Who is Eligible?

From 1 January 2023 eligiblity criteria has changed, allowing more people to access Free TAFE. 

Eligibility criteria applies based upon individual circumstances. 

Residential status: Any Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen living in Victoria can now enrol in a Free TAFE course or government-subsidised training regardless of their prior skills and qualifications.

Previous qualification: You can do your first Free TAFE course no matter what qualifications you already hold. This applies to all qualifications - whether they be through TAFE or university. This is because the 'upskilling rule' has been removed.

For example, if you did a Bachelor of Arts and you want to change career you can go back and study a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance or a Diploma of Community Services as your first Free TAFE course.

Multiple Free TAFE courses: You can do multiple Free TAFE courses in the same occupational pathway listed under 'Free TAFE priority pathways' (click here to learn more).

This is because the 'once-in-a-lifetime limit' for Free TAFE has now been removed for priority pathways.

For example, in caring occupations if you have completed a Certificate III in Individual Support you can enrol in the Certificate IV in Disability or even the Diploma of Nursing and still access tuition fee-free training.

Students whose only Free TAFE fee waiver was under JobTrainer can also do another Free TAFE course, either in a pathway or non-pathway program.

A list of ‘Free TAFE priority pathways’ can be found at Free TAFE for lots of jobs | Victorian Government (www.vic.gov.au)

Please note, Free TAFE priority pathways do not include apprenticeship pathway courses.

Where can you get more information?

Get in touch with our friendly Customer Experience team to find out more, phone 1300698233 or email info@wodongatafe.edu.au, or visit the Victorian government's Free TAFE webpage or call the TAFE and Training line on 13 18 23.