How to Choose the Right Course
Compare your career goal, course level, location, delivery format, entry requirements and funding options before you decide.
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Student Resources
Resources to Help You Choose Your Next Training Pathway.
Explore practical guides about courses, funding, career pathways, eligibility and the enrolment journey. Our goal is to make training options easier to understand before you take the next step.
Browse by Topic
Start with the information you need.
Use these resource categories to quickly find guidance relevant to your training decision.
Course Guides
Understand course levels, study pathways and what to consider before choosing.
Funding & Eligibility
Learn how government-subsidised and self-funded options may differ.
Career Pathways
Explore how different qualifications can connect to occupational pathways.
Student Support
Prepare for enquiries, provider discussions, documentation and enrolment.
FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about training, funding and providers.
Featured Guides
Helpful reading before you make a decision.
These guides are designed to answer common questions students have at the beginning of their training journey.
Government-Subsidised vs Self-Funded Training
Understand the difference between a subsidised place and a self-funded option, including why availability can vary by state, provider and student.
Read about funding →What to Expect Before Enrolment
Learn what information may be requested before enrolment, including identity, residency or visa details, prior study and course-specific requirements.
Ask about your options →Understanding Training Providers and RTOs
Learn the difference between an education guidance service and the registered training organisation that delivers training and issues the qualification.
Learn how it works →
Career Pathway Guides
Explore training by the career direction you are considering.
Course pathways can differ depending on your experience, goals, provider and location. These starting points can help you narrow your options.
Care and Community Services Pathways
Explore qualifications related to individual support, aged care, disability support and community services.
View Community & Health courses →Building and Construction Pathways
Explore qualifications across building, carpentry, bricklaying, painting, waterproofing and other construction trades.
View Construction courses →Early Childhood and Education Pathways
Explore training for early childhood education, school-based education support and training and assessment.
View Education courses →Hospitality, Cookery and Baking Pathways
Explore practical pathways in commercial cookery, patisserie and related food-service training.
View Hospitality courses →
Quick Help
Not sure which resource you need?
Start with your main question.
You do not need to understand every course or funding rule before you enquire. Choose the option closest to what you need help with.
How The Process Works
Who provides the training?
The Shepherds Education is an education marketing and guidance service. We promote courses offered by partner training providers and help prospective students understand their options. Training is delivered and qualifications are issued by the relevant registered training organisation (RTO).
The relevant training provider confirms final course availability, eligibility, fees, delivery arrangements, funding conditions and enrolment requirements.
Student FAQs
Quick answers to common training questions.
Clear answers can help you compare options and know what to ask before you enrol.
How do I know which course is right for me?
Start with your career goal, current experience, preferred location, course level and available study options. An advisor can also help you compare pathways based on your circumstances.
What is the difference between government-subsidised and self-funded training?
Government-subsidised training may reduce the amount a student pays when eligibility and provider funding conditions are met. Self-funded training means the student pays the applicable course fees directly.
Does The Shepherds Education deliver the training?
The Shepherds Education provides education marketing and guidance. Training is delivered and qualifications are issued by the relevant registered training organisation.
Can course fees and funding vary between states?
Yes. Funding programs, provider arrangements and eligibility rules can differ by state, course and individual circumstances.
What information should I have ready when I enquire?
It is helpful to know your preferred course, state or location, residency or visa status and any questions you have about your study goals.
Who confirms my final eligibility and enrolment?
The relevant training provider confirms final eligibility, fees, funding arrangements, entry requirements and enrolment conditions.
Need Personal Guidance?
Tell us what you are looking for.
Complete the form below and a course advisor can review your course interest, location and circumstances.
Course availability, funding, fees, eligibility and enrolment requirements vary by state, training provider, course and individual circumstances.
Ready to explore your options?
Browse current training pathways and find the course area that matches your goals.
The Shepherds Education
Helping students navigate training and career pathways across Australia.
Government funding may be available to eligible students depending on the course, state, training provider and individual circumstances. Course fees, eligibility requirements and enrolment conditions vary.
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