Are you eligible for free TAFE?

There are a range of factors that can make studying seem daunting or beyond reach. Luckily, Free TAFE is now more accessible than it has ever been!

There’s no better time than now to choose from our wide range of free courses and take your career to the next level.

Let’s look at some of the core eligibility criteria for Free TAFE.

Residential status

You’re eligible for a Free TAFE pathway If you’re an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen living in Victoria. Anyone who falls into one of these three categories can sign up for a course.

Previous qualifications

The changes to the eligibility criteria mean you don’t need any prior qualifications! Since the ‘upskilling rule’ has been removed, you no longer need to have done any particular studies before your first Free TAFE course.

This is perfect for changing careers, starting something completely new, or pursuing a passion you’ve always dreamed of - the opportunities are endless.

Multiple free TAFE courses

You can stack your learning experience by doing multiple Free TAFE courses in the same occupational pathway.

Since the ‘once-in-a-lifetime limit’ has been removed, you can now access Free TAFE for all courses in the same priority pathway.

For example, if you were in the building and surveying pathway, you could now do further certificates and diplomas in that same field like the Certificate IV in Building and Construction CPC40120 or the Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying CPC60121 (for a full list, check out our full range of Free TAFE courses here).

(Be sure to check the entry requirements for each course as you’ll still need to meet those.)

To find more about our priority pathways and see which ones are on offer read our priority pathway article here

The Certificate IV in Training & Assessment TAE40122 point

The learning doesn’t have to stop! Once you’ve completed a Free TAFE course, there’s also the opportunity to become a TAFE trainer.

After any free course, you can get an additional Free TAFE waiver to study a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122. This is to boost the VET sector and get passionate, skilled and industry-qualified people into jobs across Victoria.

It doesn’t matter if you completed the program as part of Free TAFE, Skills First or fee-for-service. Or if you already received fee waivers under Free TAFE, JobTrainer or Free TAFE pathways, you’re still eligible to sign up for the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment TAE40122.

What to do next?

If you’re still unsure, call us to check your eligibility on 1300 635 276. You can also visit the Victorian Government Free TAFE webpage to learn more.