Gain a qualification while you work at councils in Victoria.

What is Earn and Learn?

Earn and Learn is a vocational study program delivered by leading dual-sector universities like RMIT University, Swinburne University, Victoria University and Federation University.

The program enables you to gain a qualification while earning an income at councils in Victoria. Blending study and work empowers you to achieve your career goals, whether you’re planning on changing careers or pursuing a passion.

Why apply?

Studying opens doors to new careers and industries, but unfortunately, it’s not always accessible or feasible. You might be juggling full-time work and family life, financial commitments, or other barriers that prevent you from gaining the qualification you need to achieve your career goals.

Earn and Learn brings your goals within reach without sacrificing these priorities. You can gain a qualification while you learn on the job, taking your future career to fresh and exciting places while balancing work, life and study.

Pursue a well-supported career in council

Earn and Learn is being offered for fields that are part of long-term workforce planning in Victorian councils, including:

• Urban planning
• Building surveying
• IT
• Civil engineering
• Finance.

Councils in Victoria are currently also experiencing employee shortages in these areas. By filling the gaps, you can also secure a career path with longevity and growth opportunities in council.

Considering changing careers? Five reasons Earn and Learn might be for you

Five career goal barriers you'll overcome through Earn and Learn

Be supported while you study

Depending on the Victorian council advertising the role you’re interested in, you may be able to access:

• Study fee assistance, such as partial or full fee funding
• Flexible arrangements so you can balance work and study
• Recognition of prior learning that counts towards your studies
• Pathways to further education, such as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees
• University support services for disability, neurodiversity, LGBTIQA+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

While you learn on the job, you’ll also have access to council mentors and industry connections that will strengthen your career.

Get started in three steps

1. Find the council job you’re interested in. You can start by exploring Careers at Council, or job seeking platforms like SEEK and LinkedIn.
2. Speak to the advertising council about Earn and Learn, and find out if the job is part of the program.
3. Apply for the job with everything the council has specified.

Success stories

Training for leadership opportunities: Jim’s experience with Earn and Learn

Motivated to make a difference: Vicki’s experience with Earn and Learn

Frequently asked questions

1. Who can apply?
   Earn and Learn is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible domestic visa holders employed by a participating Victorian council.
2. What is the duration and cost of the program?
   The duration and cost of your Earn and Learn program depends on the qualification you are completing and the council advertising the role. Some councils offer partial or full study fee assistance, study benefits, and flexible work arrangements, so it’s important to speak to the advertising council and ask about what you can access.
3. Will I get a formal qualification?
   Yes – completing Earn and Learn will earn you a vocational qualification, such as a certificate or diploma. After this, you may choose to complete pathways to further study, such as undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
   
   Please note that accreditation is different to a qualification. Some career paths, such as building surveying, require you to complete undergraduate or postgraduate study before you can be accredited in the field.

Disclaimer: This program is only available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible domestic visa holders employed by a participating Victorian council. The content on this page was last updated and is accurate as of September 2026.