Smart and Skilled subsidised training, including concessions and exemptions 

Tocal College is a Registered Training Organisation and an approved provider under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled Program. Students enrolling in our courses may be eligible for subsidised training, including further concessions and exemptions from the Smart & Skilled Student Fee.

To be eligible for subsidised training, students must be:

  • at least 15 years old
  • no longer at school
  • living or working in NSW
  • an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.

You may be eligible for fee exemptions when enrolling in a Smart and Skilled course if you're:

  • an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student
  • a student with disability
  • an Australian Government welfare recipient (see Australian Government payments and support, below).

Australian Government payments and support

Tocal full-time students and trainees may also be eligible for support from the Australian Government (Department of Human Services). Possible payments include Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABStudy. These and other payments can be investigated and applied for via Centrelink. An online estimator can be used to estimate or compare payments based on your circumstances.

Tocal College Scholarship Program

The College is extremely fortunate to have a very generous scholarship program. Our benefactors include community and farm industry organisations, employer groups, and alumni. Their greatly appreciated contributions allow up to 60% of our students to receive a scholarship to assist them with their regular College fees.

Scholarships vary in amount from $1,000 to $5,000 per student and are allocated by an Independent Scholarship Selection Panel. The main selection criterion is financial need, but other important considerations include likely contribution to community, dedication to studies and intended career path.

A single Scholarship Application Form is available which applies to all scholarships generally. A small number of scholarships have specific selection criteria requested by the benefactor which is usually associated with the applicant's chosen field of work. Unless otherwise stated, applications for the above scholarships close at the end of November. Successful applicants are notified in December/January. A covering letter providing information on the financial position of the applicant and their family (including taxable income) is recommended.

Scholarships are available to full-time students only. A description of the Scholarships available is provided below:

An objective of the Australian Wool Education Trust is to support the education of students, growers and others considered to be capable of contributing to the development of the wool industry.  Awarded to students interested in sheep and wool production.

BBM support the youth of Australia through their International Awards Program and targeted Australian-based scholarships. Each year they not only provide Tocal students with scholarships to the total value of $40,000 per but also provide up to two students with International Study Awards worth $8,000 each. Scholarship applications are accepted from current students when funds become available at stages during the year. There are a significant number of scholarships available.

Download the BBM Travel Scholarship application form PDF, 184.39 KB.

Provided by a local, successful Stock and Station agency that also assists with Tocal’s annual Australian Stock Horse Sale.

Provided by a past member of the College Advisory Council and strong advocates of rural mental health.

The CB Alexander Foundation supports agricultural education at Tocal College and holds in perpetuity the Tocal lands and resources. The Foundation is also responsible for the conservation and development of the Tocal historic homestead complex. This scholarship is normally for a second year student studying the Certificate IV in Agriculture.

The CWA is a strong advocate for country women and children. Their aims include improving educational opportunities for rural youth. The CWA also provides a representative to the Tocal Advisory Council.

Margo and her late husband, Bruce, are ex-students of Tocal. Margo is a member of the Tocal Advisory Council.

This scholarship was established in 2005 from a fund set up by Mr Ian Dunlop in memory of his father, Colin, a trustee of the Alexander Estate.

This scholarship was established in 2005 from a fund set up by Mr Ian Dunlop in memory of his wife, Rosemary, who was very active in the Friends of Tocal. More information is available here.



The Tocal Friends Association raises funds throughout the year to support Tocal and its students. They also provide a $250 Civics Prize which recognises a student’s contribution to the community.

This scholarship commenced in 2004 from a fund set up by John and Bruce Gardiner. Bruce and John’s father, Dr Samuel Stoops Gardiner, was a renowned surgeon in Newcastle and a close friend of CB Alexander.

This scholarship is provided by descendants of William and Susannah Gill and is one of the College’s earliest scholarships. It was established as a result of a reunion of the Gill family who initially settled at Woodville.

Significant scholarship support is provided by Glencore Coal Assets with priority to students that reside or originally reside (through ongoing family connection) in Glencore’s operational areas in NSW, including LGA’s of Muswellbrook, Singleton, Cessnock, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, and Mid-Western. Glencore invests in another 40 partners across NSW and Qld.

