What Financial Assistance is Available for Apprentices?
The Australian Federal Government provides a range of financial assistance programs to support apprentices and trainees throughout their training. What you are eligible for depends on your trade, your personal circumstances, and whether your qualification is on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
Why Financial Support Exists
Starting an apprenticeship, particularly in the first year or two, can be financially challenging. Apprentice wages are lower in the early years of training, and many apprentices are young people who are managing independent living costs for the first time, or adult apprentices who have taken a pay cut to change careers.
The federal government's financial assistance programs exist to reduce this burden and help more people complete their training rather than leaving due to financial pressure. The programs are separate from your apprenticeship wages and are designed to complement, not replace, your earnings as an apprentice.
Available Financial Assistance Programs
Australian Apprenticeships Support Loan
The Australian Apprenticeships Support Loan provides eligible apprentices with an income-contingent loan to help cover day-to-day costs during training. For 2025-26, the maximum available is $25,983 over the life of the apprenticeship, paid in regular monthly instalments.
Repayments only begin once your income exceeds a set threshold, similar in structure to a HECS-HELP debt for university students. A 20 per cent discount applies on repayment if you complete your apprenticeship.
Eligibility is linked to undertaking a qualification in a priority occupation on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment
The Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment provides direct financial support of up to $5,000 for eligible apprentices undertaking a Certificate III or higher qualification in a priority occupation. Payments are made at set intervals during the first two years of the apprenticeship.
Eligible occupations are listed on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List, which is updated annually. Priority trades currently include electrical, engineering, construction, automotive, refrigeration and air conditioning and a range of others.
Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) Support
Apprentices working in the new energy and housing construction sectors may be eligible for additional support through the Key Apprenticeship Program, with payments of up to $10,000 available over the life of a full-time apprenticeship.
Low Income Health Care Card
Apprentices who meet the income criteria may be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card, which provides discounts on prescription medicines, bulk-billed GP visits and a range of other health and community services. This can make a meaningful practical difference, particularly in the early years of an apprenticeship when wages are lower.
Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY
Depending on your age and personal circumstances, you may be eligible for income support payments through Services Australia.
- Youth Allowance is available to eligible apprentices under 25
- Austudy is available to eligible apprentices aged 25 and over
- ABSTUDY is available to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander apprentices of any age
These payments can also attract additional benefits including rent assistance, which can significantly help with living costs during training. Eligibility is means-tested and depends on your income, assets and living arrangements.
How to Find Out What You Are Eligible For
Each program has its own eligibility criteria, application process and payment schedule. The programs change periodically as the government updates its apprenticeship support framework, so it is important to check current eligibility requirements rather than relying on information that may be out of date.
For a full overview of available programs and links to apply, visit the MIGAS Financial Assistance for Apprentices page.
You can also speak with your Apprentice Connect Australia Provider (ACAP), who can assess your eligibility across all applicable programs and help you lodge claims correctly. This service is free.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse current apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities on the MIGAS Jobs Board, or register your details and we will be in touch when a suitable role becomes available in your area and trade of interest.