Interstate apprenticeships and traineeships

TAFE NSW works with other state and territory governments to offer subsidised training. This is available for apprentices and trainees outside NSW.

Check your eligibility and explore the funding options available in your state. Follow the links to learn more and take the next step.

To access subsidised training, you must:

• meet the general eligibility requirements. Check the interstate student pathways page for details.
• meet your home state’s specific criteria
• be employed and registered as an apprentice or trainee in your home state.

Skills Canberra approves TAFE NSW to deliver training to ACT-registered apprentices and trainees. They may provide a subsidy to help pay for training. Some existing workers may not be eligible.

To be eligible for subsidised training in the ACT, you must:

• be 15 years or older
• be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, an eligible visa holder or a New Zealand passport holder for at least 6 months
• work for an ACT employer in paid employment (not casual) for at least 15 hours per week
• be supervised by someone with the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications in your field.

Note: School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are also available.

Check if your course is on the TAFE NSW qualifications list.

In Queensland, you can get subsidised training via Career Start and Career Boost. The Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) runs these programs. They help eligible students pay less for training. Check your eligibility on the Queensland Government website. 

Career Start

This program helps job seekers with entry-level training. It covers Certificate II–III courses in priority and emerging industries.

It matches skills to industry needs and is available through apprenticeships or traineeships. You can access up to 2 funded apprenticeships or traineeships at Certificate II or III level.

Career Boost

This program offers higher-level training. It covers Certificate IV courses and above. It helps apprentices and trainees gain advanced skills. It supports career progression or further study.

Note: The Queensland Government may provide a subsidy for eligible school-based apprentices and trainees. This subsidy helps cover training costs.

In South Australia, SkillsSA may provide a subsidy towards the total cost of training. This program lets TAFE NSW deliver training to eligible SA-registered apprentices and trainees. 

To be eligible for subsidised training in South Australia, you must:

• be 16 years or older
• work full-time or part-time
• complete at least 15 hours of paid employment each week.

Note: TAFE NSW currently doesn’t take school-based apprentices and trainees.

For more information about participant eligibility criteria, visit the SkillsSA website. 

Skills Tasmania approves TAFE NSW to deliver training for registered apprentices and trainees. They may also provide a subsidy to help cover the cost of eligible apprenticeships and traineeships registered in Tasmania.

To be eligible for subsidised training in Tasmania, you must:

• be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealander with a Special Category, Humanitarian or Tasmanian Skilled Migrant visa. You can also qualify if you hold a dependent or partner visa of one of these.
• be in Year 10 or above
• be supervised by someone with the appropriate skills, experience and qualifications in your field
• have an employer who is not the same person as you. 

Note: School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are also available.

Victoria approves TAFE NSW to deliver training to registered apprentices. The Skills First program may provide a subsidy to help cover the cost of eligible apprenticeships registered in Victoria.

To be eligible for subsidised training in Victoria, you must:

• have paid full-time or part-time employment in Victoria under an award or registered agreement
• be enrolled in a course funded by the Skills First program
• have a training contract registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority.

Note: School-based apprenticeships are also available. Trainees are not covered.

Have a question about interstate study? Our Interstate Funding Agreements team can help. Contact us below.