Government Funded Courses in Tasmania

What are government funded courses?

Government funded courses are training programs where the Tasmanian Government pays part or all 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 deliver practical, job-ready skills and nationally recognised qualifications

What is Skills Tasmania?

Skills Tasmania is the Tasmanian Government’s primary vocational training program, helping eligible learners access subsidised training that lead to real jobs and career opportunities. Government subsidised training is delivered by TasTAFE and endorsed Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) across the state.

Who’s eligible?

To access government subsidised training in Tasmania, you must be a Tasmanian resident and one of the following:

• Australian citizen
• Permanent resident
• New Zealand citizen
• Eligible visa holder, including bridging visa holders, temporary humanitarian visa holders, partner/spouse visa holders, special category visa holders, and dependants aged over 18

What courses are available?

Government funded courses in Tasmania are available across a wide range of in-demand industries and qualification levels from Certificate III through to Advanced Diploma. Priority study areas include:

• Building and construction
• Nursing and allied health
• Early childhood education and care
• Individual support, disability, and aged care
• Community services
• Information technology and cyber security
• Business and administration
• Hospitality and food services
• Fitness and sport
• Engineering and automotive
• Horticulture and conservation

Visit the Skills Tasmania website for the Government Funded Priority Courses List, updated annually as part of the Skills Tasmania Snapshot of Training Needs.

Course costs and financial support

Tasmanian Government subsidised training significantly reduces the cost of vocational education, and additional funding programs are available depending on your circumstances.

Skills Tasmania Subsidies

• The Tasmanian Government pays a portion of your course fees directly to the training provider
• You may only need to pay a small gap fee or nothing at all
• Additional fees for materials, textbooks, and services vary by provider and course

Fee-Free TAFE

• Eligible learners can access fee-free TAFE in selected priority areas, with tuition costs covered in full
• Typically available to job seekers, people receiving income support, and those returning to study
• Materials fees may still apply — confirm with your training provider at enrolment

Train Now Fund

• Provides government funding for nationally recognised training in qualifications and skill sets that meet an immediate or unexpected industry, enterprise, or learner training need in a particular region or for a particular cohort
• Open to existing workers and job seekers
• Available until 31 December 2026, or until all funds are exhausted

Rapid Response Skills Initiative (RRSI)

• Designed to help Tasmanians who are out of work through no fault of their own reskill and access new career opportunities
• Delivered through Jobs Tasmania

VET Student Loans

• Available for some Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at approved providers
• Allows eligible students to defer tuition fees until earning above the repayment threshold
• Not all courses or providers are approved — confirm before enrolment

Centrelink Assistance

Options include Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Education Entry Payment, Pensioner Education Supplement, Student Start-up Loan, and Rent Assistance, depending on age, income, and study load.

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Many government funded training pathways in Tasmania are linked to an apprenticeship or traineeship, combining structured learning with real on-the-job experience. Apprentices and trainees in Tasmania gain nationally recognised qualifications while earning an income.

Apprenticeships — typically 3–4 years, covering trade-based careers such as construction, engineering, automotive, hairdressing, and cookery.

Traineeships — usually 1–2 years, covering areas such as IT, childcare, aged care, community services, hospitality, and business.

Eligible apprentices and trainees may also access travel and accommodation allowances to support training delivery in regional and remote areas of Tasmania.

Other support available

New Apprenticeship Scholarship Program (NASP)

A Tasmanian Government funding scheme that provides financial assistance to help apprentices and trainees completing their qualifications. Contact a registered training provider for current eligibility and availability.

Skills Checkpoint for Older Workers

• Available to Tasmanians aged 40 and over
• Provides personalised career assessment and one-on-one coaching at no cost
• Includes a co-funding contribution toward an eligible training course for upskilling or career transition
• Available to those currently employed or recently unemployed within the last 12 months

26Ten Workplace Grants

• Supports learners and employers in building the foundation literacy, numeracy, and digital skills needed to complete training and perform effectively in the workplace
• Available to workers and employers across Tasmania

Industry Partnerships Program

• Supports collaborative partnerships between industry, community organisations, and government
• Focused on workforce development and funded courses in priority sectors

Where can you study?

Government funded courses in Tasmania are available across metropolitan and regional areas, with Skills Tasmania actively supporting training delivery in regional and remote communities. Both online study and hands-on training at campus locations are subsidised state-wide. Key locations include:

• Hobart
• Launceston
• Devonport
• Burnie
• Ulverstone
• Queenstown
• St Helens
• Huonville
• Smithton
• Regional and remote Tasmanian communities

Enquire about a government funded course today!

Whether you’re starting your career, upskilling in your current role, or changing industries, there are government subsidised training options available across Tasmania to help you build a rewarding career.

Visit the Skills Tasmania website to find government funded courses in Tasmania, check your eligibility criteria, and locate an endorsed training provider near you.