Study and learning skills

NDIS Capacity Building support

Support to build the skills needed for study, such as planning, note-taking, time management and confidence in learning.

The short answer

Study and learning skills support helps students build skills for learning, such as planning, note-taking, time management and confidence.

About Study and learning skills

Learning is easier with good strategies. Study skills support helps with planning your week, breaking assignments into steps, taking notes, revising for tests, staying motivated and dealing with stress. For students with disability, it can also involve learning to use assistive technology and to ask for the adjustments they need.

Support can come from tutors, therapists and specialist coaches. It might be one-to-one or in a small group, at school, at home or online. The best approach depends on how you learn, so look for someone who takes the time to understand your strengths and challenges.

The same skills help at school, in vocational study, at university and in adult learning. Building them early gives a foundation for later study and work, and can make a big difference to confidence.

Who is this service for?

Students who want to build skills for learning, such as planning, note-taking, time management and confidence.

What a typical session looks like

A study skills session focuses on how you learn and what gets in the way. A tutor or therapist helps you work out methods for reading, note-taking, planning assignments, managing time and preparing for exams. They try different approaches with you and keep the ones that work.

Sessions are often practical, using real coursework or tasks so that what you learn can be applied straight away. A good tutor helps you understand the reasons behind the methods, so that you can adapt them yourself, and encourages you to seek adjustments from your school or university when needed.

Who delivers this support

Study support is provided by tutors, learning support specialists, occupational therapists and psychologists. Some education providers also have learning support services. Look for someone who has experience with your kind of learning needs and who respects your strengths.

How to choose a provider

• Ask how they find out how you learn best.
• Check their experience with students with disability.
• Ask whether they can support the use of assistive technology.
• Find out how they work with your school or education provider.
• Ask how progress will be measured.

Questions to ask a provider

• How will you work out what gets in the way of my learning?
• Will you use my actual coursework and assignments?
• How will you help me plan and manage my time?
• Can you help me find and use assistive technology?
• How will you work with my school or university?
• How will we measure progress?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the same study methods that have not worked before.
• Leaving assignments and revision until the last minute.
• Not asking the education provider for adjustments.
• Not using assistive technology that could help.
• Not building skills that last beyond the current course.

Getting started

1. Think about which study tasks are hardest.
2. Talk to your teachers or disability service.
3. Find a tutor or coach with the right experience.
4. Set goals and review them regularly.

How it fits with the rest of your plan

This support works alongside school or university disability services, higher education support and assistive technology. Learning skills also help in work and everyday life. It helps to keep the education provider informed so that adjustments and support are consistent.

Eligibility

You can use NDIS funding for Study and learning skills if it is included in your NDIS plan. The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary: they relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and represent value for money. Not sure whether it is in your plan? Check your plan, or ask your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

Funding

Capacity Building supports help you build skills and independence. If Study and learning skills is in your plan, it is normally paid from a Capacity Building budget. These budgets are usually set for particular types of support, so check which one your plan uses. Many NDIS supports have price limits, so ask providers for a quote and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Whether your plan is managed by the NDIA, by a plan manager or by you, ask for a written quote and a service agreement before you start. If your plan is plan-managed or self-managed you can use providers who are not registered with the NDIS. If it is NDIA-managed you generally need a registered provider.

What it costs

Supports such as Study and learning skills that are funded by the NDIS are paid at rates that follow the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which the NDIA reviews regularly. Many items have a maximum price, and some prices are higher in remote areas. Before you start, ask for a written quote that lists each support, the hours and the price, and check it against the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website. A provider may charge less than a limit. If you pay privately, the provider sets its own fees. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use providers who are not registered, and those providers set their own prices.

Life skills providers on the NDIS register

13,003 NDIS providers list life skills supports on the NDIS Commission register of registered providers. A register listing shows what the register says, not who has capacity.

