NSW Smart and Skilled is the NSW Government program for vocational education and training which was originally established as a reform of the vocational education and training system giving people the chance to gain the skills they need to get a job or advance their career.

Smart and Skilled provides eligible students with an entitlement to government-subsidised training up to and including Certificate III as well as government funding for higher-level courses (Certificate IV and above) in targeted priority areas. Arbortrim Australia is an Approved Smart and Skilled Provider and is approved to deliver the AHC50524 Diploma of Arboriculture.

Eligibility Criteria

Smart and Skilled course participants may include people who are:

  • NSW apprentice or trainees

or meet all of the following eligibility requirements

  • 15 years old or over
  • No longer at school or home-schooled students
  • Living or working in NSW (or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person living in specific NSW border areas)
  • An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen

Check the Smart and Skilled Student Eligibility Policy

Go to: For Employers – Smart and Skilled | NSW Government

Courses and Providers

Workers and employers in NSW can choose from a range of Smart and Skilled government-subsidised courses. Subject to the availability of training places there is also:

  • Targeted funding of higher-level training
  • Part qualifications in priority industries

The NSW Skills List defines the courses subsidised under Smart and Skilled. It has been developed through extensive consultation with industry and community organisations.

Enrolment and Notification of Enrolment Process

Prospective students applying to undertake a Smart and Skilled approved qualification with Arbortrim Australia must concurrently undertake the NSW Smart and Skilled Notification of Enrolment Process as follows including:

  • Arbortrim Australia Student Enrolment Form
  • Smart and Skilled Integrated Subsidised Training Eligibility and Consent Form
  • Program and qualification details
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Student Eligibility Declaration
  • Authorise Arbortrim Australia and the Department to have appropriate access to USI records
  • Consent to Use and Disclosure of Personal Information (If the prospective student does not provide their consent, Arbortrim Australia will not proceed with the Notification of Enrolment Process)
  • Provide two forms of ID such as: NSW Driver’s License, Medicare Card
  • Prospective student has provided information that is true, accurate, and complete.
  • Ensure a Notification of Enrolment process has not concurrently been completed for the same qualification and/or same units of competency for the same or other qualification(s).
  • In the event there is a Third-Party arrangement, the prospective student has been made aware prior to enrolment.
  • Prospective student has been provided with the details of any Fee chargeable as per itemised fees generated by the Provider Calculator.
  • Successful completion of the Notification of Enrolment process will result in the issue of a Commitment ID.

View the Smart and Skilled Enrolment Process Policy.

Smart and Skilled Fee Information

A single set of fees apply to government-subsidised courses delivered by approved providers. The student fee will be the same regardless of the Smart and Skilled provider the student chooses to deliver the Smart and Skilled qualification. Smart and Skilled fees are set for the full qualification, not yearly or by semester.

Refer to the NSW Smart and Skilled website for prices, fees and subsidies page.

Smart and Skilled providers advise students before they enrol of any charges additional to the student fee.

Refer to the Smart and Skilled Fee Administration Policy.

Smart and Skilled Fees and Price List

The following documents provide detailed information on:

  • Smart and Skilled qualification prices
  • Student fees
  • Additional payments over and above the subsidy (known as “loadings”).

To calculate the subsidy, you can subtract the relevant fee from the qualification price.

Qualification prices

For more about qualification prices see NSW Skills List for Smart and Skilled.

NSW Smart and Skilled Website

NSW Smart and Skilled website provides all the information that prospective employers and students need to know about Smart and Skilled before deciding to enrol in a qualification. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Eligibility criteria
  • Courses
  • Estimated course fees
  • Enrolment and Notification of Enrolment Process
  • Declarations and consents
  • Information for students and employers
  • Consumer protection and estimated student fees where applicable

The links to NSW Smart and Skilled website are:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/funding/smart-and-skilled-program-2023

https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/funding/smart-skilled-employers