What is VET in Schools (VETiS) Funding?
And how does it work?
This training can be undertaken as part of their school studies through a general training pathway or in a workplace as a school-based apprentice or trainee. VETiS covers training fees for VET courses that are aligned to jobs and skills in demand, putting secondary school students on a path to employment and further VET opportunities
VETiS offers either a general training pathway or a school based apprenticeship/traineeship pathway. Under VETiS, a student may access a subsidised training place through a general training pathway and/or an apprenticeship/traineeship.
Read more here about the full list of funded courses and pathways
Funding Eligibility
General Training Pathway
Through the general training pathway (certificate I or II qualifications) – students can complete a nationally recognised qualification and develop practical, job-ready skills to leave school feeling prepared and confident about their future. This pathway focuses on career paths linked to priority industries and sectors and helps make moving from school to work or further training much easier.
To access a funded training place under VETiS 2026 and 2027, in a general training pathway, a school student must:
- be a student enrolled in Years 10, 11 or 12 in a Queensland secondary school;
- not be an international secondary school exchange student;
- not have already completed a certificate I or II VETiS qualification funded by DTET;
- have a genuine interest in pursuing a post school vocational occupation;
- be first enrolled in a general training pathway qualification on or after 1 January 2026 and have commenced training no later than 17 September 2027;
- not enrol and commence training if training and assessment cannot be completed by 30 June 2028.
School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Pathway
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) allow high school students (usually in Years 10, 11 or 12) to earn a wage, train towards a nationally recognised qualification while at school. For SATs, an individual must be employed as an apprentice or trainee. This pathway is part of the Australian Apprenticeships system and requires all parties to sign an Apprenticeship and Traineeship Training Contract (the Contract) as defined by the Further Education and Training Act 2014 (the Act).
There are specific requirements for SATs that apply to:
- age limits
- paid work and minimum hours
- parental/guardian consent
- school support and timetables.
Some of the training and/or work must take place during school hours.
To be eligible to receive government subsidised training, the school based apprentice or trainee must:
- have entered into a Contract (training contract) for a qualification funded by DTET and be registered on DTET’s training database, and;
- not have already completed or be enrolled in a SAT.
Note: A student can only undertake two funded apprenticeship/traineeship qualifications across the suite of core programs: VETiS; Career Start and Career Boost, within a 10-year period. A SAT uses one of these entitlements
Co-contribution Fees
School students do not have to pay any student or co-contribution fees for the VETiS program. The Queensland Government covers the cost by paying the SAS so students can do the training for free. When a SAT converts to a full-time or part-time apprenticeship or traineeship, co-contribution fees must be charged for training and assessment for any units of competency not yet commenced. This does not apply to qualifications funded under Free Apprenticeships for under 25s.
Courses funded by VET in Schools (VETiS)
Further Information
VETiS programs offer a range of benefits, including:
- A nationally recognised qualification upon successful completion of the course
- Foundational skillsets required for future employment
- Practical learning opportunities through work experience
- Credit toward a high-school certificate and vocational studies, or university qualifications
This depends on the age of a student and where the learning is taking place. A VETiS course is done throughout the schooling year at an RTO. If the course is undertaken while a young person is still enrolled at school and through their employer, this is done through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT).
In Queensland, VETiS is funded by the VET investment budget. This delivers funding to any RTO approved by The Department of Trade Employment and Training as a Skills Assure supplier.
Please view our Funding Page for more information.
If you have already completed a VETiS qualification at school, you are still eligible to access further Queensland Government subsidised training post-school including certification 3 qualifications.
Learn More
About VET in Schools (VETiS) Funding
How To Apply
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access the right choice and options for funding.
1. Check out our range of courses and take our Eligibility Quiz to find out which funding you may be eligible for.
2. Call us on 1300 790 822 to discuss what course is right for you.
3. Provide us with your Date of Birth and Full Name and we can help you with the rest.
Useful Links
Find out more information about VETiS and check out these useful links below:
Talk to A Course Advisor
Interested in studying a course but don't know what funding is available to you. Contact us today to check your eligibility and find out more about funding options available to you.