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Free TAFE for priority courses

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If you’re starting or returning to study, it’s a lot easier if you know what to expect ahead of time.

Register your details and we'll let you know when applications for the Free TAFE courses open, as well as any other updates on the courses offered.

Free TAFE courses will give more Victorians the chance to get the skills they need to land a job that’s in demand.

Free TAFE

 

Free TAFE will give more Victorians the chance to study at TAFE.

From 1 January 2019, eligible students will not pay course tuition fees in 20 priority non apprenticeship courses, statewide. A further 18 government-subsidised apprenticeship pathway courses (sometimes called pre apprenticeships) will also be free. 

Free TAFE will reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses that lead to the occupations that are needed most by employers in the Victorian economy. 

Free courses will be offered at Victorian TAFE institutes, including universities such as RMIT that offer TAFE courses, across Victoria.

These courses have been prioritised because they lead to jobs in high growth industries as well as important areas for Victoria like preventing family violence, rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme and delivering our major infrastructure projects.

Priority industries

 

Victoria is growing, with priority industries thriving and new jobs being created. 

Free TAFE courses provide the skills you need for industries with in-demand jobs, including:

  • Construction
  • Infrastructure
  • Health
  • Community Services
  • Disability Services
  • Agriculture
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Professional Services

 

Free TAFE eligibility

 

If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, you are eligible if you meet these criteria:

Under 20 or upskilling

  • are under 20 (regardless of any other qualifications), or
  • are 20 or older and enrolling in a course that is a higher qualification than you've previously attained.

 

Find out more at https://www.vic.gov.au/freetafe/eligibility.html

 

Free TAFE (Vocational Education) Priority Courses available at RMIT in 2019 include:

Non-apprenticeship courses

Building and trades

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate II in Construction Pathways
C2223
Melbourne City, Bundoora
 C2223
{ "Program code" : "C2223", "Program name" : "Certificate II in Construction Pathways", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C2223
C2223
C2223
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
C4274
Melbourne city
 C4274
{ "Program code" : "C4274", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4274
C4274
C4274
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
C4338
Melbourne City
 C4338
{ "Program code" : "C4338", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4338
C4338
C4338
Vocational
Vocational
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
C5256
Melbourne City
 C5256
{ "Program code" : "C5256", "Program name" : "Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C5256
C5256
C5256

Health

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
C3393
Melbourne City
 C3393
{ "Program code" : "C3393", "Program name" : "Certificate III in Dental Assisting", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C3393
C3393
C3393
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
C4367
Melbourne City
 C4367
{ "Program code" : "C4367", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4367
C4367
C4367
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
C4385
Melbourne City
 C4385
{ "Program code" : "C4385", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Dental Assisting", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4385
C4385
C4385
Vocational
Vocational
Diploma of Nursing
C5365
Melbourne city, Bundoora
 C5365
{ "Program code" : "C5365", "Program name" : "Diploma of Nursing", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C5365
C5365
C5365

Education

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Education Support
C4349
Melbourne City
 C4349
{ "Program code" : "C4349", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Education Support", "School" : "Education", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4349
C4349
C4349

Accounting

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Advanced Diploma of Accounting
C6148
Melbourne City
 C6148
{ "Program code" : "C6148", "Program name" : "Advanced Diploma of Accounting", "School" : "Vocational Business Education", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C6148
C6148
C6148
Vocational
Vocational
Diploma of Accounting
C5374
Melbourne City
 C5374
{ "Program code" : "C5374", "Program name" : "Diploma of Accounting", "School" : "Vocational Business Education", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C5374
C5374
C5374

Community services

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate III in Individual Support
C3319
Melbourne city
 C3319
{ "Program code" : "C3319", "Program name" : "Certificate III in Individual Support", "School" : "Global, Urban and Social Studies", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C3319
C3319
C3319
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)
C3401
Melbourne City
 C3401
{ "Program code" : "C3401", "Program name" : "Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)", "School" : "Global, Urban and Social Studies", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C3401
C3401
C3401
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)
C3400
Melbourne City
 C3400
{ "Program code" : "C3400", "Program name" : "Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community)", "School" : "Global, Urban and Social Studies", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C3400
C3400
C3400
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate IV in Community Services
C4363
Melbourne city
 C4363
{ "Program code" : "C4363", "Program name" : "Certificate IV in Community Services", "School" : "Global, Urban and Social Studies", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C4363
C4363
C4363
Vocational
Vocational
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)
C5345
Melbourne City
 C5345
{ "Program code" : "C5345", "Program name" : "Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)", "School" : "Global, Urban and Social Studies", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C5345
C5345
C5345

RMIT will also offer the Certificate IV in Disability in addition to the courses listed on this page, please contact us should you require more information.

 

 

Apprenticeship pathway courses

Browse programs similar to Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Study type Program name Location Code
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
C2219
Melbourne City, Bundoora
 C2219
{ "Program code" : "C2219", "Program name" : "Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C2219
C2219
C2219
Vocational
Vocational
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
C2222
Melbourne City
 C2222
{ "Program code" : "C2222", "Program name" : "Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)", "School" : "Vocational Engineering, Health and Sciences", "Plan and CRICOS combination" : "", "National curriculum code" : "", "Career" : "Vocational", "College" : "" }
C2222
C2222
C2222

Frequently asked questions

What is free TAFE for Priority Courses?

