Are You Eligible? Age, Location & Work Status Rules for Government Funded Courses

Thinking about upskilling or switching careers but worried about the cost? Don’t stress—government funded courses are a great way to get nationally recognised training without breaking the bank. If you’ve heard about online government funded courses or even government funded courses in SA (South Australia), you might be wondering: Am I eligible?

Great question. In this guide, we’ll break down eligibility rules based on age, location, work status, and citizenship, so you know exactly where you stand.

Whether you're a recent school leaver, a job seeker, or someone just looking to future-proof your skills, there's probably a funded course out there for you. Let’s explore your options!

What Are Government Funded Courses?

Before we dive into eligibility, let’s clarify what government funded courses actually are.

These are vocational education and training (VET) programs that are partially or fully subsidised by the government. They help Australians gain skills that are in demand—whether that’s in aged care, community services, health, business, or trades.

And the best part? Many of these are now available online, making them perfect for people balancing work, family, or living in regional areas.

Who Can Apply for Government Funded Courses?

Eligibility for government funded courses varies slightly depending on the state or territory. Since many people are searching for government funded courses in SA or government funded courses in Adelaide, we’ll use South Australia as an example throughout this article.

But first, let’s look at the four main factors that determine your eligibility:

1. Age Requirements

You must typically be over the age of 16 to enrol in a funded course.

In South Australia, students under 18 may also be eligible if they’ve left school or are undertaking a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship. Some programs may also cater to mature-age learners, which is great news if you're making a mid-life career shift.

2. Location Matters

To access government funded courses in SA, you must live in South Australia. If you’re in Adelaide, you’ll have access to a wide variety of local training providers offering both in-person and online government funded courses.

Even if you're based in a regional area of SA, many RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) offer flexible online options, so you can learn from wherever you are.

3. Citizenship or Residency Status

You must be either:

• An Australian citizen, or

• A New Zealand citizen, or

• A permanent resident of Australia, or

• A hold a permanent humanitarian visa

Some courses may even accept certain visa subclasses, but this depends on the course and provider. It’s always best to double-check if you're on a temporary visa.

4. Employment and Education Status

This is where things can vary a bit. But in general, you may be eligible for government funded courses if:

• You're unemployed or receiving Centrelink benefits

• You’re underemployed (working casually or part-time)

• You’re looking to upskill for a promotion or new job

• You're returning to the workforce after a break

• You have not completed a qualification at the same or higher level (in some cases)

In South Australia, the "Skilling SA" program is specifically designed to help job seekers and career changers gain practical skills through subsidised training.

What About Online Government Funded Courses?

With flexible learning becoming more common, many providers now offer online government funded courses in areas like:

• Aged care

• Disability support

• Mental health

• Business and admin

• Community services

• Early childhood education

Online learning allows you to study when and where it suits you—especially helpful for busy parents, remote workers, or those in regional SA.

Common Myths About Eligibility (Let’s Bust Them)

Let’s quickly clear up a few common misconceptions:

Myth 1: “I’m too old to study.”
Truth: Age is not a barrier. In fact, many mature-age students enrol every year.

Myth 2: “If I already have a degree, I can’t apply.”
Truth: You can still apply, especially if your degree is not related to the course you're interested in. Some exceptions apply depending on your past qualifications.

Myth 3: “Online courses aren’t funded.”
Truth: Many online government funded courses are available—just ensure your provider is approved.

How to Check Your Eligibility

Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a course – Find a field you're passionate about. Whether it’s aged care, business, or health, start with your interest.

2. Contact a training provider – Ask them about government funded courses in Adelaide or SA more broadly.

3. Check your eligibility – The provider will assess your details (age, location, employment status, etc.) and let you know if you qualify.

4. Gather your documents – Be ready to share proof of identity, residency, and any Centrelink benefits if applicable.

5. Enrol and start learning – Once approved, you’re ready to go!

Final Thoughts: Your Career Starts Here

Government funded courses are a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, explore new careers, and make yourself more employable—all without the financial stress.

Whether you're exploring government funded courses in SA, researching providers in Adelaide, or searching for flexible online government funded courses, eligibility often comes down to just a few key factors: age, location, employment status, and citizenship.