Changes to funding by the Victorian Government

In May 2012, the State government announced a series of changes to funding for vocational education and training (VET). Victoria University (VU) is committed to supporting you in navigating any possible impacts these changes may have.

What changes from 1 July 2012?

If you are commencing a course, student tuition fees may be different to the rates currently advertised.  We are currently working through the impact of the funding cuts and should have the new fees available by early June.

• VU will be reviewing our course offering, however please be assured that if you are a current VU student you will be able to complete your current course of study.
• Concession fees for students under 25 studying a Diploma or Advanced Diploma course have been removed.
• Fixed concession fees for courses from Certificate I-IV have been removed. Students eligible for a concession will now pay 20% of the hourly student tuition fee rate (yet to be determined)
• Students who are aged 20 years or older and have completed year 12 or VCAL may now be able to access government funding to undertake training at a Certificate II level.
• Fees may apply to recognition of prior learning (to be determined).
• Eligibility exemption places will no longer be available from 1 January 2013.

What stays the same?

• If you are continuing in the course you are currently enrolled in you will not be impacted by these changes in 2012.
• Students enrolling in a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or full-fee paying Vocational Graduate Certificate may be eligible for the Australian Government loan scheme - VET FEE-HELP.
• Eligible Indigenous students can continue to apply for a concession rate at all qualification levels.
• The tuition fee exemption is still in place for students enrolling into one of the following courses for the remainder of 2012:
  • Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care)
  • Advanced Diploma of Children’s Services

• Eligibility requirements for a government funded place remain in place.
• TAFE students will still be able to apply for a range of merit and equity scholarships. 

As these funding changes have only just been announced by the Victorian Government, we don’t yet know which courses will be impacted and the level of student fees that will apply. The University is currently working through these changes. Further communication will be made through student email, the VU website and through your teachers and support staff.

Other helpful information

• Refocusing Vocational Education
• Frequently asked questions for students
• VU Media release: TAFE Funding cuts
• Information poster to be distributed to students

Technical and Trades Innovation

Construction Industries

The Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation brings together the best facilities and industry experts to provide lifelong learning opportunities across trade, technical and para-professional courses.

Faculty of Technical and Trades Innovation includes the schools of:

• Construction Industries
• Engineering and Industrial Training
• Service Industries

Workforce Development

Creative Industries

The Faculty of Workforce Development delivers courses throughout its four schools covering business, finance, health, community services, creative media, information technology, sport and science.

Faculty of Workforce Development includes the schools of:

• Business Services
• Health and Community Services
• Information Technology and Creative Industries
• Sport and Science

Victoria University College

ESL Students

Victoria University College is a faculty which focuses on the areas of :

• Youth
• Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)
• English Language and Foundational programs
• graduate capabilities, transition in education and internationalisation of the curriculum.

VU TAFE news

VU TAFE NEWS brings you information on Victoria University TAFE's partnerships with community, business and government authorities.