Free TAFE

Free TAFE courses align with skills and jobs that are in demand from Victorian employers.

Students eligible for Victorian Government–subsidised training may not have to pay course tuition fees for some TAFE courses at Victoria University (VU).

Our strong connections with industry, award-winning learning model, state-of-the-art facilities and specialised course content mean you’ll graduate ready to work in an in-demand occupation. Our class sizes are small, so you can receive support from trainers, who work in industry, and get to know your classmates. You’ll also get the chance to find career opportunities through placements and industry connections.

Eligibility for courses with no tuition fees

The Free TAFE for Priority Courses program covers eligible students’ tuition fees for the full course duration. You'll still need to pay other fees, such as student services and amenities fees, and materials fees.

It is important to choose training carefully because students can only access the initiative once for some course areas, even if they do not finish their tuition-fee free priority course (exceptions apply). More than one Free TAFE enrolment is now allowed in specific Free TAFE pathway courses within the accounting, allied health, building and construction, civil construction, community services, early childhood, education support, nursing and personal care, and IT industries.

Conditions apply – you can only complete another Free TAFE course within the same Free TAFE pathway group of the Free TAFE course you have completed and you must complete a qualification before you can access another Free TAFE place. For more information, refer to the Victoria Government's Free TAFE Pathways information page.

Any Australian citizen/permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen is eligible to take Free TAFE for Priority Courses within Victoria provided they meet the course limits in a year. For more information, refer to the Victoria Government's How to check your eligibility for funding page.

Career changers

Positions are also available, subject to availability of TAFE places and prioritised based on need, to these groups:

  • 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

Free TAFE courses

Browse VU's Free TAFE courses by study area. Visit the course page to apply online.

Note: This list is subject to change and will be updated to reflect policy and institution changes.