Study Free TAFE courses

What is Free TAFE for Priority Courses?

Free TAFE for Priority Courses is a program that will pay your tuition fees to study in selected courses at TAFE, if you’re eligible.

Who is eligible for Free TAFE for Priority Courses?

Any Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or New Zealand citizen is eligible to access Free TAFE for Priority Courses in Victoria if they meet the following criteria.

Regardless of your prior skills or qualifications, as a Victorian resident, you will be able to enrol in your first Free TAFE course or government subsidised training.

Which courses will be tuition-free priority courses?

The tuition-free priority course list includes non-apprenticeship courses and courses that provide pathways to apprenticeships (also known as ‘pre-apprenticeships’).

The tuition-free priority courses lead to occupations in industries where there are likely to be more jobs. Some of them lead to work in important areas like preventing family violence, rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Victoria and delivering our major infrastructure projects.

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Where can I do tuition-free priority courses?

You can do tuition-free priority courses at Victorian TAFE institutes, such as Box Hill Institute, as well as universities that offer TAFE courses.

To find a course near you, contact Box Hill Institute on 1300 269 445 or call the Training and TAFE line on 131 823.

Does it cover all my fees?

If you are eligible, Free TAFE for Priority Courses pays the tuition fees for your whole course.

TAFEs may charge you other fees, such as student services fees or materials fees that you will have to cover yourself.

Can I do a course that's not on the Free TAFE for Priority Courses list?

Only the courses on the tuition-free priority course list will be tuition fee-free, but there are around 1,000 courses you can do at TAFEs and other training providers such as Box Hill Institute that are subsidised.

While some tuition fees may apply for subsidised training, you may be eligible for a concession.

Check the Victorian Skills Gateway to find subsidised courses near you and Box Hill Insitute can check if you are eligible for a concession.

What's the difference between subsidised training and Free TAFE for Priority Courses?

Subsidised training is when a large portion of the cost of your training is covered if you are eligible, and you make a contribution, by paying fees. It's been around for a while and there are around 1,000 subsidised courses you can do at TAFEs and other training providers.

The courses on the tuition-free priority course list are subsidised, your tuition fees will also be covered, if you’re eligible. It started in 2019.

I am doing training now. Should I drop out and start again next year, when Free TAFE for Priority Courses comes in?

If you are currently doing training and you are happy with your course, you should complete it, especially if you have a subsidised place. There are limits on the number of times you can commence courses and stay eligible for subsidised training, so dropping out and restarting could mean you become ineligible.

If you are thinking of dropping out for any reason, talk to a course advisor at Box Hill Institute on 1300 269 445, or visit one of the Skills and Jobs Centres located at our City, Box Hill, and Lilydale Campuses. Skills and Job Centres are based in TAFEs across Victoria and provide expert advice on training and employment opportunities.

If I do a Free TAFE for Priority Courses, will I get a job?

The tuition-free priority courses are in areas where there are likely to be more jobs in the future.

When you finish your course, a Skills and Jobs Centre located at our City, Box Hill, or Lilydale Campus can help you search for a job and support you to prepare your resume.

How many priority courses can I do tuition-free?

The limit has been removed for selected occupations such as nursing, community services, building and construction and early childcare. This means you can choose from more than 70 Free TAFE courses no matter what qualification you hold. Enquire with your chosen TAFE about the courses it offers under this program.

If you have already completed a qualification in these selected occupations (whether through Free TAFE or not) you can do another Free TAFE course in the same occupational pathway.

How will Free TAFE for Priority Courses affect my eligibility for future subsidised training?

Courses undertaken as Free TAFE for Priority Courses are treated the same way as any other course you have undertaken, for the purpose of determining whether you are eligible for further subsidised training.

Box Hill Institute are able to tell you about whether you will have future subsidised training options.

Where can I find out more?

Contact Box Hill Institute on 1300 269 445 or call the Training and TAFE line on 131 823 or visit www.tafe.vic.gov.au.