Smart and Skilled
Smart and Skilled training is subsidised by the NSW Government
Smart and Skilled is a NSW Government program that offers subsidised vocational education and training in high-demand skills and industries. This program provides eligible students with an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to Certificate III, and government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas.
Information for Students
All of our nationally recognised qualification courses are subsidised for eligible students through the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program.
You are eligible for Smart and Skilled training if you are:
- aged 15 years or older
- no longer at high school
- living or working in NSW (or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person living in specific defined interstate NSW border areas)
- an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen, and
- the holder of a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) or an applicant for one.
Other eligibility conditions
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 school education.
There are also some exceptions to the eligibility conditions described above, such as for Aboriginal people.
Use the Skills Compare search to find a course and check your eligibility.
Home schooled students
Eligibility for Smart and Skilled has been extended to registered home schooled students whose training commenced on or after 1 January 2017.
Home schooled students registered with the NSW Education Standard Authority until 5 May 2025 and with the NSW Department of Education from 6 May 2025, are eligible for Smart and Skilled.
How much will you pay?
The NSW Government sets the qualification prices and student fees for government-subsidised training under Smart and Skilled. The Skills NSW course search lets students get an estimate of the course fee and check their eligibility.
You may be eligible for a concession or full fee exemption, subject to you meeting the Smart and Skilled eligibility criteria and this can be discussed with us further during the enrolment process. If you have any questions about course fees please contact the college for more information on 02 6684 3374
When do you pay fees?
You only pay one fee for the whole qualification, rather than year-by-year. This means you’ll know, upfront, the total cost of your training – no matter how long it takes you to complete the course.
You might have to pay your fee up front, or you may pay in instalments depending on the total cost of your course.
How to enrol?
Apply to any of our Smart and Skilled approved courses via the website and complete the online enrolment form. Alternatively you can visit our office in Mullumbimby and we can assist you in the application process.
All students enrolling in Smart and Skilled funded courses are required to complete our application form and declare they are eligible for enrolment. Students must also consent to the information use and disclosure arrangements of the NSW government. You will need to provide proof that you meet the eligibility criteria when applying.
Additional Information
Applications for these subsidised* places are limited so a funded place cannot be guaranteed.
General information about Smart and Skilled can be found on the Smart and Skilled Website
The Customer Protection Officers for any matter relating to Smart and Skilled can be contacted at: 02 6684 3374 or via customercare@byroncollege.org.au.
For further details refer to the Customer Protection Policy
For additional information on any College policy’s or procedures please refer to the Student Handbook.
