180,000 Fee-Free TAFE courses now available

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This story was first published on Tuesday 3 January 2023. If you wish to use this content, please contact media@dewr.gov.au to confirm that the information is still current.

Australians can now take advantage of a range of Fee-Free TAFE courses, providing access to the skills they need for the jobs of the future.

Fee-Free TAFE will deliver 180,000 TAFE and vocational education places across Australia in 2023. Fee-free places will be targeted to priority groups including First Nations people, young people aged 17-24, job seekers, women facing economic security, unpaid carers, women in non-traditional fields of study and people with disability.

Through Fee-Free TAFE, eligible Australians can study an accredited diploma, certificate or short course in a range of
fast-growing industries needing skilled workers including:

  • care (aged care, childcare, health care and disability care)
  • technology and digital
  • hospitality and tourism
  • construction
  • agriculture
  • sovereign capability.

Your Career has more information about eligibility and course availability in each state and territory.


As part of the October 2022-23 Budget, the Australian Government partnered with state and territory governments to establish a $1 billion 12-month Skills Agreement. The Australian Government contribution of $493 million, will be matched by states and territories to support the delivery of training places.

Fee-Free TAFE courses available are based on the National Skills Commission’s Skills Priority List which identifies occupations in Australia in shortage as well as projected future demand. State and Territory governments determine which qualifications and short courses to prioritise from the agreed list, focusing on training in areas employment is expected to grow.

More information

To learn more about Fee-Free TAFE eligibility and discover what courses are available in your area, visit Your Career.

Correct at time of publication.