Study Free TAFE courses

Free TAFE for the jobs Victoria needs

Free TAFE equips you with the skills we need to build our state. Reskill, change careers or improve your employment opportunities at Box Hill Institute. These courses lead to jobs in-demand across Victoria.

Study with us

Free TAFE for Priority Courses

at Box Hill Institute

Free TAFE covers the cost of tuition fees for in-demand, priority courses for students who are eligible for 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 in demand skills.

See our Frequently Asked QuestionsCall 1300 269 445

Eligibility Criteria

Free TAFE Courses Eligibility

Any Australian citizen, or permanent resident of Australia, or New Zealand citizen is eligible to access Free TAFE for Priority Courses in Victoria.

Regardless of your prior skills or qualifications, more Victorians will be able to enrol in their first Free TAFE course or government subsidised training.

For example, even if you have an Arts degree or any other qualification, you can still access Free TAFE for the first time.

The previous ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ limit for Free TAFE has also been removed for selected occupations such as nursing, community services, building and construction and early childcare.

This means that if you haven’t already done a Free TAFE course, you can choose from more than 70 Free TAFE courses no matter what qualifications you already hold.

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. For example, in caring occupations if you have completed a Certificate III in Individual Support you can enrol in the Certificate IV in Disability or the Diploma of Nursing and still access fee-free tuition and training.

See our Frequently Asked Questions

Why Us

Why study with Box Hill Institute?

Where industry, business and community meet

At Box Hill Institute, we believe that education isn’t just a product - it’s a life changing experience. 

That’s why we’re proud to offer a range of nationally recognised qualifications, inspired by industry and tailored to your needs. 

Skilled trade experts make a good living. Once qualified, you can be your own boss, choose your own hours, and make a decent salary. At Box Hill Institute, we offer a range of trade courses to get you started in your career or to help you upskill. You’ll get hands on experience and learn from industry professionals in purpose-built facilities

Box Hill Institute will equip you with the skills you need to thrive in the workplace, helping you to discover and create new career opportunities across a variety of industries.  

  • Modern facilities in Box Hill and Lilydale
  • Qualified teachers
  • Career-oriented learning
  • Practical skills
  • Industry connections

    Enquire nowHow to EnrolCall 1300 269 445
    Staff

    About Us

    Our Staff

    Industry Experience and Expertise

    At Box Hill Institute, you’ll learn from industry professionals who are experts in their field. 

    Get the support and guidance you need on the path towards the creative career you’ve always wanted.

    Why Choose UsEnquire now
    Teacher
    I love hearing from graduates when they have successfully entered the workforce and are enjoying their new careers.

    Susan Morris

    Teacher & Coordinator

    Back

    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.

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445

    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.

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445

    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.

    Click here to view Free TAFE courses

    Free-TAFE Pathway Courses

    A further Free TAFE place is only available where: 

    you previously completed a program that is part of a designated Free TAFE pathway, and are wishing to commence another Free TAFE program in the same pathway; or
    you are wishing to study the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; or
    the only previous Free TAFE Fee Waiver you received was for a commencement under the Job Trainer initiative.
    Note – that an individual who has accessed an additional Free TAFE Fee Waiver for a program in a Free-TAFE pathways list must complete that program before accessing a Fee Waiver for another program in the same Free TAFE pathway.

    View Courses Listed for Free TAFE Pathways

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445

    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.

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445

    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.

    Fees
    Students discussing brochure with staff member
    Tuition Fees & Associated Costs

    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.

    Pathways
    text boxes icon
    Contact Us

    Have more questions? Contact Us Now

    Contact Us

    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.

    Fees
    Students discussing brochure with staff member
    Tuition Fees & Associated Costs

    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.

    Skills and Jobs Centres
    Skills and Job Centres logo
    Speak to a Career Advisor

    Visit our Skills and Jobs Centres at each campus.

    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.

    Skills and Jobs Centres
    Skills and Job Centres logo
    Speak to a Career Advisor

    Visit our Skills and Jobs Centres at each campus.

    How many priority courses can I do tuition-free?

    Domestic students are generally entitled to one Free TAFE course commencement in their lifetime.

    However there are some exceptions to this, as follows:

    • If you are looking to enrol in the Certificate IV in Training & Assessment, a further Free-TAFE place is available; or
    • For courses listed in designated Free-TAFE priority pathways, further Free TAFE places are available providing you have successfully completed your previous Free TAFE course, and, the subsequent Free TAFE course you wish to study is within the same designated Free-TAFE priority pathway as your earlier Free TAFE course.

    Free TAFE priority pathways are available to be viewed on our website www.boxhill.edu.au.

    Skills and Jobs Centres
    Skills and Job Centres logo
    Speak to a Career Advisor

    Visit our Skills and Jobs Centres at each campus.

    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.

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445

    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.

    Contact
    people at desk icon
    No question is too big or small.
    Give us a call on 1300 269 445