Tertiary, Trade & Training

ICPA Qld lobbies to ensure that students in rural and remote areas have access to post-compulsory educational options that will enable them to pursue the career path of their choice.

The Tertiary, Trade and Training Portfolio is focused on addressing key issues including:

• Adequate support of those participating in the Permission To Teach (PTT) program
• Lobbying for Home Tutor’s prior experience to be recognised by RTO’s offering degrees and certification in Education and Education Support programs, including Teacher Aide qualifications
• University and Residential Colleges to offer increased places for rural and remote students
• Ensure RTO’s provide compulsory modules for delivery of virtual curriculum
• Development of a “Distance Education Ready Program” for Home Tutors to support online learning
• Lobbying universities in Queensland to offer Secondary teaching students Agricultural subjects as a pathway
• Ensuring sufficient support networks are available to Apprentices
• Ensuring access to available services for Apprentices and VET students
• Advocating for local community hubs in regional areas to provide access, resources and support for Tertiary and Trade students

The Tertiary, Trade & Training Report 2026 is available for your perusal. View the Tertiary, Trade and Training Policy 2026 - 2027. 

Scholarships

Check out the websites of the university you are interested in attending – many offer scholarships. Start looking early in the year you commence Year 12 as it can be a competitive process and take some time to apply. You may need to apply before you are even offered a place to study.

• Winchester Foundation – Empowering Country Children - Scholarships are open to children and youth in rural and regional areas looking to reach their career dreams through access to great education.

• TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program helps hundreds of Queenslanders pursue their career goals. Scholarships can be used to pay for study-related costs such as course fees, travel expenses, childcare, uniforms, tools, books and other study materials.

• Country Education Foundation (CEF) supports youth through financial grants for education and employment expenses. Grants contribute towards apprenticeships, traineeships, cadetships, diplomas, certificate level studies, university qualifications or employment. For further information on search the Scholarship Guide. 

• Scholarships and grants - A range of scholarships and grants are available to support people currently studying, or planning to study, a teaching degree.

• Pathways and internships – Programs to help you start and complete a teaching degree, enter the classroom sooner and access financial support while you study.

The following websites offer information for high school, VET, university (under-graduate and post-graduate students) and Indigenous students:

• The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training offers support and scholarship opportunities.  

• Student Support is also a helpful page which offers a range of support options for students across the state. 

• JobTrainer Queensland is an investment of more than $201 million into the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Queensland. This joint initiative between the Federal Government and the QLD state government will allow new workers, school leavers, apprentices, and trainees to access free and low-cost training. Approximately 68,500 extra training places will be available for Queenslanders under JobTrainer — plus additional funding will be allocated to secure the wages of existing apprentices and trainees.

• Free Apprenticeships for U25's - The Qld Government is supporting young Queenslander's up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications.  

• Tec-NQ is a registered training organisation (RTO) and a senior secondary school that has been in operation since 2007. Tec-NQ provides a range of training and educational programs to Townsville and the North Queensland region including full-time apprentice training, on-demand industry training, pre-employment programs, and school-based apprentice programs.

TAFE Queensland

• TAFE Queensland is the state’s largest and most experienced training provider, delivering practical, industry-relevant education and training. With more than 60 locations across Queensland, TAFE Queensland offers qualifications across a wide range of industries, from entry-level certificates through to bachelor's degrees.

• Courses | TAFE Queensland 

• Tafe at School Guide 2027

ATAR & QCE

• Parents and students are encouraged to contact their schools regarding the VET programs available and course points allocated.  Certificate 3 & 4 courses can contribute to an ATAR, but not Certificate 2.  Cert 2,3 and 4 courses contribute to QCE points.  For further information visit QCAA.  

Pre-Service Incentives

• Many ICPA Qld branches offer incentives to pre-service teachers undertaking rural practicum placements within their local schools. These incentives help support accommodation, travel and living expenses while encouraging future teachers to experience rural and remote education settings.

• A list of currently available rural practicum incentives and support opportunities can be found at ICPA Pre Service Practicum Incentives.

Country University Centres

• Country University Centres are dedicated learning and study spaces designed for regional people by regional people, meaning that students no longer need to leave their region to attend university and receive the support they need.  

Allowances for Rural and Remote Students

• The Federal Allowances for Rural and Remote Students wishing to access financial assistance from distance education, boarding right through to tertiary/training. This information also includes information on The Youth Allowance.

Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) Apprentice Incentive 

• (KAP) Apprentice Incentive
• Eligible apprentices can receive up to $10,000 (full-time) or $5,000 (part-time) over the course of their apprenticeship when working in the following streams: 
  * New Energy Apprenticeship (NEA): Supports Australian Apprentices in the clean energy sector. 
  * Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA): Supports Australian Apprentices in the housing construction sector. 
• Paid as follows: 
  * Full-time: $2,000 at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and on completion.
  * Part-time: $1,000 at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months and on completion. 

Financial Support Options for Apprentices 

• MEGT is a not-for-profit organisation helping Australians access employment, apprenticeships and skills opportunities. Since 1982, MEGT has supported more than 1.5 million Australians into employment and partnered with over 250,000 businesses.
• As a leading provider of apprenticeship, employment and skills solutions, MEGT plays an important role in developing Australia’s future workforce.

• Please click the link for Financial Support Options For Apprentices .

Apprenticeships Data Management System (ADMS)

• ADMS is a modern and secure platform supporting the delivery of Australian Apprenticeship programs.

Changes to Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System 

• From 1 January 2027, support will focus on apprentices and small to medium employers, so help goes where it is needed most. For further information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System 

Teacher Education 

If you are currently studying an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Program, such as a Bachelor of Education or Master of Teaching, and want to complete one or more of your Professional Experience Placements in a Queensland State School, you may be eligible for financial assistance, through one of the following programs:  

• Teach Queensland Prac Placement Grant – up to $5,000 to support you to complete your final professional experience placement in any Queensland state school.  
• Beyond the Range Professional Experience Grant – up to $5,000 to help you undertake a professional experience placement in a rural or remote Queensland state school (TR4–TR7).  
• Regional Professional Experience Grant – up to $3,400 to support you to undertake a professional experience placement in a regional Queensland state school (TR2–TR3).  
• Supported Pathway into Teaching – paid leave for departmental employees to undertake their professional experience placements.  

If you are completing your final professional experience placement in a regional, rural or remote Queensland State School, you may be eligible for a Beyond the Range or Regional Professional Experience Grants, in addition to the Teach Queensland Prac Placement Grant – providing you with up to $10,000 in financial assistance, depending on the duration and location of your placement.  

Paid Practicum for PTT teachers

• Current employees of the Department of Education who are studying to become teachers, including PTTs, will be granted paid leave to undertake professional experience easing the financial burden that many PTTs have faced when completing their professional experience placements. For further information on Paid practicum for PTT teachers.