Career Start

Yes, students undertaking their training as part of the Career Start subsidy must contribute to their training costs through a co-contribution fee.

Yes, the co-contribution fee, being the remaining course cost after the Queensland Government subsidy, can be paid by employers for their staff. Eligibility requirements apply. If the employer opts to pay CQUniversity directly, rather than reimburse the employee/student, invoices will be payable as the student enrols in units. The employer will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form, you can request this form from our Student Advising Team by emailing advice@cqu.edu.au.

For a detailed list of eligible documents that can be supplied to support your assessment for a subsidy, please visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.

You don’t need to submit a separate application for a subsidy when applying to study a TAFE course with CQUniversity.

As part of the application process, our Vocational Admissions team will automatically assess your eligibility for the best available subsidy for your chosen course.

To ensure your application is assessed accurately and you’re considered for all possible subsidies, submit all required supporting documentation at the time of your application. Visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas for further information on what documentation to supply as evidence.

Qualifications and skill sets offered through the general training pathway are available for direct enrolment with CQUniversity and do not require a training contract with an employer, such as an apprenticeship or traineeship. 

To participate in an apprenticeship or traineeship pathway, individuals must be employed as an apprentice or trainee. For more information about getting started, visit Apprenticeships and Traineeships.

Career Start and Career Boost is applicable to unit enrolments. Any gap in your studies may result in you losing access to this funding. This funding is limited and subject to change. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training.

To be eligible for most Queensland Government subsidies, you must not be currently enrolled in another qualification. If you are found to be enrolled elsewhere, you may be asked to withdraw from the qualification before your subsidy can be approved for the qualification you have applied for.
CQUniversity is required to receive proof of your withdrawal before offering a subsidy. This evidence must come from your previous Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and can be provided in one of the following ways:

• A confirmation letter on the RTO’s official letterhead, or
• An email from the RTO that includes their official email signature.

This confirmation must clearly state that you have been withdrawn from your previous qualification(s).
If you do not wish to be assessed for a subsidy you may choose to continue your application as a Fee for service student.