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

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

Early Education TAFE Courses

Hospitality TAFE Courses

Nursing & Allied Health TAFE Courses

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:

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

Email: Chris.Kotsonis@education.vic.gov.au