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.

^ 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.

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)

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 an Existing Worker in the Community Services and Health industry, which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.

• CHCSS00070 Assist Clients with Medication Skill Set^

Students for the following skill sets must be a New Worker in the Disability sector industry, which includes parents and unpaid carers of NDIS participants.

• CHCSS00133 Induction to Disability skill set

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.

• CHCSS00129 Individual Support - Ageing skill set*
• CHCSS00130 Individual Support - Disability Skill Set*

*Students must also already hold a Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent).

^Additional entry requirements/selection criteria are published on each individual course page under ‘Important information’. 

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.

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.

Due to the popularity of Fee-Free TAFE funding, most places for 2025 have now been filled. There are a number of courses that still have availability for 2025:

• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121)
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) 
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability)
• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC)
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122)
• Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)

Student numbers may be capped for some qualifications so funding can be made available each year, especially for popular qualifications.

If your preferred course isn't eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding, you may still be able to access a range of other independent and government funding options to help subsidise the cost of your training.