There are over 4500 RTOs delivering all kinds of training in many different ways. Depending upon the course, and where you wish to do the training, you may have a choice of numerous RTOs. You can compare RTOs to see which one will suit you best. My Skills has lots of information about RTOs on their provider pages.
All the training providers listed on My Skills are registered training organisations (RTOs). This means they meet the registration requirements to deliver training and can issue you with a nationally-recognised qualification. RTOs can include TAFEs, private training providers and some industry associations and companies.
You may also want to:
- ask people you trust about the RTOs they have used or heard about,
- call the RTO and ask if you can visit the facilities to check them out,
- attend an Open day, or
- to record your research and help you choose, Download the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations handy Training Provider Comparison Table (PDF, 0.43 MB).
There are a few things to consider, and compare, before you choose an RTO:
Regulatory and registration status warnings
Does the RTO have any warnings against them?
If an RTO has a warning or alert attached to it, My Skills will indicate this with an exclamation mark icon next to the RTO’s name.
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Yellow exclamation marks indicate a registration status warning; for example, when a RTO has a ‘current (in administration/liquidation)’ status or if the RTO’s VSL or VFH status has been cancelled. |
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Red exclamation marks indicate that a regulatory body has made a regulatory decision about this provider. |
If you are interested in enrolling at an RTO with a warning and want to find out more about the registration status or regulatory decision, visit the National VET Register.
Fees
How much does this RTO charge for a course?
RTOs can set their own course fees, so training costs can vary. All RTOs are given the opportunity to voluntarily provide fee information on My Skills. My Skills shows you how many RTOs have entered the information and the average course fee based on the information provided. If you are interested in an RTO who hasn’t supplied course fee information, contact the RTO directly for further information. Remember to ask about all the costs or fees associated with completing the course, such as: tuition fees, service/amenity fees, material fees or equipment costs.
Duration
How long will it take to do this course with this RTO?
RTOs can set their own course durations, so the length can vary. RTOs can provide this information on My Skills and these are displayed on the RTOs lists for each course. My Skills shows you how many RTOs have entered the information and the average course duration based on the information entered. If you are interested in an RTO who hasn’t supplied duration information, contact the RTO directly for further information.
Location
Where are they? Is it local? Can I get there?
My Skills can show you your closest RTO.
You can set the courses search to produce results of courses that are offered locally.
Delivery mode
How do they deliver the course: Online? At my workplace? At campus?
RTOs can list and describe their delivery modes and training options on their My Skills’ RTO page. If you are interested in studying online look for the RTOs offering online delivery of your preferred course.
VET Student Loans
Can I get a VET Student Loan (VSL) to study this course here? How much do they charge? How does it work?
Not all RTOs are approved to offer VSL. You can search for RTOs that offer VSL here. A VSL approved RTO is obligated to provide their course price for any VSL course they are approved to offer. Make sure you check with the RTO at which you wish to study if they are able to offer VET Student Loans for the course you wish to study. You can find more information about VSL, including links to the list of approved course providers and approved courses on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations VSL Information page.
Government subsidies
Does the RTO offer government-subsidised training?
If the RTO offers subsidised training for the course you want it will be listed under the RTOs name. Subsidies vary from course to course, state to state, and RTO to RTO. Not all RTOs are approved to offer government subsidies. You will need to confirm your eligibility with a training provider that is approved to deliver subsidised courses.
Support services
Does the RTO cater for specific needs: Disability services? Rural support? Education support?
RTOs describe their services and facilities on their RTO page on My Skills. Contact the RTO directly for further information.