Government Funded Courses
Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees. Schemes vary from state to state, and students are required to meet eligibility requirements.
What is Government Funding?
Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees. Schemes vary from state to state, and students are required to meet eligibility requirements.
The courses that get subsidised also happen to be the ones that are in high demand. This is because governments fund courses to meet skills shortages or sometimes to prepare for an increase in jobs in that area.
A country with a skilled workforce has a lot of advantages, so both state and federal governments work hard to make affordable training available to everyone. They do this by supporting students by providing funding for courses.
Not all courses are approved for government funding and sometimes a course in one state gets funding, while the same course in another state doesn’t. It might seem complex, but we’ve made it simple for you to find funding with our eligibility check.
Are Government Funded Courses Free?
There are a handful of priority fully funded government courses but places are limited and strict eligibility requirements apply. You may still need to pay fees such as student services fees or material fees.
Even if you can’t get a qualification for free, there are affordable ways to get qualified. Government funded courses cover a more extensive range of courses than the free priority course list and they are readily available. You can find a government funded course by completing the eligibility check.
VET Student Loans are also available for eligible students and help cover the cost of tuition fees. The loans are capped, meaning that students may have to pay gap amounts that are not covered by the loan. Students are required to repay these loans when they begin earning an income that is above the minimum repayment threshold.
How to get Government Funding for a Course
Each state has their own government funding scheme, and the course provider is required to apply and be approved for each funding scheme. Students must also meet eligibility requirements to gain access to these grants.
For you to receive government funding, you need to find a subsidised course by an approved provider and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
We’ve made it easy for you to check your government funded course eligibility. The eligibility check is designed to match your eligibility with a course that suits you best. It is the easiest way to find a government funded course.
Government Funding by State
JobTrainer ACT is an investment of more than $16.75 million in vocational education and training (VET) by the Australian and ACT state governments. This joint undertaking will allow more than 3,500 residents of the Australian Capital Territory to undertake free training.
Skilled Capital allows eligible ACT students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate II through to Advanced Diploma as well as skill sets.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within the Australian Capital Territory. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
JobTrainer is an Australian government initiative to help young Australians get the job skills they need to find employment. Up to $2 billion is being allocated (across all states and territories, including New South Wales) for (VET) vocational education and training.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within New South Wales. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
Smart and Skilled allows eligible NSW students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma as well as all NSW apprenticeships and selected new entrant traineeships.
Thousands of free and low cost training courses are available to residents of the Northern Territory under JobTrainer NT — a joint investment by the Australian government and the NT state government.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within the Northern Territory. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship, and provides additional incentives for students in remote and regional areas.
The Certificate 3 Guarantee provides funding for a range of Certificate III qualifications as well as foundation skills training.
This funding scheme provides free training for students who are under 21 years of age in priority apprenticeship and traineeship programs.
Fee Free Training for Year 12 Graduates enables eligible Year 12 graduates to access fee-free apprenticeships, traineeships and training in high priority areas. The Queensland government provides subsidised training within the calendar year after graduating from high school.
The Higher Level Skills Program provides funding for Certificate IV or higher level qualifications within priority skill sets.
JobTrainer Queensland is an investment of more than $201 million into the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Queensland. This joint initiative between the Federal Government and the QLD state government will allow new workers, school leavers, apprentices, and trainees to access free and low cost training.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within Queensland. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
User Choice Funding is a national funding scheme that subsidises the cost of an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The South Australian state government (in partnership with the federal government) have allocated more than $88 million in new training opportunities for the residents of South Australia.
Skilling South Australia allows eligible SA students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within South Australia. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
WorkReady is the funding and incentive program in South Australia for Vocational Education and Training (VET). WorkReady provides training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups, strategic industries and regional locations.
JobTrainer TAS is a joint undertaking by the State government of Tasmania and the Federal Government. Together they are providing $21.04 million for new VET (vocational education and training) opportunities for the citizens of Tasmania.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within Tasmania. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
Skills Tasmania is a state government program that helps the citizens of Tasmania access subsidised qualifications and the vocational training that leads to actual jobs and business opportunities.
JobTrainer VIC is an investment in the vocational education and training (VET) of Victorian workers, school leavers, apprentices, and trainees. It’s a joint undertaking by the Australian and state government of Victoria allowing residents to enrol in free and low cost training.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within Victoria. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
Skills First allows eligible VIC students to enrol in subsidised qualifications from Certificate I through to an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs and Skills allows eligible WA students to enrol a range of training options including apprenticeships, traineeships, and industry qualifications.
JobTrainer Western Australia is a joint investment by the Australian government and the WA state government into the vocational education and training (VET) sector. Residents of Western Australia share in $104 million of new training opportunities from January 2021.
The Lower Fees, Local Skills program is an initiative of the Western Australian Government and the Department of Training and Workforce Development. Through this program, the state government of WA is heavily subsidising VET training courses in job growth areas and industry sectors that play an important role in diversifying the economy of WA.
