
• Humanitarian visa holder

Age and schooling requirements

• You must be 15 years or older
• You must not currently be enrolled in school

Previous qualifications

If you’ve studied before, you can still enrol in government-funded courses up to Certificate III level. However, you’ll need to check your eligibility for Certificate IV level courses and above.

Note: Exceptions apply for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Fee concessions are available to students receiving Commonwealth Government benefits and their dependants.

Always confirm your eligibility with an approved training provider before enrolling.

What courses are available?

The Smart and Skilled program offers a wide selection of courses to help you enter the workforce with confidence. This includes but isn’t limited to:

• Certificate II in Horticulture
• Certificate III in Animal Studies
• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security
• Certificate IV in Mental Health

Priority study areas include:

• Aged care and individual support
• Early childhood education
• Community services and disability
• Mental health
• Healthcare and allied health
• Cyber security and IT
• Business administration and HR
• Work health and safety
• Building and construction
• Entrepreneurship and innovation

Course costs and financial support

Government-funded training significantly reduces the cost of studying in NSW.

Smart and Skilled subsidies

• The government pays between 55% and 90% of your course fees
• You typically only pay between 10% and 45% of the full student fee
• Pay upfront or in convenient instalments

Concession rates

You may be eligible for further reduced fees if you hold:

• A Pensioner Concession Card
• A Repatriation Health Benefits Card
• Income support such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, or ABSTUDY

VET student loans

• Available for some Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses
• Allows you to defer tuition fees until you’re earning
• Repayments only begin once your income reaches a set threshold
• The 2026 HELP loan limit is $129,883 for most students
• Not all courses or providers are approved

Fee-free TAFE

• Available to eligible students in selected areas
• Typically, for job seekers, people receiving income support, and those returning to study
• Designed to reduce barriers to education and improve workforce participation

Apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW

Many government-funded training pathways in NSW are linked to an apprenticeship or traineeship, which combines structured learning with real work experience.

Apprenticeships

• Typically takes 3-4 years to complete
• Focus of trade-based careers such as construction, engineering, automotive, hairdressing and cookery

Traineeships

• Usually takes 1-2 years to complete
• Cover areas such as business administration, information technology, community services, early childhood education and healthcare

Fee-free training is available for eligible students undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships, allowing you to earn and learn at the same time.

Where can you study?

Government-funded training is available across metropolitan and regional New South Wales, delivered through TAFE NSW and approved RTOs. Key locations include:

• Sydney (CBD and greater metro area)
• Newcastle and the Hunter Region
• Wollongong and the Illawarra
• Central Coast
• Blue Mountains
• Wagga Wagga
• Albury-Wodonga
• Dubbo
• Orange
• Tamworth
• Byron Bay and Northern Rivers
• Coffs Harbour
• Broken Hill
• Regional and remote NSW communities

Enquire about a government-funded course today!

Government-funded courses make it easier to gain in-demand skills without the financial burden. Whether you’re starting your career, upskilling in your current role, or changing industries, there are subsidised training options available across New South Wales.

Browse available smart and skilled courses, check your eligibility with an approved training provider, and take the next step toward a new qualification today.