The key plank of the Federal Government's coronavirus relief package for the higher education sector is heavily discounted six-month online courses targeted at areas of national demand.

Key points: Courses will target priority areas where workers are needed and will be online only

Courses will target priority areas where workers are needed and will be online only Four units of study will be subsidised, as long as they are completed by December 1

Four units of study will be subsidised, as long as they are completed by December 1 Courses will range from diplomas to gradate certificates

The aim is to help unemployed people gain a new skill via remote learning while in isolation.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan wants people to stop bingeing on Netflix and instead reskill through these new online courses, which will run from May until December.

Currently, the Government has provided funding for 20,000 spots.

Here is the lowdown on the courses and how they will work when they come online next month.

What are the short courses and how much do they cost?

The Federal Department of Education told the ABC the Government had asked universities and providers to develop "short and focused" six-month courses.

Universities are now doing that work and, to be approved, they'll have to target "national priorities" and be delivered solely online.

The department has provided the ABC with the below table showing how much you'll have to pay.

A spokesman said: "Discounted student fees reflect the financial hardship faced by students who are displaced workers."

Field of education Fee Teaching $1,250 Nursing $1,250 Psychology $1,250 English $1,250 Mathematics $1,250 Foreign Languages $1,250 Agriculture $1,250 Allied Health $2,500 Other Health $2,500 Information Technology $2,500 Architecture and Building $2,500 Science $2,500 Engineering $2,500 Medical Science $2,500 Environmental Studies $2,500

Courses are aimed at helping people find work in the post-pandemic economy. ( Supplied: James Lam )

How will I know if I'm eligible?

The course offerings vary from diploma level through to graduate certificates.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) sets out the skills required from level 5 (diploma) to level 8 (postgraduate certificate).

These courses have very different entry requirements.

The department says four units of study will be supported at discounted rates so long as they are completed by December 1, 2020.

A department spokesman said applicants would also need to apply to their university or tertiary provider.

"People who want to study should contact their higher education provider for information about course eligibility requirements," he said.

In practice, universities and other education providers are still designing the courses so you'll have to wait a little longer for the exact details.

What will they qualify you to do?

The department hopes the courses will help you get a job in areas they are predicting the most need for in the post-pandemic economy.

A short course is not the same as a full bachelor degree which may automatically qualify you for a job.

It can be a head start toward that or work that only requires a diploma or certificate to get you over the line.

The department wants universities and higher education providers to consult with industry in their local area and focus on what will be most in demand.

"The higher education support package was introduced to support workers displaced by the COVID-19 crisis who are looking to upskill or retrain, and support universities and other higher education providers to continue teaching," a Department of Education Spokesman said.

"By giving a student a higher education certificate when they complete their six months of study, providers will be giving individuals a tangible benefit from their study."

If you're going to enrol to study, it'll be worth asking your university when you apply and discuss your expectations.

"Providers are encouraged to work with industry in meeting industry and student demand in delivering these short online courses," the spokesman said.

When will I know more?

You might need to wait a couple of weeks.

The Department of Education needs to hear back from schools with their plans for the courses and make sure they meet the goals set.

"Providers will need to identify how they can best meet local needs in the areas of identified national priorities, such as teaching and health, science, and information technology," the department's spokesman said.

"These courses must only be offered through online delivery to support those students in isolation."

Perhaps there's time to finish that series on Netflix before applying.