Skills Checkpoint is a program offering career guidance and training options for older workers within Western Australia. It’s designed for people aged over 45 and it helps workers to stay in their current job role, transition to a new role at their workplace or find a whole new career path.
Popular Government Funded Courses
CHC52015
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Possible job outcomes:
Family Support Worker
Welfare Worker
Youth Justice Officer
Outreach Worker
Support Worker
Community Development Worker
Community Corrections Officer
Senior Support Worker
Housing Officer
Social Worker
The Diploma of Community Services is suitable for students seeking careers in community services, case management or social housing and delivering services to individuals, groups and communities. The Diploma qualification is divided into three specialisations, covering units of competency in Case Management, Social Housing and Statutory and Forensic Child, Youth and Family Welfare depending on the specialisation selected by the student. Learn more.
CHC43315
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Mental Health Worker
Family Support Worker
Outreach Worker
Support Worker
Peer Support Worker
Social Worker
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is for students wanting to work or volunteer providing support to people affected by mental illness or have a psychiatric disability. Students complete 15 units which focus heavily on foundation interpersonal skills such as building relationships, working collaboratively, and working with diverse cultural groups. Additionally, students graduate with practical skills and knowledge in trauma informed care, drug and alcohol issues affecting mental health and staying safe at work. To graduate and receive the qualification, each student must complete at least 80 hours of relevant work.
The Certificate IV in Mental Health (CHC43315) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
BSB30120
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Accounts Clerk
Data Entry Clerk
Get started in the administration department with the BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Administration). This nationally recognised qualification will teach you communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills, and you’ll graduate able to process the payroll and financial transactions, organise schedules, purchase goods and services, and maintain business resources. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, enrolment dates, and your eligibility for subsidised training. Learn more.
HLT37315
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Practice Manager
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Dental Receptionist
Ward Clerk
Medical Receptionist
Admissions Clerk
Therapy Aide
Medical Secretary
A Certificate III in Health Administration is suitable for students already working as medical receptionists, admissions clerk or wards clerks or individuals seeking roles in hospitals, community health centres or private practices. Students will gain skills important skills including understanding and applying medical terminology, following organisational infection prevention and control procedures as well as working with a diverse range of people. Learn more.
HLT33015
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Therapy Aide
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Allied Health Assistant
Medical Imaging Assistant
A Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance will help you working in roles alongside Allied Health Professionals like Podiatrists, Physiotherapists, Medical Imaging Technicians or Occupational Therapists. You will gain skills in recognising healthy body systems, interpreting and applying medical terminology, understanding Allied Health Programs as well as infection prevention and control. Learn more.
CHC30213
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Worker
Teacher Assistant
Home Tutor
Teacher Aide
A Certificate III in Education Support is suitable for students looking to work as teacher’s aides and tutors at public and independent schools or other community education settings. Students will learn how to support the development of literacy, numeracy and oral language skills as well as guide the responsible behaviour of children and young people. Learn more.
CHC43115
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Disability Team Leader
Disability Service Officer
Residential Care Officer
Diversional Therapy Assistant
Lifestyle Coordinator
A Certificate IV in Disability CHC43115 is perfect for students seeking a career supporting and empowering clients with disabilities. This is a practical qualification and students graduate work-ready and able to provide individualised support, helping disabled clients become more active and included in public and community programs.
The Certificate IV in Disability CHC43115 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
FNS40217
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Accounts Receivable Officer
Bookkeeper
Accounts Officer
Assistant Accountant
Payroll Officer
The Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping is an ideal entry-level course for jobs in the accounting industry. Students learn the skills to perform modern bookkeeper tasks such as preparing and lodging activity statements, maintaining balance sheets, providing tax advice, and assisting with routine processes. Graduates will be able to make key decisions, work autonomously and apply specialist knowledge and skills in a range of industries and organisation types. Learn more.
HLT37215
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Pathology Collector
Phlebotomist
The Certificate III in Pathology Collection (HLT37215) is a hands-on qualification that prepares you for work in a pathology unit or testing centre. Over 6 months you will learn how to collect blood and other pathology samples — then prepare, record and despatch for testing. Choose electives from electrocardiography (ECG), first aid, recognising healthy body systems, drug and abuse testing.
Enquire now for the list of study units and electives, plus your eligibility for government funded training. Learn more.
CHC33015
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Home Care Assistance
Personal Carer
Aged Care Worker
Residential Care Worker
Community Care Worker
Disability Support Worker
Trainee Support Worker
The Certificate III In Individual Support (CHC33015) is perfect for students wanting community service roles supporting the elderly, disabled, or other vulnerable people. Students graduate with the facts, techniques, procedures and practices required to deliver person-centred support. Students begin their learning with 7 core units that cover communication, ethics, interpersonal skills, as well personal safety. Students then complete another 6 electives to create any of 4 vocational outcomes, Ageing, Disability, Home and Community Care, Ageing and Home and Community Care.
The Certificate III in Individual Support (CHC33015) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
BSB30120
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Dental Receptionist
Ward Clerk
Medical Receptionist
Admissions Clerk
The BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) qualifies you for work at a doctor’s surgery, hospital, or dental clinic in administration. Over 6-12 months you will gain essential business admin skills (communication, teamwork, critical thinking) as well as specific training in medical terminology and managing patient records. The course also covers: processing medial accounts, controlling stocks and supplies, patient confidentiality. Enquire now for the list of graduation competencies, entry requirements, and enrolment centres near you. Learn more.
BSB30120
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Customer Service Representative
Office Assistant
Executive Assistant
Receptionist
Data Entry Clerk
Administration Officer
Payroll Clerk
Accounts Clerk
The BSB30120 Certificate III in Business prepares you for an administrative role. You’ll gain essential communication and teamwork skills, then specialise in an area that supports your career aspirations. Specialty areas include: technology and IT, business competence, teamwork and relationships, customer service, accounts, medical administration, records management. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates. Learn more.
CHC50413
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Youth Worker
Family Support Worker
Social Worker
Youth Support Worker
Youth Case Worker
Child Safety Officer
Youth Crisis Counsellor
Youth Counsellor
Welfare Worker
Youth Justice Officer
Outreach Worker
A Diploma of Youth Work CHC50413 is perfect for students seeking a career supporting and mentoring young people. Students graduate with the skills and knowledge required to organise youth programs, activities, and events as well as assist youth in crisis or with mental health issues.
The Diploma of Youth Work CHC50413 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
CHC43415
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Lifestyle Coordinator
Diversional Therapy Assistant
A Certificate IV in Leisure and Health CHC43415 is great for students needing the skills to design and implement leisure activities and health programs. And our course providers have structured the electives in this qualification so students gain specialised skills for working with elderly clients at home or in Australian aged care facilities.
The Certificate IV in Leisure and Health CHC43415 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Community Services Training Package. Learn more.
CPP20218
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Security Guard
Security Officer
CCTV Operator
Become a licensed security guard (unarmed) with the Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218). You will learn how to provide security services for a range of clients while protecting yourself, patrons, and the general public. The course covers: first aid, basic self defence, screening people and personal effects, conducting patrols, crowd control, managing intoxicated people, removing persons from premises.
Enquire now for enrolment opportunities in your state or territory. Learn more.
CHC51015
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Youth Counsellor
Marriage Counsellor
Relationship Counsellor
Counsellor
Youth Crisis Counsellor
Family Counsellor
Family Support Worker
Mental Health Worker
Student Counsellor
The Diploma of Counselling is suitable for students seeking careers as counsellors working with clients on personal and psychological issues using established counselling modalities. Students graduate ready to work in supported counselling roles in established agencies rather than in independent practice. Students will learn about communication, micro-counselling and interviewing skills and how to draw on varied counselling therapies to assist clients. Learn more.
HLT33115
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Ward Assistant
Patient Care Assistant
Operating Theatre Technician
Nursing Assistant
Allied Health Assistant
Patient Services Assistant
Hospital Attendant
A Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115 is a tailored for students needing the practical skills to assist with nursing work in an acute care environment. Students learn the fundamentals of working within the Australian Health System, transporting and assisting patients in acute care, as well as first aid.
The Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Health Training Package. Learn more.
SIS30315
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Gym Instructor
Group Fitness Instructor
The Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30315) is a pathway to working as a fitness instructor at gyms, fitness and recreational centres. Students begin by leaning how to conduct fitness screenings and administer pre-exercise health questionnaires (to keep their clients safe). And follow up with the practical skills necessary for giving exercise instruction to a broad range of clients. Student also learn how to maintaining fitness equipment.
The Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30315) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. Learn more.
BSB50420
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Possible job outcomes:
Office Manager
Project Coordinator
Team Leader
Supervisor
The BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management is for the next generation of business leaders who need highly developed emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate with influence. This nationally recognised diploma has a heavy focus on interpersonal skills and relationship building, while teaching you how to develop administrative systems, operational plans, budgets, policy and compliance documents. Choose electives in areas that support your job role: finance, administration, risk management, big data, industrial relations, customer service.
Enquire now for the list of study units, elective choices, and upcoming enrolment dates. Learn more.
HLT47315
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Possible job outcomes:
Practice Manager
Dental Receptionist
Patient Liaison Officer
Senior Clinical Coder
Ward Clerk
Dental Office Manager
Admissions Clerk
Medical Receptionist
Medical Secretary
A Certificate IV in Health Administration is suitable for individuals who work in a senior operational role or lead a team in health administration. Students will learn how to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology. Students will also gain leaderships skills in managing teams, human resources and recruitment. Learn more.