Smart and Skilled Subsidised Training

Smart and Skilled provides government-subsidised training and higher-level courses to help you get skills to find a job and advance your career.

The NSW Department of Education has recognised Macquarie Community College as a High Performing Provider for Smart and Skilled. The College has been delivering quality vocational education and training for more than 70 years and has been contracted under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program since 2015. Read more…

Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with:

  • an entitlement to NSW Government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III
  • NSW Government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.

Under Smart and Skilled the NSW Government contributes to the cost of each course with the student paying the balance.

You may be eligible for FEE-FREE courses under the NSW and Australian Government Vocational Education and Training Initiative. Find out more by calling us on 1300 845 888 or visit our NSW Fee Free Training Page .

Fees are for the whole course, rather than year-by-year. For full information on Smart and Skilled including estimating your fees please visit the Skills NSW page of the NSW Government Education website.

For information on Vocational Education and training please visit the following NSW Government Vocational Education and Training page. 

Am I eligible for Smart and Skilled subsidised training?

You must meet all of the following criteria:

  • 15 years old or over
  • no longer at school
  • living or working in NSW
  • Australian OR New Zealand Citizen, Australian Permanent Resident OR a Humanitarian Visa Holder, OR a Partner Visa Holder whose sponsor is a current or past Humanitarian Visa Holder.

What type of courses will I be eligible for?

  • Smart and Skilled courses do not depend on your previous qualifications but previous qualifications may affect your student fee.
  • You are able to access subsidised Smart and Skilled training up to an Advanced Diploma level regardless of whether you have a higher level qualification or have completed a school based apprenticeship or traineeship as part of your high school education.

Am I eligible to access Smart and Skilled as an apprentice or trainee?

  • 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 level education.
  • There are also more exceptions to the eligibility conditions described above, such as for Aboriginal people or those living with a disability.

As a Smart and Skilled provider Macquarie Community College (RTO 90033) is able to offer a suite of qualifications and traineeships subsidised by the NSW Government. View more information on our programs, courses and enrolment process.

To check your eligibility and subsidised training status for any of our courses please contact us.