Free TAFE removing cost barriers for priority skills courses

Australians looking to upskill in priority areas will have access to more cost-of-living support in 2025, as the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE program expands to more courses.

The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $410 million to help more Australians access study for free, with the program already benefiting priority groups including First Nations Australians, women facing economic insecurity, young people aged 17-24, unpaid carers, people with a disability, and people who are out of work or receiving income support.

Being able to train, retrain and upskill in priority areas, without added financial barriers, is changing the lives of individual Australians.

For example, in 2024 a new student studying for a Certificate III in Carpentry in NSW would usually be required to pay up to $2,990 but thanks to the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE, the course is free.

In Victoria, a student training in the Diploma of Nursing could save up to $17,150.

And in Queensland, a student training in the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician was able to save up to $12,660.

Starting from today, TAFE and industry-registered training organisations will be able to offer an extra 20,000 free training places throughout 2025 and 2026, including 5,000 pre-apprenticeship places.

The pre-apprenticeship places provide students with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of what it is like working in an industry before making the commitment to become an apprentice.

Recently, Minister Giles has announced an $86.4 million investment to provide extra Free TAFE places in construction courses, to build the workforce needed to deliver the houses and infrastructure the nation needs.

Free TAFE is giving Australians the training they need to get well-paid, secure jobs. People can study an accredited diploma, a certificate or short course which will be fee-free for the duration of the course.

The Albanese Government has introduced legislation to make Free TAFE enduring to ensure future generations of Australians can continue to gain the valuable skills that our community needs.

More information on Free TAFE in 2025 is available on the Your Career website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“The Albanese government firmly believes in the value that Free TAFE provides for Australians who need the most support.

“It provides an accessible pathway to secure work, while also providing cost-of-living relief.  This is how the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring Australians get the skills they want, in the sectors we need.

“When Peter Dutton and the Liberals were last in office they ripped $3 billion from TAFE and training, which left Australia with a massive skills shortage - will they do it again?

“There is a clear choice - under Peter Dutton and the Liberals there will be no Free TAFE. With Albo and Labor Free TAFE is here to stay, with more tradies and training for Australians that need it.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to travel across the country toannounce the additional Free TAFE construction places that are now available. This has taken me to campuses where I have heard so many stories from people about how Free TAFE is changing lives.​

“This year I’m looking forward to continuing to partner with my state and territory colleagues to place TAFE at the heart of the vocational education and training system. It is our commitment through the National Skills Agreement, and one we are seeing achieved through the delivery of Free TAFE places.”

Quotes attributable to Free TAFE student, Elias Hamwi:

“I knew it was the perfect opportunity to rebuild my professional life. The Diploma of Community Services matched my background and passion for helping others.

“I encourage anyone, especially other migrants or refugees, to give it a go — Free TAFE truly helps open doors to new opportunities.”

BACKGROUND

Elias Hamwi is a Free TAFE student studying a Diploma of Community Services at Kangan Institute in Melbourne. Elias came to Australia as a refugee, leaving behind his job as a program manager at a humanitarian organisation in Syria. He found the first three months challenging as he adjusted to settling into a new country. He worked closely with his settlement team to find out how he could transition into a career.