College Australia

Menu
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Youtube
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Youtube
Menu

Skills Assure Supplier(SAS)

Queensland Government funding provided by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.

College Australia is an approved Skills Assure Supplier (SAS), which means we are trusted by the Queensland Government (Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET)) and to deliver funded training that leads to real career outcomes.

What is the Skills Assure Program?

Skills Assure is a Queensland Government initiative that provides funding for eligible students to access subsidised training. It helps Queenslanders gain the skills needed for in-demand industries.

What this means for you

If you’re eligible, you can study a nationally recognised qualification at a reduced cost through government funding. This means the Queensland Government covers a large portion of your course fees, and you only pay a small co-contribution fee.

To access this funded training, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the government – but don’t worry, we’ll help you figure it out.

Locations include:
Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs – Maranoa, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan – Beaudesert, Moreton Bay – North, Moreton Bay – South, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Townsville areas.

General Eligibility

Applies to ALL FUNDED Programs
You must:
  • Live in Queensland and be a permanent resident
  • Be aged 15 years or older
  • Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or hold a relevant visa on a pathway to permanent residency
  • Not be currently enrolled in another qualification (some exceptions apply for foundation skills or school-based training)
  • Be able to provide necessary identification and eligibility evidence

Concessional Eligibility

If you qualify as a concessional student, your co-contribution fees will be reduced.
You must: You may be eligible for concessional rates if you hold one of the following:
  • Hold a valid Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, or Veteran Concession Card
  • Are a partner or dependent named on one of the above cards
  • Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Have a disability
  • Are under 17 and not at school
  • Are from a culturally or linguistically diverse background (for some programs)
  • Are an adult prisoner (under specific conditions)

Career Start Eligibility

Designed for individuals starting out or needing entry-level skills.
You must:
  • Be aged 15 years or older
  • No longer be at school (except for School-Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships)
  • Not have completed a certificate III or higher qualification in the last 10 years (excluding those completed at school or foundation skills courses)
  • Not already be enrolled in another qualification

Career Boost Eligibility

Designed for upskilling or reskilling individuals who have previous qualifications or work experience.
You must:
  • Not have completed a certificate IV or higher qualification in the last 10 years (excluding those completed at school)
  • Not be enrolled in another funded qualification at the same time
  • Not have previously completed a qualification under Career Boost
Check your Eligibility

Funding Programs We Offer

  • Career Start
  • Career Boost

Who is it for?

People who are just starting out or need entry-level skills to enter the workforce or change careers.

 

What’s included?

Under Career Start, an individual may access up to two subsidised training places through one of the following options: 

  • A 'General Training' Pathway at Certificate III level and an apprenticeship/traineeship* OR;

  • Two apprenticeships/traineeships either Certificate II or III, including school based apprenticeships/traineeships.

    Please note:

    * If an apprenticeship/traineeship is completed prior to 'General Training Pathway', the individual is no longer eligible to access the general training pathway under career start.

    An individual cannot do two 'General training pathway' qualifications under Career Start.

 

Training pathways available:

  • General training: You enrol directly and learn online, face-to-face or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

  • Apprenticeship or traineeship: You must be employed and sign a formal training contract with your employer

Who is it for?

People looking to upskill, reskill, or move up in their careers, especially those who already hold a Certificate III or higher.

 

What’s included?

Under Career Boost, and eligible individual may access: 

  • One subsidised training place in either a Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification under the general training pathway, OR

  • a higher level apprenticeship/traineeship at certificate IV or above; and

  • up to two subsidised skill sets in priority industries or sectors as part of the program

    Please note: if the individual has already accessed TWO apprenticeships/traineeships through a school-based apprenticeship/traineeship or Career Start within the last 10 years, they are NOT eligible to undertake an apprenticeship/traineeship under Career Boost. 

    An individual CANNOT do two general pathway qualifications under Career Boost.

 

Training pathways available:

General training: You enrol directly and learn online, face-to-face or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

  • Apprenticeship or traineeship: You train on the job with support from your employer and College Australia

What’s the Difference?

Feature Career Start Career Boost
Level of Training Entry-level (Certificate III) Higher-Level (Certificate IV or Diploma)
Target Group New entrants into the workforce People with previous experience or qualifications
Includes Traineeships/Apprenticeships? Yes Yes
Includes Skill Sets? Yes – 1 priority Skill Set Yes – Up to 2 priority Skill Sets
Maximum Number of Funded Courses per individual 1 general + 1 apprenticeship OR 2 apprenticeships 1 Qualification only

Both programs aim to support job outcomes, career progression, and further education. Funding is subject to eligibility and availability. We’re here to help you choose the right pathway!

Co-Contribution Fees

The co-contribution fee is the small amount you pay toward the cost of your government-funded training.

While the Queensland Government covers most of the course cost, students are required to make a contribution to show their commitment to completing the qualification. This is called your co-contribution fee.

Co-contribution fees are invoiced in two instalments over the duration of your qualification:
 30% will be invoiced upon approval of your application
 70% will be invoiced prior to completion of your qualification

Why is payment required?

The co-contribution fee helps:

  • Support your access to high-quality training

  • Ensure you’re invested in your learning journey

  • Keep government funding available for as many Queenslanders as possible

How much will I pay?

The amount depends on:

  • The qualification you’re enrolling in
  • Whether you’re eligible for a concessional rate (e.g. Health Care Card holder, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, person with a disability)

Concessional students pay a lower co-contribution fee.

You don’t have to guess! We’ve clearly listed the total cost (both concessional and non-concessional) for each course

Apprenticeships/ Traineeships

If you’re completing your course through an approved apprenticeship or traineeship, your co-contribution fee is calculated based on the nominal hours for your qualification.

Current rate:
$1.60 per nominal hour

For example:

  • If your qualification has 500 nominal hours, your total co-contribution fee would be $800
  • If you’re eligible for a concessional rate, your total fee may be lower

Your employer may choose to pay this fee for you — this is something to discuss when you start your training contract.

View our Course Price List

Course Delivery

At College Australia, we aim to make learning flexible and accessible — no matter where you live in Queensland.

Online Training (Most Courses)
Most of our courses are delivered 100% online, meaning you can study from the comfort of your home or anywhere with internet access.

You’ll have:

• Access to your course materials through our online platform
• Support from your trainer via phone, email, or virtual meetings
• Flexible study that fits around your work, family, or personal commitments
Work Placement (For Some Courses)
Some qualifications (like Individual Support) include vocational placement, which gives you hands-on experience in a real workplace.

We’ll work with you to:
• Help you arrange a suitable placement location near you
• Provide guidance on meeting placement requirements
• Support you throughout the experience
Classroom or Group-based Training
From time to time, we may offer in-person training sessions or workshops at selected locations. If this applies to your course, we’ll let you know during pre-enrolment assessment.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you’ve already gained skills or knowledge through work or life experience, you might be eligible to have them recognised through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).

What is RPL?
RPL is a process that assesses your existing experience against the requirements of a qualification or unit. If successful, you can achieve full or partial recognition without needing to complete formal training.

Find out More about RPL

Support Services

At College Australia, we aim to make learning flexible and accessible — no matter where you live in Queensland.

Regardless of how or where you study, our team is here to support you. You’ll receive help with:

  • Course navigation 

  • Technical access

  • Trainer contact

  • Placement arrangements (if required)

  • Personal wellbeing support

View our Support Services

How to Apply and Get Started

Step 1

Apply for Your Course

Submit your course application online and let us know if you’re seeking Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Step 1
Step 2

Complete the Pre-Enrolment Assessment (PEA)


This includes:

  • A quick LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy & Digital) check

  • A Discovery Call to discuss your goals and suitability

  • RPL applicants may begin a self-assessment and upload evidence at this stage.

Step 2
Step 3

Confirm Your Details & Payment


We’ll confirm your eligibility, course details, and payment plan.

If you’re applying for RPL, we’ll also arrange:

  • A Competency Conversation with your assessor

  • Supervisor verification

  • A review of your evidence and experience

Step 3
Step 4

Begin Your Course or RPL Process


Training students: Your course is unlocked and ready to go!


RPL students: Prepare for your competency conversation with your Educator. Any Professional Development will be mapped out in your Professional Development Plan.

Step 4

Have a query?

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Stay in the loop!

We’ll send you industry updates, tips and tricks, news, and event info from time to time. Our promise to is you that your details are safe with us and that you won’t receive any SPAM from us because that’s just not cool!