Work expenses

Self-education, courses and seminars

Study that maintains or improves skills used in current employment, or is likely to increase income from current employment.

Who can claim

This deduction is available to individuals.

  • You are earning employment income when the expense is incurred.
  • The subject or component maintains or improves skills used in current employment, or is likely to increase income from current employment.

What you cannot claim

  • A course that only enables new employment or a change of occupation is excluded.
  • HELP and other study-loan repayments are not deductible.
  • Employer-paid or reimbursed course costs are excluded.

How the amount is worked out

Claim eligible course and related costs, applying the normal work-use, travel and asset rules to each component.

Records the ATO expects

  • Course or seminar invoice
  • Current-duty connection
  • Travel and accommodation records where relevant

Where this rule comes from

Primary source: ATO self-education expenses (Updated 16 June 2025). Reviewed 30 July 2026. Covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 income years.

Next steps