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Our most popular government funded courses

By Fi Darby
Fi Darby

In order to support the development of high quality skills in Australia’s growth job sectors, the Australian government has made a commitment to upskilling the workforce via a range of financial incentives and funding opportunities. This great news gets even better when you realise that some online courses, such as those offered by RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) Upskilled, are also government funded courses.

Government funded courses in Australia

Many of our Upskilled students are already experiencing the benefits of heavy fee reductions via government funding. In this blog post we are going to explain exactly what constitutes a government funded course, how you can find out more about qualifying for a government funded course and how to apply for government funding. We will also be letting you in on which of Upskilled’s government funded courses are the most popular. Read on to find out if you can take advantage of this great opportunity and finally find yourself on the government funded course you have been waiting to study.

cash growing from pot plants 

What is a government funded course?

A government funded course is one that has been selected by the Australian government for an education and training grant. For the main part, these government funded courses are selected because there is a growing need, across Australia or in individual states, for the skills that they represent. An upskilled workforce is good for the country. Most courses are funded by state governments, however some do receive Federal Government funding. By achieving qualifications, students of all ages experience significant increases in job satisfaction and are far more likely to stay in employment. Some of Australia’s current government education funding schemes include:

NSW Smart and Skilled*

  • Government subsidised training up to and including Certificate III level, plus Government funding for courses above Certificate IV level in priority areas.
  • Average student contributions of 10% - 45% of course costs. Find out if you qualify.
  • NSW Smart and Skilled is eligible for funding over a large amount of Information Technology and Business courses.

Certificate 3 Guaranteed (QLD)

  • Government funded courses for Queenslanders up to and including Certificate III level, in priority areas. Also covers foundation skills e.g. language, literacy and numeracy.
  • Queensland based Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 15 years or over (no longer at school).
  • Average student contributions vary according to priority level.
  • Certificate 3 Guaranteed is eligible for funding over mostly Business and Administration courses, as well as some Information Technology.

Higher Level Skills (QLD)

  • Government funded courses for Queenslanders in Certificate IV Level qualifications and higher, in priority areas. Designed to assist with career advancement in a priority industry or transition to university for Queensland based citizens or permanent residents aged 15 years or over (no longer at school).
  • Average student contributions vary according to priority level.
  • Higher Level Skills is eligible for funding over mostly Information Technology courses.

Skilled Capital (ACT)

  • Subsidised training places for eligible students enrolling for state priority qualifications. Up to 80% reduction in course fees for selected courses for Canberra based Australian citizens or permanent residents.
  • Skilled Capital is eligible for funding over a good range of course levels in Community Services, IT and Business.

It is important to remember that, with changing policies and flexible job growth predictions, qualifications that are funded by the government today may not be in the same position in a few months’ time. In other words, if you are looking for government subsidised training opportunities, and you find a course that suits your needs, it is best to enrol in the course sooner rather than later to ensure you do not miss out.

Qualifying for government funded courses

Although the information about qualifying for government funded courses is all available online, it is spread out and sometimes difficult to access. The great news is that if you are looking for more information or want to find out more about qualifying for government funding, Upskilled has the expertise to help. All you need to do is complete our online government funding eligibility form and we will get back to you with the answers to your questions about government funded courses.

When you access this form, you will find a comprehensive list of courses that currently offer opportunity for government funding. If the course that you are interested in is not on this list, you will not be able to get funding for it. However, as the courses that qualify change often, it is well worth your while to call an education officer on 1300 009 924, who will be able to verify the current eligibility status of a course.

 students studying side by side

How to apply

Should you choose to enrol in a course with Upskilled, our Upskilled funding experts will be there to guide you through the administration necessary to apply for government funded courses if you are eligible. We will make sure that together we explore every possible opportunity for funding and get you on the online course of your choice with as much funding as you are entitled to. We are also happy to speak to you regarding possible funding prior to enrolling.

training courses as key on computer keyboard

Our most popular government funded courses

At Upskilled we currently have over 100 nationally accredited courses at Certificate, Diploma, Advanced Diploma (including Dual Diploma), Bachelor and Graduate Diploma levels. Here are our most popular courses that are eligible for government funding:

  • Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology ICT30118

    This is the perfect entry level qualification for those with little or no experience in IT to become competent across a wide range of technical functions in ICT with a specialist focus on interactive gaming and programming. Students will learn how to create 3D digital animations, prepare video assets, basic programming skills, create visual design elements and much more.

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents
    • Certificate III Guarantee for QLD Residents 
  • Diploma of Information Technology Networking ICT50418

    The Diploma of Information Technology Networking addresses skills and knowledge around the installation of a range of networks, including internetworking, security, and e-business integration. The qualification facilitates careers both as independent ICT specialists or integrated ICT team members.

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents
    • Higher Level Skills for QLD Residents 
  • Diploma of Database Design and Development ICT50515

    The Diploma of Database Design and Development provides the skills and knowledge individuals require to be effective in the design and development of ICT database systems. The qualification builds on a base core of design and development competencies, and is customised for professional interests via electives covering business needs analysis, quality assurance, and project management

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents
    • Higher Level Skills for QLD Residents 
  • Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30415

    The Certificate III in Business Administration is relevant for individuals who perform a range of administrative roles across varied work contexts, and who are required to use a degree of discretion and judgement in doing so. They may provide technical advice and support to a team. A popular choice with school leavers, this is a great qualification for entry into vocational education.

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents
    • Certificate III Guarantee for QLD Residents 
  • Diploma of Community Services CHC52015

    This qualification is suitable for individuals who already have relevant experience in a community service role and are looking to improve their knowledge and skills as a leader in a community-based role.

    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents 
  • Certificate III in Customer Engagement BSB30215

    The Certificate III in Customer Engagement reflects the role of individuals who typically undertake complex customer interaction under supervision and with some authority to delegate. Duties at this level would include working with multiple communication channels, receiving and responding to customer requests, handling customer complaints, adhering to key performance indicators, working in a team environment, providing support to a team, providing technical advice and capturing data.

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents 
  • Certificate IV in Business BSB40215

    The Certificate IV in Business provides superior grounding in the key competencies commonly deployed in clerical roles and in the administrative and business support sector generally. Participants develop the skills required to oversee an office, undertake informed decision-making across a variety of administrative tasks and liaise on administrative matters with colleagues.

    • NSW Smart and Skilled
    • Skilled Capital for ACT Residents

With such a great range of online government funded courses available there is really no excuse for hesitating over choosing a course and advancing your career or maybe even starting a new career. Remember, these government subsidies are not permanent and, if you wait, you may find yourself in the ‘no’ pile when it comes to qualifying for government funding. If you would like more detailed information about funding options for your online course, click here to download our free Guide to Financially Assisted Training in Australia.

*This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.

Fi Darby
Fi Darby Fi is a professional copywriter based in Devon, England. She specialises in education, careers, travel and outdoor writing and is the co-author of the popular daily outdoor blog 'Two Blondes Walking'. Fi has written three children's books and, when she isn't writing, Fi loves to gather inspiration from long walks, early morning sea swims and winter wild camps.