A contribution towards your course.
Under Smart and Skilled, the NSW Government pays a subsidy to the provider. Depending on your circumstances, you may pay a student fee for the full qualification.
HomeNSW GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDISED TRAININGSmart and Skilled.
Smart and Skilled.
Make your next move.
Explore NSW Government-subsidised training. Apeiro can help you understand which study and funding options may suit your circumstances.
Discuss your optionsBuild your skills.
Explore your options.
Smart and Skilled supports eligible people to access subsidised vocational training in NSW. Approved qualifications are identified on the NSW Skills List; funding for higher-level study depends on availability.
Apeiro’s Sydney team can discuss your goals, course requirements and current funded places. A course listing alone does not confirm that funding is available for that qualification or intake.
COULD YOU BE ELIGIBLE?Start with
Start with
the essentials.
The general criteria below are a starting point. Special arrangements can apply, including for registered home-schooled students, NSW apprentices and trainees, and some people in defined NSW border areas.
Read official eligibility guidance- Be at least 15 years old.
- No longer be at high school, subject to applicable exceptions.
- Live or work in NSW, subject to applicable border-area arrangements.
- Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.
- Have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI), or be applying for one.
Meeting general criteria does not confirm an offer, a funded place or the entry requirements of a particular course. Ask Apeiro for an individual assessment.
UNDERSTAND THE COSTClear information.
Clear information.
Before you commit.
Request your student fee and any additional charges in writing before accepting an offer.
Smart and Skilled student fees are set for the qualification, rather than each year or semester. Ask about any additional materials, equipment or other charges, and the payment and refund terms.
Find a direction.
Then check the funding.
Explore these course areas and ask Apeiro which qualifications and NSW intakes currently have Smart and Skilled places. These links show our training areas, not a confirmed list of funded courses.
A clear path
to your enquiry.
Choose your direction
Note the qualification, work goals and NSW study arrangement you want to discuss.
Request an assessment
Ask Apeiro to confirm eligibility, entry requirements and current funding availability.
Review the details
Read your course information, student handbook, fee schedule and relevant policies.
Complete enrolment requirements
Follow the team’s instructions for the application, evidence, consents and any applicable payment.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWEREDEverything to ask.
Everything to ask.
Before your next step.
Find answers about NSW funding, fees and the next steps. Apeiro confirms your individual eligibility and available training options before enrolment.
Still have a question? Let’s talkYour Smart and Skilled questions
Is Smart and Skilled the same as fee-free training?
No. A subsidy can reduce the amount a student pays, while a fee-free place depends on the applicable initiative, eligibility and available places. Ask for your confirmed fee before enrolling.
Does previous study prevent me from enquiring?
Previous qualifications do not automatically exclude you from Smart and Skilled. They can affect your student fee. Tell admissions about your prior training so your circumstances can be assessed.
Is every Apeiro course funded?
No universal funding availability is claimed. Ask Apeiro to confirm the exact qualification, intake and student arrangement before assuming a funded place is available.
Can I use this NSW funding for study in Perth?
Smart and Skilled is a NSW program. Discuss your residence, work location and proposed delivery with Apeiro; do not assume a Perth course listing establishes eligibility for NSW funding.
Are international students automatically eligible?
No. General eligibility includes specified citizenship or residency categories. Ask admissions to review your circumstances under the current rules rather than assuming that an international enrolment includes a subsidy.
What if I am an apprentice, trainee or home-schooled student?
Specific eligibility arrangements can apply. Explain your registration and training circumstances to the team so the relevant rules can be checked.
How do I find out my student fee?
Use Skills NSW to explore courses and fee estimates, then ask Apeiro for a written fee assessment. Confirm any additional charges and the fee that would apply if a fee-free place is unavailable.
Can I discuss RPL or credit transfer?
Yes. Raise previous experience or completed units before enrolment. Ask how recognition is assessed and how an approved decision would affect your training plan and fee.
What documents should I request before enrolling?
Request the course information, student handbook and written fee schedule. Ask for the application checklist, required evidence, relevant policies and confirmation of any funding decision.
Where can I check current government information?
Use the official NSW Government and Skills NSW links below for current eligibility, course search and fee-free information. Apeiro must confirm the arrangement offered to you.
Keep the right links
close at hand.
Service NSW · eligibility and enrolment Skills NSW · course and provider search NSW Fee Free · current opportunities NSW Government · fees and subsidies Unique Student Identifier · official website Apeiro forms, handbooks and policies Apeiro fees and intake documents
Information reviewed 16 October 2026. Government rules and available places can change. Confirm your individual eligibility, course availability and fee with Apeiro before enrolment.
A conversation can
change your direction.
Tell us where you are now. Let’s explore where you could go.
Let’s talk about your futureYOUR NEXT STEP IN NSWYour region.
Explore NSW regions Your region.
Your possibilities.
From Greater Sydney to regional communities, find course pathways and practical study-planning guidance for your area.