Free TAFE for Priority Courses
Free TAFE for Priority Courses came into effect on 1 January 2019, reducing the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses that lead to jobs in demand from Victorian employers.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. There may still be some costs, such as student services fees or materials fees, under Free TAFE. Free TAFE courses delivered via Chisholm Online are completely free, with no additional fees to pay.
Free TAFE for Priority Courses - Changes in 2020
In 2020, the priority course list includes 42 non-apprenticeship courses and 20 courses that provide pathways to apprenticeships (also known as 'pre-apprenticeships'). Both the Certificate III and Diploma of Early Childhood Education have been added to the Free TAFE list.
In addition, a limit has been applied to the number of students who can commence the following Free TAFE courses in 2020:
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)
- Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213)
- Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)
- Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
- Diploma of Justice (22320VIC)
- Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413)
Which Free TAFE courses are available at Chisholm?
In 2020 at Chisholm, we are offering 37 Free TAFE courses, on-campus and online.
View all the Free TAFE courses at Chisholm, listed by career field.
Who is eligible for Free TAFE courses?
Any Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen is eligible to do a Free TAFE course in Victoria if they meet one of the following 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.
Needing additional support
- unemployed and clients of the Jobs Victoria Employment Network
- retrenched workers, or
- automotive supply chain workers.
- looking to change careers.
Ineligible for a Free TAFE course?
You may eligible for an exemption to some eligibility requirements, however there are a limited number of exemptions available.
Please note, exemption to the eligibility requirements will not be available to students applying for the following Free TAFE courses at Chisholm in 2020:
- Certificate III in Education Support (CHC30213)
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40217)
- Certificate IV in Education Support (CHC40213)
- Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413)
- Diploma of Community Services (CHC52015)
- Diploma of Justice (22320VIC)
- Diploma of Nursing (HLT54115)
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40912)
Frequently asked questions
For more information, please visit the Free TAFE for Priority Courses FAQs.
Apply now to secure your place in a Free TAFE course for 2020!