How to ask your boss for training budget

Come prepared. Rather than asking for “training money,” bring a specific course or two to the table. That gives your manager the full picture, from cost and duration to delivery method. It also helps you show how the course ties into your role and the company’s goals. If you are unsure of what you are looking for, reach out to our Enrolment Advisors for a bit of guidance.  

What’s the gap you’re looking to close? Is it technical know-how? Strategy skills? Leadership confidence? Don’t forget, career progress is people's number one motivation to learn. Chances are, your employer sees upskilling as a win too.

This part matters. Make it clear what you want to learn and more importantly, how it will benefit the business. That might mean improving workflows, lifting client outcomes, or helping your team stay ahead of the curve. Keep the focus on impact, not personal gain. For example did you know most of RMIT Online’s short courses allow you to bring your own case study?  A great way to sell your proposition to your employer is to show them that you can study and benefit them at the same time.

End of financial year is a smart moment to raise the topic. There may be leftover budget to use up, and if not, your request could be built into next year’s planning. Tip: start these conversations in May or early June to give managers time to act.  

If your preferred course doesn’t fit the budget, ask about alternatives. Maybe there’s a microcredential, short course or team-based training that hits similar outcomes. The goal is to keep the conversation going, not get stuck on one option. If you have a budget to use, but no time to do the course this side of the financial year, you can use your budget now and take the course later with RMIT Online.

And remember, around 2.6 million Australians need to boost their digital skills to stay job-ready. Helping you get there isn’t a favour—it’s a future-proofing move.  

Email is a great way to make the first move. It gets your request on the radar and gives your manager time to consider it. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s one we came up with:

Just make sure to change the specific details before sending (you’d be surprised how often that gets missed…)

Subject: Request for professional development – [Your Name]

Hi [Manager’s Name],

As part of my development at [Company Name], I’d like to explore a couple of training options that align with my role and the team’s goals.

These courses could help: 

• Address key skill gaps in our team

• Improve how we approach [analytics / leadership / digital transformation etc.]

• Drive better outcomes for clients and projects

I’ve found two courses that are flexible, online and designed to fit around full-time work: 

• [Course Name]

• [Course Name]

Total cost: [Insert Cost].

I’m hoping this could be covered as part of my PDP or professional development budget. Of course, I’m open to your suggestions if there are preferred providers or options. 

Let me know a good time to chat further.

Thanks, 
[Your Name]