The International Skills Training (IST) courses program was launched by the Australian Government in April 2017 to deliver non-accredited training courses specifically designed for the offshore international student market.
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The Australian Government announced the cessation of the International Skills Training (IST) Courses Program in the 2024-25 Budget. The Department will work closely with program licensees and other key stakeholders to wind-down the program by late 2024.
What are the International Skills Training courses?
IST courses have been developed by Australian Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) experts and are approved by the Australian Government for delivery by quality licenced Australian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). IST courses support global demand for quality training and assessment skills which bolster aspirations for economic growth.
Many countries are currently seeking to improve their TVET outcomes, while industry demands increasing numbers of skilled workers, and workers seeking quality training. The IST courses meet this growing demand.
Australia’s investment in its TVET system, based on high quality standards and industry-defined skills requirements, enables partner countries to grow their skills capacity.
How can IST courses be delivered?
The IST courses have been tailored for flexible offshore delivery by Australian RTOs. Training can be delivered in partnership with local training providers, governments at all levels, or private employers.
The adaptability of the IST courses lends itself to deliver across a range of skills training sectors and industries.
The courses offer flexible design to enable contextualisation for the target market. They are a non-accredited alternative to the Australian Qualifications Framework and other courses already delivered offshore.
Learners who successfully complete an IST course are awarded a completion certificate carrying the Australian Government crest. Certificates and Statements of Training can be verified via the International Skills Training Courses Program Verification Database.
Courses currently on offer
Training & Assessment suite
- TVET Trainer
- TVET Assessor
- TVET Advanced Trainer and Assessor
Cybersecurity
- TVET Cybersecurity
Other skills areas
The Department is currently developing (in consultation with subject matter experts) non-accredited courses in other high-demand, priority skills areas for offshore delivery.
Approved IST providers can also propose accreditation of self-developed IST courses via a separate application process. For more information on developing courses please contact InternationalSkillsTraining@dewr.gov.au.
How to get involved
Australian RTOs must apply and obtain an IST licence to deliver IST courses. A list of current IST providers is available on our website.
Licences
To apply for or renew an existing IST licence, relevant forms must be submitted and approved by the Department.
Applications by RTOs can be submitted electronically to InternationalSkillsTraining@dewr.gov.au.
Annual Fees
An annual fee of $4,000 (GST inclusive) is payable by each RTO approved to participate in the delivery of the program.
Further information
Further information and program guidelines are available through the following links: