Asylum seekers and refugees

If you're an asylum seeker or refugee, you are eligible for Smart and Skilled training from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level if you meet the criteria below. If you are eligible and your training commences on or after 1 January 2017, you will have access to fee-free training for qualifications up to Certificate IV level on the NSW Skills List.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible if you:

  • are aged 15 years or older; and
  • are no longer at school or its equivalent; and
  • live or work in New South Wales; and
  • hold one of the following visas:
    • Emergency rescue visa (Subclass 203)
    • Global special humanitarian programme visa (Subclass 202)
    • In-country special humanitarian programme visa (Subclass 201)
    • Protection visa (Subclass 866)
    • Refugee visa (Subclass 200)
    • Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790)
    • Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
    • Woman at Risk visa (Subclass 204)

or

  • hold one of the following visas where your training commences on or after 1 January 2017:
    • Bridging Visa A (BVA)
    • Bridging Visa B (BVB)
    • Bridging Visa C (BVC)
    • Bridging Visa D (BVD)
    • Bridging Visa E (BVE)
    • Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
    • Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449).

(Please note that these visa categories are correct as at 30 November 2016. Visas are subject to change at any time by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.)

Fee-free training

If you are eligible and are undertaking a Certificate I, Certificate II, Certificate III or Certificate IV level qualification on the NSW Skills List and your training commences on or after 1 January 2017 you will not pay any course fees under Smart and Skilled.

(Note: Training providers may still charge fees for 'incidental expenses' such as for essential tools or for field trips. Training providers must let you know of any additional fees for incidental expenses prior to enrolment.)

Proof of eligibility

You should advise your training provider that you hold an eligible visa.

Your training provider will ask for your visa and will confirm that it appears on the list above.

Fact sheet