Can I Claim Training Courses on Tax in Australia? (2026)

Who this page is for: Workers and contractors paying for courses, seminars, conferences or licences tied to their current work.

What this page answers: Answer a common self-education query in a narrow format that feeds relevant occupation pages.

Parent support page: How to Claim Tax Deductions in Australia (2026 Guide)

Scope note: The main dividing line is whether the study maintains or improves your current income-earning activities, rather than helping you move into a new field.

Last reviewed: 25 March 2026

Trust note: This answer page is educational only and checked against official ATO guidance or closely related ATO topic pages.

Direct answer

You may be able to claim training courses on tax in Australia if the course has a sufficient connection to the work you already do to earn income. You generally cannot claim training that is mainly about getting a new job, opening a new income stream or changing careers.

You also cannot claim the part someone else paid for, and you still need records showing what you spent and why it related to your current work.

You usually need to have paid the cost yourself.
The expense should relate directly to earning income or running the business.
Only the work-related or business-use share is usually claimable for mixed-use items.
Records matter just as much as the expense itself.

Related live page: How to Claim Tax Deductions in Australia (2026 Guide).

Short explanation

The ATO treats course fees, seminars and some related costs as self-education expenses when there is a close connection to your current employment or business activities. That usually means the course maintains or improves skills you already use in the work you do now.

This is why similar-looking courses can have different outcomes. A refresher, licence renewal or industry conference may fit the rules, while a qualification that helps you move into a different role may not. Travel, accommodation and equipment linked to the course can also need separate checking.

Key rules

The course should maintain or improve skills used in your current income-earning activities.
A course aimed at getting a new job or entering a new field is usually not deductible.
Keep invoices, receipts and course details showing the connection to your current work.
If your employer reimbursed the cost, you generally cannot claim that reimbursed part.
Related travel or equipment costs still need their own deduction tests.

Common mistakes

Claiming study that mainly helps with a future career change.
Assuming every conference, licence or membership payment is automatically deductible.
Forgetting to check whether the employer paid or reimbursed the fee.
Bundling travel and accommodation into the claim without checking the rules for each cost.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim a conference or seminar?

Possibly, if it has a real connection to the work you currently do and you paid the cost yourself.

What if my employer paid for the course?

If the employer paid or reimbursed it, you generally cannot also claim that amount yourself.

Can I claim training that helps me switch jobs?

Usually not. A move into a new role or profession is one of the main reasons self-education claims fail.

Internal links and next steps

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Review note, sources and disclaimer

Reviewed by: Australia Tax Deductions editorial team

Last reviewed: 25 March 2026

How this page is framed: This page is written in plain English, anchored to official ATO guidance and designed as educational information only.

Methodology: See the Editorial Policy and Review Methodology pages for how the site handles source checking and updates.

Primary references

General educational information only. Tax outcomes depend on your circumstances, records, business structure and the current ATO rules. Check the latest official guidance or speak with a registered tax professional before acting on any deduction claim.