The GRDC's purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian growers. These scholarships are available to second year students. Recipients are required to do at least one of their month-long, off-campus placements on a farm or enterprise related to grain production.

This scholarship commenced in 2005. George and Jenny Hammond lived for many years at Narromine, with George running a very successful agricultural service business. George was heavily involved in training and skills recognition for Weeds Officers.

Mr Breck Hayward is a recent but enthusiastic supporter of the College. He is an active member of the Friends of Tocal , including the role of Treasurer. This individual scholarship recognises the potential of financial support to increase the career and personal outcomes of the Tocal experience.

This is another of Tocal’s earliest scholarships, commenced by David and Judy Hunt. David’s efforts assisted the College to establish deductible gift recipient status and therefore the growth of the Scholarship Program.

The Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) Agricultural Extension Scholarship is part of the Hunter LLS Ag Extension Program. The scholarship is awarded to assist students during their studies so that they can contribute to future sustainable agricultural productivity outcomes in the Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) region.



This Trust was established by the late John Murray, an ex-student of Yanco Agricultural College, in memory of his former Deputy Principal (later to become Principal), Mr Bill Banister. John’s wife, Lorraine, is also an active supporter of the scholarship program. Preference is given to students from the south-west of NSW.

Established by past student, John Kennewell (2007-8) to provide opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially those with single parents. Although a very young applicant, John went on to achieve the Bronze Award and Best Practical Student from an Urban Background.

NSW DPI works to increase the value of primary industries and drive economic growth across NSW. Tocal College operates within this division and enjoys its significant support. These scholarships also include the NSW DPI Indigenous Scholarship.

A legacy of the Rotary Youth in Crops, Agronomy, Grain and Seeds (RYCAGS) and Rotary Youth in Cotton (RYCOTT) programs conducted under the mentorship of Mr Geoff Smith. Preference is given to students from Central and North West NSW, with a strong interest in Cotton and Grains Industries, especially those from Central Schools.



Paspaley is heavily involved in Australian agriculture with significant properties in New South Wales and Northern Australia. We appreciate the support of their Rural Holdings General Manager and Ex Student, Stuart Hughes, who also accepts second year students for off-campus work placement.

Australian Rotary Clubs are part of an international network of business, professional and community leaders who strive to make the world a better place through practical efforts. Paterson Rotary works closely with the College on a number of events during each year, while Rotary more generally assists with RYDA, RYLA and Tocal Rotaract.

This Scholarship is provided by ex-student Professor Powles who is currently a leader in herbicide resistance research and regularly updates the College on advancements in this area.

Established in 2005, from a fund set up by the late Mrs Barbara Stevenson in memory of her late husband. Both Jeff and Barb were great supporters of the College and the Stevenson family have been neighbours of Tocal since the early 1970’s.

Previously the Tocal Ex Students Association or TESA Scholarship, this new award occurs through the creation of the Tocal Alumni, of which all graduates are automatic members. The Tocal alumni website has more information.

The UoN was established as a university in 1965 and is recognised for its commitment to equity and excellence in higher education and research. It is ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide. This scholarship is for students interested in further education after Tocal.

This scholarship is provided anonymously by an ex-student in memory of B.W. Urquhart, past deputy principal and beef manager. Bruce was also highly regarded in the beef industry.

These scholarships are supported by funds provided by Miss D U McLachlan in memory of her grandfather, H.C. White, to further the education and training of students, improve productivity in agriculture, and support the education and training directions set by the College. Applications are accepted from current students when funds become available at stages during the year. The total value of scholarships per year is $20,000.

This scholarship is for students from the Western Division/Riverina/Murray regions and funded by Tocal College and NSW DPI.

Widden Stud is a highly respected and successful horse stud in the Upper Hunter Valley and synonymous with many champion sires. In addition to providing these scholarships, Widden also presents at employer information days, accepts students for off-campus placement, and employs graduates. Recipients are required to spend one week’s off-campus placement at Widden.



This scholarship is available to past students only. It provides support for ex-students wishing to undertake further training or other activities to assist them to achieve their career goals. See the Tocal College Alumni page for more information and to apply.