If you are an apprentice in the Northern Territory, your support comes from two places: the federal government (the big national payments every Australian apprentice can access) and the the Northern Territory government (its own state extras). A lot of apprentices only ever find one. Here is the plain-English version of both.
Amounts and rules change often — treat any figure as a guide and confirm with the official source.
The national payments (available in every state, including the Northern Territory)
Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan
An interest-free loan (indexed like a HECS/HELP debt) for living costs while you are on apprentice wages, drawn down in instalments and only repaid once your income passes a threshold after you finish — with a discount for completing. Confirm at apprenticeships.gov.au.
Apprentice incentive payments
If your trade is on the national priority list, you may get direct milestone payments. The list and amounts were adjusted from 1 January 2026, so check whether your trade qualifies.
Fee-Free TAFE and LAFHA
Fee-Free TAFE places (jointly funded with the state) can wipe your course fees for eligible qualifications, and the Living Away From Home Allowance is a weekly payment if you moved away from home for your apprenticeship. Confirm eligibility through your Apprenticeship Support Network provider.
the Northern Territory’s own support
The Northern Territory offers strong support given its skills needs, including subsidised training and travel and accommodation assistance for apprentices who have to travel long distances for training. Confirm the current programs and amounts with the NT Government. Because state programs and their dollar amounts change, apply and confirm the current details through the NT Government (apprenticeships).
How to claim it
- Get an Apprenticeship Support Network provider for the national payments and loan.
- Check your state authority for the local extras and any tool or travel funds.
- Ask your TAFE about Fee-Free places before you enrol.
- Keep records — payslips and travel logs make claims easier.
Where to confirm everything
- National: apprenticeships.gov.au
- the Northern Territory: the NT Government (apprenticeships)
General information only — not financial, legal or career advice. Check the official source and your state authority before acting.