RTO 41462 · Nationally recognised training
Answers
Courses, fees, funding, accreditation and what studying with us actually involves.
Nationally recognised · RTO 41462
We deliver ten nationally recognised courses and short courses across three areas: pet grooming, animal care and dog training. They range from short courses you can complete in a few months through to full Certificate III and Certificate IV qualifications.
Browse all courses ›
Fees vary by course, from $1,500 for the Bather / Brusher short course up to $8,000 for the full Certificate III in Pet Grooming. Three qualifications are funded by the Queensland Government, which can bring the cost down to a co-contribution of as little as $40 for eligible students.
Every course page lists its full fee, any funded rates, and the payment plan options available.
Yes. We offer up-front payment, direct debit payment plans, and instalment options via invoice. Plans differ by course — the options are listed under Fees and Payment Options on each course page.
Any time. There are no set intake dates for enrolment, so you can start whenever you are ready. Some courses include practical training blocks that run on scheduled dates, and those are listed on the relevant course page.
It depends on the course. Short courses are typically completed within three to six months. Most certificate qualifications allow up to 12 months. The dog training qualifications allow up to 24 months, and many students finish within that time frame.
Training is competency based, so how quickly you progress depends on the time you can commit and how quickly you demonstrate each skill.
Yes. All our qualifications are nationally recognised and issued under RTO 41462. Short courses lead to a Statement of Attainment listing the units you completed; full qualifications lead to the certificate itself. Both are recognised by employers across Australia.
Both. The theory is delivered online through our learning portal, so you are not required to attend classes or lectures and can work through the material at your own pace. Practical skills are developed and assessed through hands-on training.
Yes. You cannot learn to groom a dog or train a dog from a screen. Grooming courses include practical training blocks at the Academy; dog training courses include two-week practical blocks at Master of Puppies, our practical training facility.
Work placement is a required part of some qualifications. It gives you the opportunity to develop practical skills in a real animal care environment and to complete the practical assessments for your course.
As a guide, around 10 full days is generally needed to build the required skills and gather the evidence for assessment. The exact amount varies depending on the units being completed and how quickly competency is demonstrated.
You need a device and an internet connection. Our learning platform is mobile responsive, so it works on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile. Coursework is saved automatically as you go.
We understand life can be unpredictable. Course extensions are available, and we typically do not charge a fee for them. If you need more time, contact our support team and we will guide you through the process.
Our teaching support team is available by email, online chat or phone. We also provide academic support, help with assessments and digital skills, reasonable adjustments for students with disability, and wellbeing support.
Student support ›
A Unique Student Identifier is a personal reference number that creates a secure online record of all your nationally recognised training in Australia. Every student needs one to enrol in accredited courses and to receive their qualification. It is quick and free to get.
Get your USI ›
Yes, through Recognition of Prior Learning or credit transfer. RPL assesses your existing skills and workplace experience against the units of competency. Credit transfer recognises units you have already completed with another provider. Both can reduce the amount of study required.
Contact us at admin@nsti.edu.au to discuss your experience.
Yes, in two states. In Queensland we are an approved Skills Assure Supplier delivering training under the Career Start Program. In New South Wales we are an approved Smart and Skilled provider.
Queensland funding › · NSW funding ›
Three qualifications are funded under the Career Start Program: the Certificate II in Animal Care, the Certificate III in Animal Care Services, and the Certificate III in Animal Care Services with the Pet Grooming specialisation.
Eligible students pay a co-contribution rather than the full course fee.
Each funded course page has a short eligibility check that gives you an indication in about a minute. It is a guide only — to confirm your eligibility you complete the formal eligibility form, and your eligibility is verified during enrolment against Queensland Government criteria.
A traineeship combines paid employment with structured training. You are employed under a formal training contract and complete a nationally recognised qualification while you work. Traineeships are available in Queensland and New South Wales.
About traineeships ›
Yes, through a school based traineeship. Students stay enrolled at school, work paid hours for an employer, and complete a nationally recognised qualification at the same time. In Queensland it can also contribute credits toward a QCE.
Qld school based traineeships › · NSW ›
Yes. All courses offered by the National Skills Training Institute are nationally accredited in Australia and meet the standards set by the Australian Skills Quality Authority.
NSTI is a Registered Training Organisation, number 41462. You can view our registration details at training.gov.au. We recommend using that site to research any training organisation you are considering.
NSTI is the registered training organisation — every qualification is issued under RTO 41462. Pet Stylist Academy and Dog Trainer Academy are its two specialist faculties, covering grooming and animal care, and dog training respectively.
Whichever faculty you study with, the qualification is the same nationally recognised credential.
About us ›
Our training facilities are on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Theory is delivered online, so students study with us from all over Australia and attend practical training when required.
Yes. Nationally recognised qualifications are recognised by employers and regulators in every state and territory, regardless of where you studied. Government funding eligibility is state based, but the qualification itself is not.
Call (07) 5575 2200 between 7:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday, or email admin@nsti.edu.au. You can also send us a message from our contact page.
Tell us what you want to know and we will give you a straight answer — including if the honest answer is that a course is not right for you.
Tell us where you are up to and we will come back to you with an honest answer, including whether you are likely to qualify for Queensland funding.