Providers listing life skills

• 1 Abbira Care Services - VIC; includes Fraser Rise, VIC
• 1 Care Connect - NSW; includes Manly, NSW; Rooty Hill, NSW; Rosehill, NSW
• 1 Circle Of Care - VIC; includes Pakenham, VIC
• 1 Heart Care Services - NSW; includes Orange, NSW
• 1 In Town Services - SA; includes Mansfield Park, SA
• 1 The Helpers - NSW; includes Parramatta, NSW
• 1-Care - NSW; includes Lalor Park, NSW
• 10 Plus Care - VIC; includes Camberwell, VIC
• 121 Best Care - QLD; includes Calamvale, QLD
• 121 Supports Hunter - NSW; includes Hamilton, NSW; Newcastle, NSW; Newcastle West, NSW
• 123 Community Support - NSW; includes Ermington, NSW
• 13 Care Solutions - VIC; includes Cobblebank, VIC

See all 13,003 life skills providers

Listings by state and territory

• New South Wales (4,401)
• Victoria (3,825)
• Queensland (2,354)
• South Australia (1,257)
• Western Australia (1,066)
• Northern Territory (297)
• Australian Capital Territory (283)
• Tasmania (212)

Suburbs with the most listings

• Brisbane, QLD (608)
• Melbourne, VIC (477)
• Sydney, NSW (348)
• Central Coast, NSW (282)
• Perth, WA (264)
• Blacktown, NSW (241)
• Adelaide, SA (237)
• Parramatta, NSW (234)
• Liverpool, NSW (213)
• Tarneit, VIC (198)
• Geelong, VIC (185)
• Ipswich, QLD (185)

Listings covering the most areas

• Permalink Support Services - 503 areas
• Hunter Valley Care & Assistance - 249 areas
• Nurse Next Door Canberra - 189 areas
• Huge Care - 188 areas
• Aligned Assist - 184 areas
• Amazing Procare Toowoomba - 171 areas
• Allabilities Cares - 170 areas
• Allied Horizon Disability Services - 154 areas

Checking credentials

• Check registration Search the NDIS Commission's register of registered providers to see whether a provider is registered and for which types of support. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.
• Ask about worker screening Ask whether workers hold a current NDIS Worker Screening Check where their role requires one, and how the provider checks its workers' identity and qualifications.
• Get it in writing Ask for a written quote and a service agreement that describes the support, the prices, how to change or end it and how to make a complaint.

Regulation and safeguards

NDIS providers and their workers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, and registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Regulates NDIS providers and handles complaints about the quality and safety of NDIS supports. Phone: 1800 035 544.
• National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Runs the NDIS. Contact them about your plan, your funding and eligibility. Phone: 1800 800 110.

Related services

• Support Connection (Level 1)
• Support Coordination (Level 2)
• Supported employment
• Tenancy and accommodation assistance

Frequently asked questions

What are study skills?

Practical skills that help you learn, such as planning your time, taking notes, organising work, revising for tests and staying motivated.

Who provides this support?

Tutors, therapists and specialist coaches can help. Ask providers how they tailor support to the way you learn.

Can it help with school and adult study?

Yes. The same kinds of skills help in school, TAFE, university and adult learning.

Can this help with exams?

Yes. Support can include revision strategies and managing exam stress.

Is this the same as tutoring?

Tutoring focuses on a subject, while study skills support focuses on how you learn.

Can it be done online?

Often yes. Many tutors and coaches work online, so ask providers whether they offer it.

Can study skills support help with exams?

Yes. Tutors can help you plan revision, practise exam techniques and arrange adjustments such as extra time.

Do I need a diagnosis to get study support?

Not always, but some adjustments from schools and universities require documentation. The disability service can explain what they need.

Is this only for university students?

No. It is useful at school, in vocational training and in university.

Can I use my NDIS plan to pay for Study and learning skills?

If Study and learning skills is in your NDIS plan and is reasonable and necessary for you, then yes. Check with your planner, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can also arrange it privately.

How do I find a Study and learning skills provider near me?

Browse providers on SolDirectory, or send a free enquiry with your location and what you need and suitable providers will review it. Then ask each one about availability, a quote and a service agreement before you decide. Details come from providers and registers, so confirm them directly.

Sources and further reading

• NDIS: how the NDIS works, plans and price limits
• NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: find a registered provider, make a complaint

Browse the NDIS and aged care provider directory