Free TAFE for Priority Courses
From 1 January 2019, the State Government’s Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will cover the cost of tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. We are now taking enrolments for these Free TAFE courses.
Please note that there are other fees, such as student services fees or materials fees, which you will have to cover yourself. These vary depending on which Free TAFE course you are studying. Details are available on the course information pages found below.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses will reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses that lead to jobs in demand. It will give more Victorians the chance to study at TAFE where, more than ever, they can learn the skills we need to build our state.
Have a question about Free TAFE Courses?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions all about the Free TAFE Initiative.
Free TAFE Courses Eligibility
The State Government is investing $172 million to make 20 priority TAFE courses and 18 pre-apprenticeship courses tuition fee-free.
Any Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen is eligible to do Free TAFE for Priority Courses in Victoria if they meet the following criteria.
Under 20 or upskilling:
- are under 20 (regardless of any other qualifications), or
- are 20 or older and enroling in a course that is a higher qualification than you’ve previously attained
Victorians who need additional support:
- unemployed and clients of the Jobs Victoria Employment Network
- retrenched workers, or
- automotive supply chain workers
Looking to change careers
Victorians who want to reskill, change careers, improve their employment prospects and/or meet the needs of local industries, subject to availability of TAFE places, and prioritised based on need.
Exemptions
If you don’t meet these criteria you may qualify for an eligibility exemption. An exemption will enable you to receive a Free TAFE place in 2019. Enquire now to find out if you qualify.
Please note: The Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will pay your tuition fees for only one course. Once you have enrolled in a tuition-free priority course, you cannot get a tuition-free place again, even if you do not finish your first tuition-free priority course.