Fees & funding
The full fee-for-service cost is listed on each course page. However, a range of funding and financial support options are available to help make your education more accessible.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for government-funded programs through Skills Assure (QLD), employer support, or other financial assistance. We also offer flexible payment options. Full details are available in the Student Handbook.
Subsided training
Kath Dickson Institute is an approved provider of Skills Assure, the Queensland Government’s framework for subsidised vocational education and training. We also offer subsidised training under the Queensland Government’s Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway.
Flexible Payment Options
With our PaySmart Direct Debit plan, students can pay course fees in interest-free instalments from just $20 per fortnight. Speak with our team during enrolment to set up a plan that suits you.
Withdrawal and refunds
Students are entitled to a 7-day cooling-off period (from the date of enrolment). During this time, students may withdraw from their course without incurring any penalties on course costs, excluding the non-refundable enrolment fee. For withdrawal from a course or program after this time, please refer to the Withdrawal/Refund Policy in the Student Handbook.
Skills Assure funding
As a Queensland Government–approved training provider, Kath Dickson Institute is proud to hold the Skills Assure identifier. This signifies that we meet rigorous quality standards and can deliver subsidised training in eligible qualifications. When you study with a Skills Assure Supplier, you gain recognised, industry-valued skills supported by government funding.
If you are eligible for funded training in Queensland, you may be able to access government-subsidised training through one of the following programs:
- Career Start – Supports eligible students to complete their first qualification in a priority industry or skill area.
- Career Boost – Provides financial assistance for eligible students to undertake a higher-level qualification (such as a Certificate IV) in priority areas.
What is Career Start?
Career Start is a Queensland Government initiative that helps eligible individuals complete their first post-school Certificate III qualification by offering subsidised training fees. This program aims to enhance skills and employment opportunities.
What qualifications are available?
Qualifications offered by Kath Dickson Institute that are available under Career Start General Training are:
- CHC22015 Certificate II in Community Services
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
These qualifications are offered by Kath Dickson Institute in the following locations: Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs – Maranoa, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan – Beaudesert, Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday, Moreton Bay – North, Queensland – Outback, Moreton Bay – South, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wide Bay.
What are the crteria I need to meet?
To access subsidised training places under Career Start, prospective students must meet the following criteria:
- aged 15 years or older;
- not be a school student;
- permanently reside in Queensland;
- Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
- not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills do not count).
What is Career Boost?
Career Boost is a Queensland Government initiative designed to help individuals gain advanced skills needed for employment, career progression in priority industries, or transition to university. This one-off funding program provides subsidised training fees to eligible participants.
What qualifications are available?
Qualifications offered by Kath Dickson Institute that are available under Career Boost General Training are:
This qualification is offered by Kath Dickson Institute in the following locations: Brisbane, Cairns, Central Queensland, Darling Downs – Maranoa, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Logan – Beaudesert, Mackay – Isaac – Whitsunday, Moreton Bay – North, Queensland – Outback, Moreton Bay – South, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville, Wide Bay.
What are the criteria I need to meet?
To access subsidised training places under Career Boost, prospective students must meet the following criteria:
- aged 15 years or older;
- not be a school student;
- permanently reside in Queensland;
- Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the right visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen;
- not already have a certificate III or higher qualification completed within the last 10 years (qualifications completed as a school student and foundation skills do not count).
Traineeship/Apprenticeship
The Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway is a Queensland Government initiative that provides a funding contribution towards the cost of training and assessment for eligible Queensland apprentices and trainees, allowing them to choose their preferred registered training organisation (RTO).
What qualifications are available?
A Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway subsidy is available for the following Kath Dickson Institute courses:
- CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
What are the criteria I need to meet?
To be eligible for subsidised training under the Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway, you must have entered into a training contract for a qualification funded by the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET).
- You can receive only one government contribution for a User Choice-funded qualification at a time.
- You are eligible for a maximum of two government funding contributions under the Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway.
Special rules apply for school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs), so students and their parents or guardians should consult with their school’s vocational education and training coordinator before registering as a SAT.
What will it cost?
If you are eligible for the Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway, your co-contribution fee to Kath Dickson Institute is $1.60 per nominal hour for each unit of competency, as determined by DTET (Information correct as of June 2025).
- Concession and non-concession rates apply to all Traineeship/Apprenticeship Pathway students.
- Full or partial exemptions may apply based on specific criteria.
NOTE: The Queensland Government provides fully subsidised training for young Queenslanders up to the age of 21 across priority apprenticeships and traineeships. If you are under 21 when you register as a trainee or apprentice in early childhood, there will be no cost for training
What about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships?
School-based apprentices and trainees, typically in years 10, 11, and 12, receive training in the workplace and with an RTO while continuing their studies towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (Senior Certificate or equivalent).
- School-based apprentices and trainees may access a maximum of two government contributions under the User Choice program.
- The government contribution for Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications is 100% subsidised as a Priority One qualification.
- School-based apprentices and trainees are exempt from paying student contribution fees while still at school.
Contact us
Want to know more?
We know starting study can feel like a big decision, and you might have lots of questions — our friendly team is here to help!
Call us on 1300 336 345 or complete the contact form.
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Kath Dickson Institute operates in accordance with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, Standards for RTOs 2015 and is a Skills Assure Supplier for the User Choice and Vet Investment programs for Queensland Government. National Provider Code 5394.
