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Seize your opportunity with Fee-Free TAFE

The career of your dreams is within reach thanks to Fee-Free TAFE. Follow your passion with over 90 industry-recognised courses to choose from. Make a great decision for your future with in-demand skills in high-priority areas including business and IT, creative industries, education and community, environment and animal services, health and science, and service industries. With a wide range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready in 2023 with Fee-Free TAFE.

Get job ready in 2023

Fee-Free TAFE courses have been specifically chosen based on local skills demand and advice from industry. Completing training in these high-priority areas will guarantee you graduate with in-demand skills and strong job prospects. With Fee-Free TAFE training you can feel confident for what comes next, knowing you’re job ready with the industry-relevant skills employers are looking for.

Quality training for less

If you're eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, some or all of your course costs will be covered by the Australian and Queensland Governments. Because they’re footing the bill, you only have to pay what’s left, which could be nothing at all. Although you’re paying less, the total cost of the course is the same, and you still receive the same quality of training and education. And with less course fees, you’ll be able to focus on your studies, rather than your finances.

 

How to get your hands on Fee-Free TAFE funding

To be eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, you must be:

  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency
  • a Queensland resident
  • aged 15 years or older and no longer at school
  • not currently enrolled in another qualification.

Students from the following priority groups are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • First Nations Australians
  • young people aged 17-24
  • people out of work or receiving income support
  • unpaid carers
  • women facing economic insecurity
  • women undertaking study in non-traditional fields
  • people with disability.

Fee-Free TAFE training for nursing students

The Australian and Queensland Governments have recently updated the Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria for the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) to allow more students to access this funding. Now all students who meet the overall Fee-Free TAFE eligibility criteria, as well as any course entry requirements, can complete their nursing diploma at no cost.

Fee-Free TAFE FAQs

Fee-Free TAFE is an initiative of the Australian and Queensland Governments.

As part of the October 2022-23 Budget, the Australian Government partnered with state and territory governments to establish a $1 billion 12-month Skills Agreement to deliver 180,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational educational places from January 2023.

For eligible students, ‘Fee-Free’ means that some or all of your course costs^ will be covered by the Australian and Queensland Governments. Because they’re footing the bill, you only have to pay what’s left, which could be nothing at all. Although you’re paying less, the total cost of the course is the same, and you still receive high-quality training from industry experienced and award-winning teachers.

To be eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, you must be:

  • an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Australian permanent resident visa holder
  • a Queensland resident
  • no longer at school
  • not currently enrolled in a qualification.

In addition to the standard eligibility requirements, there may be restrictions and/or exemptions on participating in some qualifications. Additional eligibility requirements will be based on industry advice or requirements under the relevant national training package. 

There are a range of TAFE Queensland courses that are eligible for funding that could help reduce the cost of your course. If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Fee-Free TAFE, you may be eligible for one of these. 

View more subsidised training options

Currently eligible students are only able to complete one (1) Fee-Free TAFE funded qualification. If you do not complete the course, or undertake a skill set, you can still complete a full qualification using this funding.

Related news and events

Fee-Free TAFE is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, with training proudly delivered by TAFE Queensland.

^ Other resources may be required to complete your course that are not covered by the Fee-Free TAFE funding. View the 'Resources required' section on each course page for more information.