Types of courses you’re eligible for

Your eligibility for a government-subsidised Smart and Skilled course depends on your previous qualifications:

• Recent changes to Smart and Skilled requirements means that even if you have a higher level qualification you may still be eligible to re-train up to Certificate III level to enter (or re-enter) the workforce.
• Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma level, depending on the availability of funding for these courses, may also be eligible for subsidised training. In addition, some new-entrant trainees and NSW apprentices may be eligible for a training government subsidy if it supports their apprenticeship or traineeship.

  Please note that previous qualifications do not affect eligibility, but may affect the student fee.

Other eligibility conditions

Your eligibility is not affected if you have completed a vocational education and training (VET) course, including a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, as part of your high school education.

There are also some exceptions to the eligibility conditions described above, such as for Aboriginal people who live in specific, defined areas outside the NSW border.

Eligibility for apprentices and trainees

NSW apprentices and some new-entrant trainees may be eligible for a government subsidy for the training that supports their apprenticeship or traineeship. If you have already completed a Certificate IV or higher-level qualification, this does not affect your eligibility.

Check to see if you’re eligible

You can determine your eligibility for Smart and Skilled training by answering a few short questions in the Eligibility Quick Check above.