Free TAFE Pathways Program- Frequently Asked Questions

What is Free TAFE for Priority Courses?

Free TAFE for Priority Courses is a Victorian Government program offering tuition-free study in non-apprenticeship courses and pre-apprenticeship courses as of 1 January 2019.

Am I eligible?

Any Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or holder of a Permanent Visa, is eligible for one tuition fee free place in a Free TAFE course as long are you:

• have a physical presence in Victoria while undertaking the course, and
• not be attending school or registered for home schooling at the time of the course (excluding a School Based Apprentice/Trainee), and
• have not commenced or be scheduled to commence more than two Skills First subsidised courses and two Skills First subsidised skill sets in a year, and
• not be undertaking more than two Skills First subsidised programs – either courses or skill sets – at any one time, and

Please note: some exceptions apply for referred asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking.

Did you complete a Free TAFE course tuition fee free and it's on the Free TAFE Pathways Program course list?

Students who have completed a pathway course under Free TAFE can do another Free TAFE course in the same pathway (click here to see the listed eligible pathway courses).

Do you hold a qualification that's on the Free TAFE Pathways Program course list?

Students who have already accessed Free TAFE, including for a non-pathway course, can do another Free TAFE course if they hold a qualification that is part of a Free TAFE pathway and are continuing in the same pathway. It does not matter if their previous qualification was completed by government-subsidised or fee-for-service training.

What courses are Free TAFE Pathways Progam at South West TAFE?

There are a range of courses offered at South West TAFE tuition fee free for eligible students.

View Free TAFE Pathways Program courses offered at South West TAFE.

Does Free TAFE Pathways Program cover all my course fees?

If you’re eligible for a tuition fee free place in a Free TAFE Pathways Program, the Victorian government will pay the tuition fees for your whole course. Depending on the course, you may still need to pay all other fees, such as materials.

​​​Can I do a course that’s not on the Free TAFE Pathways Program courses list?

The Victorian government will only pay tuition fees for courses on the Free TAFE for Priority Courses list. We still have over 150 more courses on offer, some of which are government-subsidised or may offer a concession rate.

The course I want to do on the Free TAFE Pathways Program list is a traineeship, can I still access a tuition fee free place?

If you are eligible for a tuition fee free place in a Free TAFE Pathways Program course, you can complete that course on campus or via a traineeship.

I want to do a course on the Free TAFE Pathways Program list as a apprenticeship, can I still access a tuition fee free place?

Tuition fee free places are not available you would like to complete the training as an apprenticeship. Free TAFE Pathways Program courses are only offered tuition fee free to eligible students if studied on campus or via a traineeship.

What’s the difference between government-subsidised training and the Free TAFE Pathways Program for courses?

Some of our courses are already government-subsidised. This means the government funds a large portion of tuition fees and you may be paying the smaller remaining amount.
If you’re eligible under the Free TAFE Pathways Program, the Victorian government will pay all of your tuition fees for the duration of your priority course.

What happens if I access Free TAFE Pathways Program and decide to change training organisations?

If you’re continuing in the same course at a TAFE or dual sector provider, the course will continue to be tuition-free.

If you’re continuing in the same course – but not at a TAFE or dual sector provider – you’ll pay the standard tuition fees at that institute.

Can high school students access Free TAFE Pathways Program courses?

If you’re enrolled in high school, you won’t be able to access a tuition fee free place in a Free TAFE Pathways Program course (unless you’re doing a school-based traineeship). Apprenticeships and school-based apprenticeships are not part of Free TAFE. 

Where can I find out more?

You can find out more by contacting us or visit the Department of Education and Training website.