Free TAFE for Priority Courses is a Victorian Government program that will pay your tuition fees so that you can study in selected courses at TAFE.

Who is eligible for free TAFE for Priority Courses?

You might be eligible if you are living in Victoria and are under 20 years of age, or if you are enrolling in a course at a higher level than any you have completed before, but you can check at any TAFE, or contact the Training and TAFE line on 131 823.

When does free TAFE for Priority Courses start?

Free TAFE for Priority Courses will start on 1 January 2019. TAFEs may take enrolments during 2018 for Free TAFE for Priority Courses that begin in 2019.

Which courses will be tuition-free priority courses?

  • The tuition-free priority course list includes 20 non-apprenticeship courses and 18 courses that provide pathways to apprenticeships (also known as ‘pre-apprenticeships’).
  • The Government will make further announcements to confirm the composition of a further ten priority courses following consultation with industry, in time for students to enrol for the 2019 training year.
  • 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.

The initial priority non-apprenticeship courses include:

  • Certificate IV in Accounting
  • Diploma in Accounting
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting
  • Certificate IV in Ageing Support
  • Certificate II in Agriculture
  • Certificate III in Agriculture
  • Certificate IV in Agriculture
  • Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance
  • Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
  • Certificate IV in Bookkeeping
  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
  • Diploma in Building and Construction (Building)
  • Certificate III in Civil Construction
  • Certificate III in Community Services
  • Certificate IV in Community Services
  • Diploma in Community Services
  • Certificate III in Concreting
  • Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
  • Certificate III Dental Assisting
  • Certificate IV Dental Assisting
  • Certificate IV in Disability
  • Certificate III in Education Support
  • Certificate IV in Education Support
  • Certificate IV in Engineering
  • Certificate III in Horticulture
  • Certificate III in Hospitality
  • Certificate III in Individual Support
  • Diploma of Nursing
  • Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services

The 18 apprenticeship pathway courses include:

  • Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology
  • Certificate II in Automotive Body Repair Technology
  • Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
  • Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation
  • Certificate II in Construction Pathways
  • Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
  • Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Career Start)
  • Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
  • Certificate II in Engineering Studies
  • Certificate II in Furniture Making
  • Certificate II in Glass and Glazing
  • Certificate II in Horticulture
  • Certificate II in Meat Processing (Food Services)
  • Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
  • Certificate II in Printing and Graphic Arts (General)
  • Certificate II in Retail Baking Assistance
  • Certificate II in Salon Assistant
  • Certificate II in Signage and Graphics

Where can I do tuition-free priority courses?

  • You can do tuition free priority courses at Victorian TAFE institutes, including universities that offer TAFE courses.
  • To find a course near you, contact 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 that are Victorian Government-subsidised.
  • While some tuition fees may apply for Victorian Government-subsidised training, you may be eligible for a concession.
  • Check the Victorian Skills Gateway to find Victorian Government-subsidised courses near you (Search the internet for ‘Victorian Skills Gateway’) and your training provider can check if you are eligible for a concession.

What’s the difference between government-subsidised training and free TAFE for Priority Courses?

  • Victorian Government-subsidised training 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. 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, but the Government will also pay your tuition fees, if you’re eligible. It starts next year.

I am doing training now in a course on the tuition free priority course list. Will I get a refund on fees I pay for this year?

No. Free TAFE for Priority Courses only applies to eligible students who enrol in a tuition free priority course that commences after 1 January 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 Victorian Government 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 the careers guidance staff at your training provider, or visit a Skills and Jobs Centre near you. Skills and Job Centres are based in TAFEs across Victoria and provide expert advice on training and employment opportunities. (Search the internet for ‘Victorian Skills and Job Centres’).

If I do a free TAFE for Priority Course, 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 can help you search for a job and support you to prepare your résumé. (Search the internet for ‘Victorian Skills and Job Centres’.)

How many priority courses can I do tuition-free?

  • Free TAFE for Priority Courses will pay your tuition fees for one course.
  • Once you have enrolled in a tuition-free priority course, you can’t get a tuition-free place again, even if you don’t finish your first tuition-free priority course.
  • You need to make a careful choice, so talk to your local TAFE or Skills and Jobs Centre if you are unsure (Search the internet for ‘Victorian Skills and Job Centres’).

How will free TAFE for Priority Courses affect my eligibility for future government-subsidised training?

  • For the purpose of determining whether you are eligible for further Victorian Government-subsidised training, courses undertaken as Free TAFE for Priority Courses are treated the same way as any other course you have undertaken.
  • Your TAFE will be able to tell you about whether you will have future Victorian Government-subsidised training options.

Where can I find out more?

Contact the Training and TAFE line on 131 823 or visit www.tafe.vic.gov.au.

If I commence a course in 2018 that is on the Free TAFE list for 2019 and it goes for 2 years, will the second year (2019) be tuition-fee-free?

No.  If a student has not withdrawn from the course to -re-enrol and re-commence in 2019, this would be the continuation of a 2018 commencement, and not a new commencement in 2019.

What happens if I access Free TAFE at one TAFE institute and decide to change provider?

  • If you are continuing in the same course at another TAFE or dual sector provider such as RMIT, the could would continue to be free at the second provider
  • If you are continuing the course but at a non-TAFE, you would be subject to normal tuition fee arrangements at that non-TAFE provider

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