Smart and Skilled Program
What is Smart and Skilled program ?
Smart and Skilled is a NSW Government program that provides subsidised training to eligible students.
- Eligible students receive:
- An entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III.
- Government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.
- Eligibility criteria include being 15 years old or over, no longer at school, and living or working in NSW.
- Students with disabilities, those receiving Australian Government benefits, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may qualify for additional fee exemptions or concessions3.
Further information Visit the official NSW Smart and Skilled website for more information.
Smart and Skilled Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NSW Smart and Skilled funding you must be:
- 15 years old or over
- no longer at school
- living or working in NSW
- an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.
If you meet all four criteria, then you’re eligible to enrol in a government-subsidised course with an approved Smart and Skilled training provider such as TAE Institute Training.
Students with disabilities, students who receive Australian Government benefits or allowances and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may qualify for additional fee exemptions or concessions.
Support for disadvantaged students.
Additional support may be available for students who experience disadvantage, including students with a disability, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students, and those receiving Centrelink benefits. Fee concessions or full exemptions may apply.
Your eligibility for a government-subsidised Smart and Skilled course no longer depends on your previous qualifications. While previous qualifications do not affect eligibility, they may affect the student fee. For more information about NSW Education and Training’s student eligibility Policy, click here.
Fees for Smart and Skilled
Under the Smart and Skilled program, students typically contribute between 10% and 45% of the total course cost. The NSW Government covers the remaining balance through a subsidy. Lower-level courses usually attract lower student fees.
A standard fee structure applies to all government-subsidised training delivered by approved providers such as TAE Institute. Students who have a disability, receive Australian Government benefits or allowances, or identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander may be eligible for additional fee concessions or exemptions. Your chosen training provider does not affect the fee for any Smart and Skilled qualification.
You can access the relevant policies using the links below:
If you require further information, please contact us.
We have Smart and Skilled funding caps in NSW regions including:
- Newcastle and Lake Macquarie
- Sydney
- For more information on Traineeships and Apprenticeships visit the NSW Government website
Current Smart and Skilled Course List
- TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- CPC31920 Certificate III in Joinery
- CPC32420 Certificate III in Plumbing
How to apply for Smart and Skilled funding?
Our training can help you, your business, or your organisation with enrolment and paperwork. Please contact us to apply for NSW Smart and Skilled funding. Please note that funding is subject to availability.
During enrolment, students will need to provide information and evidence to confirm their eligibility for funding. This includes signing consent and declaration forms and submitting required documents such as ID and proof of residency or citizenship. This information is collected in line with Smart and Skilled program requirements.
Notification of Enrolment
Once we’ve received your application and supporting documents, we will initiate the Notification of Enrolment process on your behalf through the NSW Smart and Skilled portal.
To complete this step, you will need to:
Provide proof of identity and residency (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card, citizenship certificate)
Supply your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Sign a Consent and Declaration Form
Confirm your course details and fees
This step is required for government-subsidised training and ensures your enrolment meets Smart and Skilled eligibility requirements.
Unique Student Identifier
TAE Institute requires your Unique Student Identifier (USI). A USI is mandatory for anyone undertaking nationally recognised vocational training in Australia, as it allows access to your training records and results.
If you don’t have a USI yet, you can easily create one by visiting the Australian Government’s USI website:
https://www.usi.gov.au/students/get-a-usi
To create your USI, you’ll need to provide one form of valid ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, Medicare card). You may also be asked to complete a form consenting to the collection and disclosure of your personal information in line with government requirements.
Not eligible for fee-free training?
More information about Smart and Skilled
To learn more about how you can use NSW Smart and Skilled funding to support your training goals, please contact us on 1300 678 288 or email us at [email protected].
Additional information is also available on the NSW Government Department of Education website.
