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 if you can apply. See what funding your state offers and follow the links to find out more.

You must meet the general eligibility requirements to access subsidised training. Check the interstate student pathways page for details.

You must work in your home state as an apprentice or trainee. Your home state must register your training contract for a funded course.

Note: You must meet your home state’s specific requirements to access funding. Check your state’s guidelines before you apply.

In Canberra, the ACT Government funds apprenticeships and traineeships through the Training Initiative Funding Agreement (TIFA).

Skills Canberra approves TAFE NSW to deliver training to ACT-registered apprentices and trainees. This helps reduce study costs. Check if your course is on the TAFE NSW qualifications list. 

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

• be registered on AVETARS, the ACT training database
• be paid for your work
• complete at least 15 hours of work and training each week
• have proper supervision in your workplace.
  

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

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 helps eligible school-based apprentices and trainees pay for training.

In South Australia, SkillsSA pays for training. It helps students learn skills for growing industries. This program lets TAFE NSW deliver subsidised training to 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
• be paid for your work
• complete at least 15 hours of work and training each week.

Note: TAFE NSW cannot take school-based apprentices and trainees right now.

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

In Tasmania, TAFE NSW delivers subsidised training to registered apprentices and trainees. Skills Tasmania runs the program.

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 paid for your work and have the required workplace supervision
• have an employer who is not the same person as you. 

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

In Victoria, registered apprentices train at TAFE NSW through the Skills First program. This program helps pay training costs.

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

• work for a Victorian-registered business and receive payment for your work
• have proper workplace supervision
• have a registered training contract
• have an employer who is not the same person as you, unless you’re a director.

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

Got a question? Call our Customer Service Centre on 131 601 or send an enquiry. Tell us you’re an interstate student so we can help faster.