Free TAFE for the jobs Victoria needs
Get in-demand skills, without the tuition fees.
Browse over 40 coursesVictoria needs skilled workers in areas that support our regional economy. Free TAFE removes the cost barrier, helping you gain qualifications for in-demand careers.
If you’re eligible, choosing a Free TAFE course is a smart choice. Whether you’re a school leaver or a career changer, Free TAFE can remove the financial barrier to training. You can access a wide range of courses and gain skills that employers are looking for, without worrying about the cost of tuition fees.
While Free TAFE covers course fees, other costs, such as Course Materials and Student Services Fees still apply and it is important to understand these prior to applying.
What are Free TAFE Priority Pathways?
With the Free TAFE priority pathways, you can progress from a certificate to a diploma within the same study area without paying tuition fees for each individual course. This is because the 'once-in-a-lifetime limit' for Free TAFE has now been removed for priority pathways.
Example:
Certificate III in Individual Support → Free TAFE
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance → Free TAFE
Diploma of Nursing → Free TAFE
After a career in the human resources and business management world, Kate Reid knew she wanted to make a difference through Nursing.
“Always having an itch for Nursing, I reached out to the staff at GOTAFE Wangaratta and they told me the Victorian Government was subsidising the course and it was offered in a part and full time capacity,” Kate said.
“I felt like this was my chance to pursue a career path I’d always wanted to.”
Are you eligible?
Any Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen living in Victoria can now enrol in a Free TAFE course or government-subsidised training regardless of their prior skills and qualifications.
You can also access multiple Free TAFE courses if the Free TAFE courses are in the same priority pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses can I study through Free TAFE?
Free TAFE offers a range of courses in industry sectors with skills shortages or growth areas.
Browse Free TAFE courses currently on offer at GOTAFEAre there any additional costs associated with Free TAFE?
If you are eligible for Free TAFE, all your tuition fees will be covered by the Australian and Victorian governments.
There may be additional fees associated with the specific course you choose to undertake. These costs could include anything from amenity fees, student services and any books or materials required for study.
How many Free TAFE courses can I do?
Free TAFE short courses are high priority skill sets. They don’t count towards the one in a lifetime limit for Free TAFE priority courses. Students can do multiple Free TAFE short courses under Free TAFE.
But they are treated as skill sets for the ‘2 at a time’ and ‘2 in a year’ volume limits on Skills First training. Exceptions to the limits apply to:
• Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk – no limit
• The Literacy and Numeracy Support program – no limit
• Plumbing Licence skill sets– no limit
What if I change my mind? Am I still eligible for other Free TAFE courses if I decide to drop out?
Once you have enrolled in a Free TAFE course, you can only enrol in another Free TAFE course within the same priority pathway. Students must complete a program before commencing another program in a priority pathway.
Why should I study through Free TAFE? What will my employment opportunities be like?
Free TAFE provides opportunities for Australians to access tuition fee-free training in areas of skill needs, and build skills and upskill by studying short courses, certificates or diplomas.
Free TAFE courses will provide you with the opportunity to develop in-demand skills in high-priority areas including IT (information technology) and digital, agriculture, hospitality and tourism, aged and disability care, childcare, construction, the VET workforce and defence or manufacturing industries. Completing training in these high-priority areas means you graduate with in-demand skills and strong job prospects.
Where can I find out more?
Talk to a member of our Skills and Jobs Centre to discuss Free TAFE opportunities.
You can also give us call on 1300 468 233 or click here for more ways to get in contact with GOTAFE.