Paying for TAFE

Thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments CQUniversity can provide eligible students with a range of funding and subsidy options. The Government will pay all or part of a student’s course tuition fees, reducing the amount of money a student needs to pay.  These government subsidies are aligned with the need for workers in specific industries. Students can review CQUniversity’s available funding option on TAFE Subsidised Training. 

Course tuition fees are subject to change and specific resources are required for many courses.

A VET Student Loan is a loan from the Australian government that assists eligible students in paying their tuition fees. A VET student loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid. The debt is repaid through the Australian tax system once you reach the minimum income threshold for repayment; repayments continue until you have repaid the debt.  For more information on the minimum threshold set by the Australian Government and repayments, please view the VSL Information Booklet.

VET Student Loans are only available to approved courses at diploma level and above. A VET Student Loan cannot be used for a Certificate IV level course or below.

Fee concessions may apply to government funded courses or units for eligible students to help reduce the cost of your study and training. Other costs e.g. trade equipment

If you are paying full fees, instalment plans are available for CQUniversity students who meet specific eligibility criteria. 

To apply for a VET Payment Plan, complete and submit a VET Payment Plan Enquiry prior to enrolment and a member of our Student Engagement Team will be in touch to discuss eligibility and the application process.

Payment Plans are approved for one enrolment intake at a time and are only provided where enrolment fees are $300 or greater. A minimum deposit of $75 or 20% of the total cost of enrolment, whichever is the greater, is required prior to the loan being issued. Loans are repaid via regular direct debit payments and must be fully repaid at least 30 days prior to the end date of the study period for which the payment plan has been approved.

CQUniversity offers a range of Scholarships that are available to our TAFE students as we believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location or life circumstances.

Whether you’re just starting out or continuing your studies, receiving a scholarship can help balance your study and life commitments. A scholarship looks good on your resume and may open the door to industry networks and work experience opportunities. You can review our range of scholarships here and find the right scholarship for you.

Refer to CQUniversity’s student refund and credit balance policy and procedure for information regarding CQUniversity’s student refunds and credit balances.

As an international student, you will enrol in your course as a full fee-paying student. Tuition fees vary depending on the course you study. At CQU, we offer additional support when it comes to tuition fees plus, we have competitive fees.

Find out more about international course fees.

The Queensland Government is changing TAFE subsidy offerings from the 1^st of July 2025 for Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills. Students provided with an offer for July 2025 intakes onwards will need to be reassessed. This may require the student to supply additional documentation to secure continued access to future funding. 

If students do not supply documentation as requested by CQUniversity subsidy may be cancelled and students may potentially continue as a full-fee paying student.

Students who are no longer eligible for Queensland Government subsidies may continue as a full-fee paying student. 

Eligible diploma level applicants may potentially apply to access the Australian Government’s VET Student Loan for eligible diploma level courses. A VET Student Loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.

Students who started their studies before 1^st of July 2025, may continue to receive Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills subsidy. Breaks between study may result in losing access to previous subsidy. A break in study refers to more than a month between finishing units and enrolling into the next units. 

The Queensland Government will be introducing two new subsidy programs starting 1^st of July 2025:

• Career Start – guaranteed access to individuals to gain their first certificate III qualification, facilitating entry to employment, including apprenticeships and traineeships.
• Career Boost – providing lifelong learning opportunities for working-age Queenslanders to update or develop their skills and knowledge, including funding for certificate IV and above qualifications and priority skill sets.