The Queensland Government's Skills Assure program makes vocational training accessible and affordable for eligible residents. If you're looking to study community services, aged care, disability, or mental health courses, government funding could reduce your fees to as little as $15 per unit.
💰 Potential Savings
A 12-unit Certificate III qualification could cost as little as $180 (funded) vs $1,200+ (non-funded) — that's a saving of over $1,000.
What Is the Skills Assure Program?
Skills Assure is the Queensland Government's subsidised training program, administered by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) and delivered through approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like Aspire to Succeed (RTO 32555). It provides significant fee reductions for eligible students studying nationally recognised qualifications.
How Much Can You Save?
The fee differences are substantial:
- Concession/Priority Population: From $15 per unit
- Full Funded Fee: From $30 per unit
- Non-funded Fee: $100+ per unit
For a 12-unit Certificate III qualification, that's the difference between $180–$360 (funded) and $1,200+ (non-funded). Visit our funding page for detailed fee schedules per course.
Eligibility Requirements
To access Skills Assure funding, you generally need to:
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
- Be a Queensland resident
- Not already hold a qualification at the same or higher level in the same field
- Meet any course-specific entry requirements
Concession rates apply if you hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or are identified as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. The Services Australia website has information on concession card eligibility.
Two Funding Pathways
Career Start (Certificate III)
For people entering the community services sector at Certificate III level. Ideal if you're starting fresh or changing careers. Covers:
- CHC32015 Certificate III in Community Services
- CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability specialisation)
Career Boost (Certificate IV & Diploma)
For people upskilling to advance their career. Covers:
- CHC42021 Certificate IV in Community Services
- CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health
- CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
- CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services
How to Apply
- Choose your course — browse our full course list or take the Course Finder Quiz
- Check your eligibility — contact us to confirm your funding status
- Enrol — complete our online enrolment form
- Start studying — begin your qualification with government-subsidised fees
What About Skill Sets?
Government funding also covers short skill set courses for people who already hold a qualification and want to add a specialisation:
- CHCSS00129 Ageing Skill Set — add aged care skills to your existing qualification
- CHCSS00130 Disability Skill Set — add disability support skills
Other Useful Resources
- Department of Trade, Employment and Training — Queensland's training authority
- Services Australia — concession card eligibility
- Workforce Australia — job search and training support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get funding if I already have a qualification?▼
It depends on the level and field of your existing qualification. Generally, you can access funding for a qualification at a higher level or in a different field. For example, if you hold a Certificate III, you can access Career Boost funding for a Certificate IV. Contact us to check your specific situation.
Is funding available for online study?▼
Yes, Skills Assure funding applies to all approved delivery modes, including online, blended, and face-to-face learning. Read our comparison of online vs face-to-face training to choose the right mode for you.
Do I need to live in Queensland?▼
Yes, Skills Assure funding is specifically for Queensland residents. You must be living in Queensland at the time of enrolment. Other states have their own subsidised training programs.
How do I know if I'm eligible for concession rates?▼
Concession rates apply if you hold a current Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. You'll need to provide evidence of your concession status when enrolling.
What happens if I don't complete my course?▼
If you withdraw from a funded course, you may still be able to access funding for the same qualification in the future, depending on the circumstances. However, completed units may count towards your funding allocation. Speak to our team about your options if you're considering withdrawing.
Check Your Eligibility
Contact our friendly team to find out if you're eligible for government-funded training.
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