Five years ago, the Victorian Labor Government introduced Free TAFE – and since then, more than 157,500 students have taken the opportunity to gain the skills they need for the jobs they want, without the burden of tuition fees.

That’s $436 million saved by hardworking Victorians – money that’s stayed in pockets and helped ease the cost of living.

I’m proud to be part of a government that backs people in – whether you’re starting out, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce. Free TAFE has opened doors for women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and those who’ve been unemployed – giving thousands a fresh start and a pathway to secure, meaningful work.

Just last week, Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney visited William Angliss Institute to mark this milestone. It’s institutions like these – offering courses in food, tourism, hospitality and events – that are helping build the skilled workforce Victoria needs.

Students are saving over $10,000 on average, and in some cases more than $30,000 – making education more accessible than ever.

In 2023, we expanded Free TAFE so that every Victorian can upskill for in-demand jobs, regardless of their previous qualifications. You can now study multiple Free TAFE courses within the same priority pathway – meaning more flexibility and more opportunity.

Popular courses include:

• Diploma of Nursing
• Certificate IV in Cyber Security
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
• Diploma of Community Services
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

And we’ve added even more qualifications this year, like:

• Diploma of Youth Work
• Certificate IV in Kitchen Management
• Diploma of Hospitality Management
• Certificate III in Tourism

Since 2022, enrolments have surged by 23%, showing just how vital this program is to our community.

We’re also working with the Albanese Labor Government to deliver 62,800 more Free TAFE places over the next three years – ensuring even more Victorians can benefit.

This is what Labor governments do: we invest in people, in skills, and in the future. If you or someone you know is thinking about a new career or gaining new skills, now is the perfect time to explore Free TAFE.

To learn more and find a course that suits you, visit:
👉 www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe