Free TAFE Courses in Victoria - Updated for 2025

One of the most common questions we receive is about "Free TAFE" courses, which has become shorthand for government-funded courses in Victoria. However, Free TAFE only applies to TAFE institutions—it does not cover all government-funded training. While it’s a great option for some, it might not be right for everyone. The good news is there are other government-funded and flexible study options available.

To help you navigate your options, we've put together this guide covering:

• What Free TAFE is and who is eligible.

• Whether Free TAFE is the right choice for you.

• Alternative study options if Free TAFE isn’t the best fit.

What courses are included within Free Tafe in Victoria right now?

Free TAFE courses - Victoria 2025

• Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
• Advanced Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
• Diploma of Auslan
• Diploma of Interpreting (Auslan)
• Certificate II in Agriculture
• Certificate III in Agriculture
• Certificate IV in Agriculture
• Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
• Certificate III in Civil Construction
• Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• Certificate III in Concreting
• Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
• Certificate III in Dental Assisting
• Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Certificate III in Horticulture
• Certificate III in Production Horticulture
• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate III in Information Technology
• Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
• Certificate IV in Ageing Support
• Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
• Certificate IV in Building and Construction
• Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
• Diploma of Community Services
• Certificate IV in Community Services
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security**
• Certificate IV in Disability Support
• Certificate IV in Engineering
• Certificate IV in Leisure and Health
• Certificate IV in Mental Health
• Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work
• Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership
• Certificate IV in School Based Education Support
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
• Certificate IV in Youth Work
• Diploma of Accounting
• Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• Diploma of Emergency Health Care
• Diploma of Nursing
• Graduate Certificate in Client Assessment and Case Management
• Diploma of Youth Work
• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
• Diploma of Hospitality Management
• Certificate III in Tourism

** To undertake the Certificate IV in Cyber Security under Free TAFE, The student must have completed the Certificate III in Information Technology prior.

Who is eligible for the Free Courses?

Who can study Free TAFE?
Here’s what you need to know about eligibility:

Residential status
If you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen living in Victoria, you can enrol in a Free TAFE course or government-subsidised training—no matter your previous qualifications.

Previous qualifications
Already have a TAFE or university qualification? No problem! You can still access your first Free TAFE course because the 'upskilling rule' has been removed.

Doing multiple Free TAFE courses
Thinking of upskilling in a priority pathway? You can now do multiple Free TAFE courses in the same career stream. The 'once-in-a-lifetime' limit no longer applies for priority pathways!

Previously studied under JobTrainer?
If your only Free TAFE course was funded under JobTrainer, you’re eligible to enrol in another Free TAFE course, whether it’s in a priority pathway or not.

Is Free TAFE Right for You?

Do you need flexible study options?

• Free TAFE courses almost always require in-person attendance at set times.

• If you need the flexibility to study around work or family, Free TAFE may not be the best fit.

Do you need to start studying right away?

• Free TAFE spots are limited and have only a few intakes each year.

• If you don’t get in, you may have to wait another year to start your course.

Can you afford additional costs?

• While tuition is free, Free TAFE may still come with expenses like:

  • Childcare costs if you need to attend classes in person.

  • Lost income if your course schedule clashes with work.

  • Travel and materials costs for commuting and textbooks.

Do you prefer smaller class sizes and personalised support?

• TAFE institutions are large and can feel impersonal.

• Some students report feeling "lost" due to large class sizes and less individual support.

Are you looking for the fastest path to graduation?

• Free TAFE courses follow structured timetables, meaning you study at a set pace.

• If you want to study faster (or slower) to fit study around your life, other options may be better.

If you answered NO to any of the above questions, Free TAFE might not be the best option for you. Fortunately, there are great alternatives!

If Free TAFE Isn't Right for You, Consider These Alternatives

If Free TAFE doesn’t fit your needs, you still have options. Here are two alternatives to consider:

1. Subsidised Training with an Independent RTO (Government-Funded, Limited in Metro Melbourne)

• Some independent RTOs offer government-subsidised courses, providing a similar cost benefit to Free TAFE.

• Can be online or in-person, but always requires a structured commitment of at least one day per week in class, even if online.

• Often offers smaller class sizes and better student support compared to TAFE.

• Availability is limited in Metro Melbourne, so places may be harder to secure.

2. Fully Flexible Online Study (Fee-Paying)

• Ideal for those needing maximum flexibility.

• Typically requires students to pay tuition, but affordable payment plans are often available.

• Study at your own pace, meaning you can complete your qualification faster or take more time to fit study around work and personal commitments.

• Many students prefer this option for its convenience, especially if working full-time or managing other responsibilities.

Next Steps

Need help finding the best course for you? Take the Enrola quiz  to get matched with the perfect course for you.