Government Funded Courses in QLD

Government-funded courses in Queensland are a smart way to level up in your career fast while keeping your training costs down. Once you have your qualification, you’ll be in a better financial position and equipped with the skills employers want.

Read this guide to check out the range of government funded qualifications you can take on, and how to get government funding.

Queensland has a comprehensive vocational training funding scheme, which covers everything from foundational courses, Certificate III qualifications and apprenticeships, and even Advanced Diplomas. The funded courses on offer cover a wide range of subjects – so you’re bound to find one that’s a great fit for you.

Training programs in areas with skills shortages are heavily subsidised, and for year 12 leavers, they can even be fully funded. So, if you choose an area where skilled workers are in demand, you can end up paying very little for your training. Not only that, but you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a job.

Depending on whether you choose to take on a full-time or part-time course, or an Australian apprenticeship or traineeship, there are plenty of study options available to help you choose the right course for you.

There are a variety of subject areas that qualify for government subsidisation. We’ve listed some of the most popular and relevant funded courses for you to browse, grouped into different subject areas. Click the links below to jump to top courses in that area.

• Childcare courses
• Education & Training courses
• Aged Care courses
• Youth Work courses
• Diploma of Child Care
• Certificate III in Aged Care
• Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention
• Retail courses
• Certificate 3 in Aged Care courses
• Nursing courses
• Logistics courses
• Bookkeeping courses
• Small Business courses
• Advanced Diploma of Accounting courses
• Business Administration courses
• Library courses
• Disability Care Courses
• Education Courses
• Electronics courses

• Engineering courses
• Hospitality & cooking courses
• Travel, tourism and events courses
• Agriculture, horticulture and land management courses
• Automotive and mechanics courses
• Building & construction courses
• Fitness & sports courses
• IT courses
• Animal care & veterinary courses
• Sales & customer service courses
• Healthcare & medical courses
• Finance, accounting & bookkeeping courses
• Art, design and digital media courses
• Language, writing & communications
• Mining, energy & resources courses
• Foundational skills courses
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander studies courses

In Queensland, all eligible students have the opportunity to take part in government funding.

This subsidisation is available for specific government-funded courses that are offered by training providers and RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) which are approved by the Queensland Government. This applies to all government-funded courses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Your eligibility to take part in government-funded courses in Queensland is dependent on several considerations, established by your RTO or course provider on enrolment.

All government funding requires you to meet these eligibility criteria at a minimum:

• An Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or permanent resident
• Living permanently in Queensland
• Aged 15 or older (unless you have an exemption from compulsory schooling)

Each program may have its own additional requirements.

Get started by checking your eligibility for funding.

What are VET Student Loans?

VET Student Loans is an Australian Government loan scheme that looks after the TAFE and Training department.

The government developed the help scheme to cover some (or all) of a course cost through a student loan. The student can then pay this loan off once they start to earn a particular level of income, set through the scheme (this salary amount is subject to change).

The VET Student Loans scheme is available to all training organisations that have been authorised by the Australian government.

Help with tuition fees may be available to you if you are studying at diploma level or above, and via an approved training provider.

Certificate 3 Guarantee Program

The Queensland Government’s Certificate 3 Guarantee funds training fees at Certificate III level for Queensland residents who fit the eligibility requirements and do not already have a Certificate III level or higher qualification.

Higher Level Skills Program

The Higher Level Skills program covers training fees for a variety of qualifications for eligible Queensland residents who do not hold a Certificate IV qualification or higher. Qualifications include Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diplomas.

Fee-free Training for Year 12 Graduates

Year 12 graduates can access fee-free training in high priority areas.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work

This initiative aids eligible Queensland residents to advance their skills and expand their qualifications to equip Queenslanders for the workforce better. ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ offers several programs that provide education to improve employment opportunities. Its focus is to support young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature-age job seekers, women re-entering the workforce, veterans and ex-service personnel and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Apprenticeship and Traineeship Assistance

The Queensland government understands the difficulties that Aussie Apprentices and Trainees encounter when entering the workforce. For this reason, again depending on eligibility, you may be able to apply for Fee Help. These are:

• Trade Support Loans
• Living Away from Home Allowance
• User Choice
• Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY

Centrelink Assistance

Centrelink offers a wide range of fee help options for Queensland residents that wish to take on further education. Eligibility is dependent on several factors. Some of these are:

• Austudy
• Youth Allowance
• ABSTUDY (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students)