You pay a an initial payment of US$5000 and you lose this if you fail your assessment.
I have heard the assessment is tough but many pilots just turn up and don't put enough work in or fail due to the low number of hours and poor training from their TRTO.
If you pass your assessment then you pay the remaining line training fee.
There is an average wait of 2 months before you start actually flying. In this time 2 training sessions, your simulator assessment, your medical and all other paperwork to get you flying is arranged.