Queensland Funding

The National Skills Training Institute is an approved Skills Assure Supplier under the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. This approval allows eligible Queensland students to access nationally recognised training with heavily subsidised fees, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.

As a Skills Assure Supplier, NSTI delivers training through the Queensland Government’s funded programs:

• Career Start
• VET in Schools (VETiS)

These programs provide subsidised training that aligns with Queensland’s workforce priorities. Access depends on specific eligibility requirements and funding rules, so it is important to review your eligibility and choose the course that best suits your career goals.

If you are not eligible for government funding, NSTI offers up-front payment and flexible payment plan options.

The Career Start Program is a Queensland Government initiative that provides subsidised vocational education and training to help people begin or advance their careers. Managed by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training, it supports entry-level training for individuals seeking their first job, aiming for more skilled roles, or completing an apprenticeship or traineeship.

The program is designed for Queensland residents who are at least 15 years old and meet eligibility requirements such as citizenship or permanent residency. By offering government-funded training places through approved Skills Assure Suppliers, Career Start makes nationally recognised qualifications more accessible and affordable across the state.

The goal is to build a skilled workforce that meets industry demand while giving Queenslanders the confidence, knowledge and practical experience to succeed.

Students can only access a maximum of two subsidised training places through the Career Start Program. This means you may complete one general Certificate III qualification and one apprenticeship or traineeship, or alternatively undertake two apprenticeships or traineeships, including school-based options.

Once you have used these two subsidised opportunities, you cannot receive additional Career Start funding for further qualifications. This limit ensures fair access for all eligible Queenslanders and encourages careful selection of your training pathway.

This refund policy is developed in accordance with the 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations and Queensland Government funding requirements.

1. Full refund — training not commenced. A full refund of the co-contribution fee is provided where a student cancels their enrolment prior to the commencement of training, and no training or assessment activity has commenced. Training is considered to have commenced once the student has participated in structured learning, assessment activities, or accessed training materials as outlined in their training plan.

2. Proportionate refund — withdrawal from a unit. If a student withdraws from an individual unit after training has commenced, a proportionate refund applies based on the units commenced or completed and the amount of training and assessment already delivered. No refund applies for units where assessment has been completed and competency determined.

3. Refunds to employers or industry. Where an employer or industry partner has paid additional charges beyond the student co-contribution fee and the government subsidy, a refund is provided for services not yet delivered or charges paid in advance for training that has not commenced.

All refund requests must be submitted in writing. Refunds are processed within 7 days of approval.

For students enrolled in the general pathway, delivery includes a practical training block at the Academy, where you attend to complete hands-on training and practical skill development.

Students undertaking a qualification through a traineeship pathway complete their training and workplace-based learning within their local area, supported through their approved workplace and training arrangements.