Government funding for vocational and TAFE courses in NSW
If you meet the eligibility criteria for government funded courses in NSW, your student fees may be fully subsidised so you can get qualified for free (or at a low cost).
In New South Wales, there is one government funding program: The NSW Smart and Skilled subsidy is run and funded by the NSW Government. It provides fully subsidised, free training to eligible students.
Courses can be delivered by TAFE NSW or private providers — also known as Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The government pays the training provider at the time of enrolment. You might still need to pay for student services and amenities or study materials, which the provider sets.
Funding for vocational education and training covers a range of courses at different levels and study areas, but only some training providers offer government funding for their courses.
All eligible students are entitled to complete a certificate II pre-apprenticeship, or a certificate III of their choice, no matter what they have previously studied. You can get funding for courses at a certificate IV level or higher (up to an advanced diploma) in specific high-priority areas.
All government funded courses in NSW require that you are living and working in NSW and that you are either an:
– Australian citizen
– Australian permanent resident
– New Zealand citizen
– Humanitarian visa holder.
Each program has additional criteria, which you can learn about on the scheme’s page.
Popular Government Funded Courses in New South Wales
Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety (NSW Traineeship) (NSW Only)
Certificate IV in Business (General or, Specialisation in Administration or Operations) (NSW Traineeship) (NSW Only)
Certificate IV in Human Resource Management (NSW Traineeship) (NSW Only)
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (NSW Traineeship) (NSW Only)
Diploma of Human Resources Management (NSW Traineeship) (NSW Only)
Government Funding Schemes in New South Wales
Smart and Skilled
Smart and Skilled NSW is an exceptional funding program designed to assist eligible NSW students by providing subsidies for a wide range of courses. This program specifically focuses on helping you obtain your first qualification after completing school, giving you a head start in your career.
Learn MoreSkills Checkpoint
Skills Checkpoint is a government initiative that assists Australians over 40 in retraining and upskilling so they can advance their professions or find new jobs.
Learn More