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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 70 industry-recognised courses to choose from. Make a great decision for your future with in-demand skills in high-priority areas, including health and science, business, cyber security and IT, education and community, agriculture, and service industries. With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE.
Get industry-backed training
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.
- not have previously completed a Fee-Free TAFE funded qualification (students are only eligible to complete one Fee-Free TAFE funded qualification from 2023 to 2026)
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 FAQs
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.
Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021)
Students of the Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021) also need to be an existing worker in the Community Services Industry and Health Industry, (which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.) Evidence must be supplied prior to enrolment.
Community Services and Health Skill Sets
Students for the following skill sets must be New or Existing Worker in the Community Services and Health Industry in a role involving provision of direct client care or support. Students must already hold a Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent).
- CHCSS00070 Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set
- CHCSS00129 Individual Support - Ageing skill set
- CHCSS00123 Dementia Support Skill Set
- CHCSS00130 Individual Support - Disability Skill Set
- CHCSS00133 Induction to Disability
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.
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.
*Excluding Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50121), where eligible students can complete both qualifications using Fee-Free TAFE funding.
Please note, additional eligibility applies to the Fee-Free Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) and is available to eligible students who commence their studies in 2024 and 2025.
If you’re eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, you will still need to meet all other course entry requirements to enrol.
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.