Costs and financial help for school-based apprentices and trainees
Costs
Costs related to an apprenticeship or traineeship may include:
- tuition course fees
- uniforms and equipment
- textbooks, printing and other study materials
- tutoring
- transport costs and/or accommodation (to attend work or training).
Who to talk to about costs
Training organisation: Training organisations set their own tuition fees. As these prices vary, it pays to shop around. Speak to a few training organisations. Read our training consumer tips.
They can also advise if you are eligible for subsidised training and must tell you how much your course will cost before you start your apprenticeship or traineeship.
Employer: Some employers, due to their industrial award or agreement, may be required to pay your tuition fees. Ask your employer what's included in their award or agreement.
School counsellor: Ask your school counsellor about costs. They may be able to help.
Financial help
You may be eligible for help to pay some costs associated with your school-based apprenticeship or traineeship.
Learn more about financial help available.
No student contribution fees
You don't have to pay student contribution fees to your training organisation if you are a school-based apprentice or trainee.
But if you continue your apprenticeship or traineeship after school, then you may have to pay these fees.
Travel and accommodation assistance
If you travel and stay away from home to attend training delivered by your training organisation, you may be eligible for a travel allowance to help you pay for travel and accommodation costs.
Each high school sector has its own guidelines:
- State schools – Travel and accommodation financial assistance information (DOCX, 98KB)
- Catholic schools – Guidelines for travel and accommodation subsidy (PDF, 621KB)
- Independent schools – contact your school.
Disability support
Like all apprentices and trainees, if you have a disability, you may be eligible for disability support.
More information
Contact your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider or phone 13 38 73 to find out what financial help may be available.