Free TAFE

Choose carefully, because in some course areas you can only access the initiative once, even if you don't finish your course. 

If you have already enrolled in a Free TAFE course:

• you must complete your qualification before you can access another Free TAFE place
• you can only complete an additional Free TAFE course within the same pathway group

These course areas allow you to study more than one 'Free TAFE' course within that 'pathway group':

• accounting
• allied health
• building and construction
• civil construction
• community services
• early childhood
• education support
• nursing and personal care
• IT. 

For more information, refer to the Victoria Government's  Free TAFE Pathways information page.

Anyone who is eligible can apply for a Free TAFE course.

Positions are available subject to availability of TAFE places and prioritised based on need. Priority groups include the following.

Career changers:

• Victorians who want to reskill, change careers and improve their employment prospects
• Victorians who meet the needs of local industries.

Victorians who need additional support:

• unemployed and clients of the Jobs Victoria Employment Network
• retrenched workers
• automotive supply-chain workers.

You can study tuition-free priority courses at Victorian TAFE institutes, including Victoria University (VU). The benefits of studying at VU are:

• Our  multi award-winning blended learning model which replaces paper-based theory with user-friendly eLearning that can be completed anytime, anywhere. This means you’ll spend more time honing your skills in practical face-to-face workshops and work placements.
• You gain hands-on learning experiences using modern technologies including VR technology, humanoid robots, simulation equipment and computerised mannequins. These tools provide unique opportunities for you to connect what you’re learning on a real-world level.
• As one of only six multi-sector universities in Australia, VU offers transitions between courses at all levels. We have established pathways into over 50 higher education degrees at Victoria University. You can start with a short course and finish with a masters.
• You will have access to support services, including academic support and development and careers guidance to assist you in finding a job.
• We’ve been delivering vocational education in the west of Melbourne for over 100 years, you can trust we’re here to stay.

Only the courses on the tuition-free priority course list will be tuition fee-free (materials and Student Services and Amenities fees apply), but there are many courses you can do at VU that are  Victorian Government-subsidised. While some tuition fees (as well as materials and Student Services and Amenities fees) may apply for Victorian Government-subsidised training, you may be eligible for a concession significantly reducing the amount of tuition fees payable. If there’s a specific course or area you’re interested in,  please contact us for more information.

Victorian Government-subsidised training (called 'Skills First') is when the Government pays a large portion of the cost of your training if you are eligible, and you make a contribution, by paying fees. There are many subsidised courses you can do at VU. The courses on the tuition free priority course list are also Government-subsidised, but the Government will also pay your tuition fees, if you’re eligible.

Yes. If you withdraw from the course you are currently undertaking using a free TAFE priority course fee waiver and re-enrol in the same course at VU or another provider, you will have access to free TAFE. However, the fee waiver will only apply to the unfinished portion of your course and you will not be refunded for the already completed portion and as long as the Free TAFE for Priority Courses fee waiver initiative is active.

Provided you meet all the required eligibility critieria for a government subsidised place, you can now enrol in a Certificate IV level course even if you hold a higher level qualification.
 

Yes. Free TAFE waives tuition fees for the entire duration of your course, regardless of the length of time it takes you to complete the qualification.

The tuition-free priority courses are in areas where there are likely to be more jobs in the future. When you finish your course, our careers staff and Skills and Jobs Centre can help you search for a job and support you to prepare your resumé.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses will pay your tuition fees for one course unless you are completing a Free TAFE course in one of the Free TAFE Pathway groups. You can now access additional Free TAFE fee waivers if you complete one of the Free TAFE Pathway programs and then enrol into another Free TAFE program within the same Free TAFE Pathway group. Find  more information on Free TAFE, including courses, pathways and eligibility.

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

If you decide to train in future, we’ll be able to tell you whether you will have future Victorian Government-subsidised training options.

Training with VU has never been so accessible. Get in touch to discuss your options, we’ll help you find the right course and talk you through your funding options to get you job-ready.

The course would continue to be tuition-fee free as long as you are continuing in the same course at VU that you were undertaking at another training provider.