Fees and Funding

NSW Government Funding

Applications for funding for courses from July 1st 2024 to June 30th 2025 are now open

About Smart and Skilled

Smart and Skilled is a reform of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. It's helping people in NSW get the skills they need to find a job and advance their careers.

Government funding is reserved for those who are in genuine need of financial assistance as we have limited allocations every year. You must meet eligibility criteria and provide specific documented evidence. Please consider a payment plan as another option to using this limited resource.

Am I eligible for Smart and Skilled subsidised training?

Your eligibility for a government-subsidised Smart and Skilled course no longer depends on your previous qualifications.

From 2016, all students, regardless of the level of any previous qualifications held, may access subsidised Smart and Skilled training up to Certificate III level. This means that even if you have a higher level qualification you may still be eligible to re-train to enter (or re-enter) the workforce.

You must meet all of the following criteria:

• 15 years old or over
• no longer at school
• living or working in NSW
• an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen

Visit the Smart and Skilled website for more information.

How much will Smart and Skilled Training Cost?

If you're eligible for subsidised training, you pay only a portion of the training cost, on average, between 55% and 90% of the course cost. The NSW Government subsidises the remaining amount. Each government-subsidised qualification has a fixed price (regardless of training provider), which is determined by the NSW Government and is dependent on your eligibility.

It’s best to go to the Are you eligible? page. You can then get an estimate of the fee for your preferred course in the Course Finder. See average estimates for maritime courses below:

New South Wales Government Funded Courses	Student Co‐Contribution Fee *Estimates only
MAR20321 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal)	$1010
MAR20421 Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 3 Near Coastal) - Sydney ONLY	$1010
MAR30821 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal)	$1480
MAR30921 Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal)	$1480

*Note: The above fees are estimates only.

Also note that these fees are the course fees only and do not cover additional fees such as those relating to the final assessment, AMSA submission or marine radio application fee.

How to Apply:

• Email us or submit an enquiry to apply for funding and we will email you eligibility information.
• If you’re eligible, we’ll provide you with a quote from the NSW government
• If you accept the quote, complete the Sea School online enrolment form and remember to write in the optional message section that you are applying for government funding.
• Please note that all documents must be submitted prior to the course commencement date in order for your funding to be approved. Your funding will not be approved if documents are submitted late.