Financial Assistance

A subsidy is money paid by a state or territory government to a registered training organisation (RTO) to partially reduce, or in some cases fully cover, your tuition fee.

My Skills displays information on which courses are subsidised by which states and territories at specific RTOs. However, eligibility rules vary, so you will need to contact the RTO directly to confirm your eligibility.

VET Student Loans is a loan program to help eligible students enrolled in certain higher level vocational education and training courses, at approved course providers, pay their tuition fees (up to capped amounts). VET Student Loans commenced on 1 January 2017. For more information, visit Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

This tool will help you check your eligibility for a VET Student Loan and should be used as a guide only.

Once you have completed the questions, take a copy of your report to your training provider along with the suggested supporting documentation.

For more information about VET Student Loans, please refer to the VET Student Loans information booklet.

The VET Student Loans calculator can help you understand what your debt will be when you start your course, and show you how it may increase if you do not earn enough to begin paying back the loan.

It is important to remember that the initial debt amount (including the loan fee, if applicable) plus indexation must be paid back once you start earning over a certain amount. Compulsory repayment threshold information is available on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website.

There may be additional fees attached to your course; be sure to check with the training provider to get clear details about your financial obligations before enrolling.

*To use the calculator, take note of your course's Tuition Fee and VET Student Loans Cap details.

An Australian Apprenticeship (apprenticeship or traineeship) gives you a nationally recognised qualification and the experience you need to get ahead in your chosen career. Visit the Australian Apprenticeships website or apprentices and traineeships page for more information about financial assistance and the Australian Apprenticeships Incentives Program.

Apprentices and trainees working in a skills need area may be eligible for Trade Support Loans to help cover their living and learning costs.

The Study Assist website can help you work out what other government assistance may be available to you to help you finance your VET study.

Centrelink

Various financial assistance programs are available for individuals looking for employment or undertaking approved education and training initiatives:

  • ABSTUDY: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Study Assistance Scheme

    Financial help for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians who are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship. ABSTUDY may help you financially to stay at school or go on to further studies

  • JobSeeker Payment

    Financial help while you are looking for work. It also supports you while you do activities that may increase your chances of finding a job, such as studying or training.

  • Youth Allowance

    Financial help for young people aged 16 to 24 who are studying full time, undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship, training, looking for work, or sick.

  • Austudy

    Financial help for people aged 25 or over who are studying full time or undertaking a full-time Australian Apprenticeship or traineeship. 

  • Tertiary Access Payment

    Financial help through a payment of $3000 or a payment of up to $5000 for eligible relocating regional and remote school leavers to access higher-level tertiary study (certificate IV and above) immediately after Year 12 (or equivalent).