Fees and Funding

NSW Government Funding

Applications for funding for courses from July 1st 2026 to June 30th 2027 will be accepted from the 15th of June 2026

Please note:
Funding allocations for Sydney, Tweed and Shoalhaven have been fully allocated for the 2025 - 2026 financial year.

About Smart and Skilled

Smart and Skilled is a reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. It's helping people in NSW get the skills they need to find a job and advance their careers.

Government funding is reserved for those who are in genuine need of financial assistance as we have limited allocations every year. You must meet eligibility criteria and provide specific documented evidence. Please consider a payment plan as another option to using this limited resource.

Am I eligible for Smart and Skilled subsidised training?

Your eligibility for a government-subsidised Smart and Skilled course no longer depends on your previous qualifications.

From 2016, all students, regardless of the level of any previous qualifications held, may access subsidised Smart and Skilled training up to Certificate III level. This means that even if you have a higher level qualification you may still be eligible to re-train to enter (or re-enter) the workforce.

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• 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

Visit the Smart and Skilled website for more information.

How much will Smart and Skilled Training Cost?

Through the Smart and Skilled program, the NSW Government subsidises a portion of the cost of eligible training. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you are required to pay only a student contribution fee.

On average, eligible students pay between 10% and 45% of the total course cost, with the NSW Government subsidising the remaining amount.

A fixed fee applies to each government-subsidised qualification and is determined by the NSW Government. This fee is consistent across all approved Smart and Skilled training providers. Your choice of training provider does not affect the student contribution payable for a Smart and Skilled qualification.

The student fee covers the cost of all training and assessment associated with the qualification. Prior to enrolment, you will be advised of the total fee payable and any additional charges that may apply.

You pay a single fee for the entire qualification rather than on a year-by-year basis, ensuring you know the total cost upfront. Payment arrangements, including instalment options where available, will be confirmed prior to enrolment.

New South Wales Government Funded Courses	Student Co‐Contribution Fee *Estimates only
MAR20324 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)	$1010
MAR20424 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) - Sydney ONLY	$1010
MAR30824 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)	$1480
MAR30924 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)	$1480

*Note: The above fees are estimates only.

Please note that while Smart and Skilled funding subsidises the cost of training and assessment for the qualification, it does not cover fees associated with external industry licensing or regulatory requirements.

For certain maritime qualifications delivered by Sea School, additional fees may apply for mandatory industry requirements such as the AMSA mandated practical assessment (AMPA), Marine Radio certification, or other licensing components required for certification. These fees are payable in addition to the Smart and Skilled student contribution and are not subsidised under the Smart and Skilled program.

All applicable additional costs will be clearly outlined prior to enrolment.

How to Apply:

• Submit an enrolment application form for the course you wish to attend. Write in the optional message section that you wish to apply for NSW government Smart and Skilled funding.
• We will send you a Smart and Skilled information email outlining the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
• Submit your funding application for us to review your eligibility.
• If you’re eligible, we’ll provide you with a quote from the NSW government.
• If you accept the quote, your enrolment will be confirmed and you will be provided with an invoice to reflect your student contribution and a booking confirmation.
• Please note that all documents must be submitted prior to the course commencement date in order for your funding to be approved. Your funding will not be approved if documents are submitted late.