The Australian Government is continuing its support of Norfolk Island’s vocational education and training (VET) students through expansion of the Norfolk Island VET Financial Assistance Initiative (Initiative).
Since commencing in January 2019, the Initiative has made it easier for Norfolk Island residents studying a VET qualification to pay tuition fees, through reimbursing the difference in course fees incurred with what a resident student of the state or territory of their institution would pay.
This means, for example, that an eligible Norfolk Island resident who enrols in a VET course at a NSW TAFE that offers fee-free apprenticeships for New South Wales, will have the entire course fee reimbursed by the Australian Government.
Since 2019, this Initiative has supported the recruitment of thirteen apprentices by local businesses on Island, helping ensure residents are able to stay and work in the community.
This year we are expanding the types of assistance available under the Initiative, with eligible apprentices and trainees now able to access travel and accommodation assistance, Job Trainer subsidised courses and training scholarships for mature aged students.
The expansion of the Initiative means the financial assistance offered to eligible Norfolk Island VET students aligns with current state and territory government initiatives, ensuring that Norfolk Island students are not disadvantaged by location.
The upgraded Initiative package is being delivered by Asuria which has more than 20 years’ experience delivering services on behalf of Government.
To be eligible to receive support through the Initiative, you must be:
- 15 years or older
- an Australian citizen
- a resident of Norfolk Island
- or holder of an 808 class visa (for non-Australian Norfolk Island residents)
- not receiving any other Commonwealth or state or territory financial support towards the course (VET Student Loans are not considered financial support under this Initiative)
If you are an eligible Norfolk Island resident who is studying a VET course and would like to apply for VET Financial Assistance, you will need to submit an application form to Asuria by email at norfolkislandadmin@Asuria.com.au.
For more information, including a fact sheet and guidelines for applying to the Initiative visit infrastructure.gov.au/norfolk-island-vet.
If you have any further questions you can contact Asuria on 22562 or by email at norfolkislandadmin@Asuria.com.au.
Eric Hutchinson
Administrator of Norfolk Island
20 May 2021