Careers Corner
Government Subsidised TAFE Courses in Victoria
Free Courses - Get the skills you need, without the tuition fees
Skill up to get the job you want, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program.
You can now access more than 80 Free TAFE qualifications and short courses without the cost of tuition fees, even if you already hold a VET qualification or degree.
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 some courses.
Please ask your preferred TAFE for specific information about additional costs, such as amenity fees, student services and any books or materials required for study.
In addition to the Free TAFE courses the Victorian Government has provided since 2019, the Australian Government has announced 5,200 new Fee-Free TAFE places will be available to Victorians from January 2025, including up to 1,300 pre-apprenticeship places.
With more free TAFE on offer there is no better time than now to kick-start your new career or to upskill.
To access more information on the Victorian Government Free TAFE courses, visit the website: https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe
Free TAFE Courses include:
Agriculture & Horticulture TAFE Courses
- Certificate II in Agriculture
- Certificate III in Agriculture
- Certificate IV in Agriculture
- Certificate III in Horticulture
- Certificate III in Production Horticulture
Accounting & Business TAFE Courses
Building & Construction TAFE Courses
- Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction
- Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
- Certificate III in Civil Construction
- Certificate III in Concreting
- Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
- Certificate IV in Engineering
- Certificate III in Rail Infrastructure
Community Services & Education TAFE Courses
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Diploma of Auslan
- Certificate IV in Community Services
- Diploma of Community Services
- Certificate IV in Disability Support
- Certificate III in School Based Education Support
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
- Certificate III in Individual Support
- Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
- Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Diploma of Youth Work
Early Education TAFE Courses
Hospitality TAFE Courses
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
- Certificate III in Hospitality
- Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
- Diploma of Hospitality Management
- Certificate III in Tourism
Nursing & Allied Health TAFE Courses
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
- Certificate III in Dental Assisting
- Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
- Certificate IV in Disability Support
- Diploma of Emergency Health Care
- Certificate III in Individual Support
- Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Diploma of Nursing
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Free TAFE apprenticeship pathway courses
Apprenticeship pathway courses (sometimes known as pre-apprenticeships) give you the opportunity to experience training that is like apprenticeship training. It can help you find out what it’s like to work in a particular industry. Pre-apprenticeships can act as a pathway into an apprenticeship, supporting more Victorians to access further training.
Free TAFE apprenticeship courses include:
- Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology
- Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
- Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
- Certificate II in Baking
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship
- Certificate II in Construction Pathways
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Pre-vocational)
- Certificate II in Engineering Studies
- Certificate II in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
- Certificate II in Horticulture
- Certificate II in Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
Free TAFE short courses
The following Free TAFE short courses are free at TAFE. They do not form part of the Free TAFE course list. Taking a Free TAFE short course will not impact your entitlement to a Free TAFE full qualification.
- Gender Equity
- Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Risk
- Working Safely on Rooftop Renewable Energy Systems
- Agricultural Chemical Skill Set
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set
- Battery Electric Vehicle Diagnose and Repair Skill Set
- Battery Electric Vehicle Inspection and Servicing Skill Set
- Mental Health Co-Existing Needs Skill Set
- Mental Health Peer Work Skill Set
- Literacy and Numeracy Support (LNSUPPORT)
Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship
To be eligible for subsidised training, you have to be:
- an Australian citizen, or
- an Australian permanent resident, or
- a New Zealand citizen.
Age
- You are eligible for subsidised training if you are under 20 years old; OR
- If you are over 20 years old, you are only eligible for subsidised training for courses leading to a higher qualification than you already have. For example, if you have a Certificate III, you can't do a subsidised Certificate II course.
For More Information on Free TAFE courses:
Visit the Victorian Skills Gateway
Website: https://www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe
Phone 131 823
Email: tafe.courseline@djsir.vic.gov.au
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator