Release type: Media Release

Date:

Half a million Australians have enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE

Ministers:

The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP
Minister for Skills and Training

The Albanese Government’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative continues to exceed targets, with half a million Australians enrolling in courses of high skills demand since January 1 last year.

More than 118,200 people enrolled in Fee-Free TAFE courses in the first three months of 2024 alone.

That follows on from more than 355,000 enrolments in 2023, almost double the 180,000 places originally pledged at the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit.

Fee-Free TAFE, delivered in partnership between the Albanese Government and State and Territory Governments, removes financial barriers for people to learn skills in areas of demand that are experiencing significant skills shortages.

From 1 January 2023 to 31 March this year there were over: 

  • 120,800 enrolments in the Care sector
  • 45,800 enrolments in the Technology and Digital sector
  • 32,100 enrolments in the Construction sector
  • 31,900 enrolments in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector
  • 19,600 enrolments in the Agriculture sector.

From 1 January 2023 to 31 March this year there were over: 

  • 296,200 enrolments by women
  • 158,100 enrolments by people aged 24 and under
  • 108,300 enrolments by job seekers
  • 105,100 enrolments by people who speak a language other than English at home
  • 34,800 enrolments by people with disability*
  • 26,500 enrolments by First Nations people*.

Students from regional and remote areas made up a third of total enrolments.

Fee-Free TAFE is another way the Albanese Government is easing cost of living pressures.

Fee-Free TAFE means a Queenslander training to be a nurse doesn’t need to pay up to $15,200 in course fees, while a South Australian undertaking a Certificate IV in Information Technology doesn’t need to pay $4,655 in course fees.

Someone in Northern Territory doing a Certificate III in School Based Education Support could save up to $6,950.

The Albanese Government is investing $502.9 million for an additional 320,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places nationwide over the next three years.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP:

“I am extremely proud of our Fee-Free TAFE initiative, which is changing lives.

“Fee-Free TAFE has ensured people acquire skills in demand and businesses find the skilled workers they’re crying out for. This is good for workers, businesses and the economy.

“Fee-Free TAFE is removing financial barriers for more Australians to learn new skills in areas of demand.

“Fee-Free TAFE has helped ease cost of living pressures to make training a real possibility for half a million Australians, as we respond to the biggest skills shortages in 50 years.

“Fee-Free TAFE is giving Australians access to the skills they need to ensure they have meaningful, well-paid jobs, and career progression."

*NSW enrolment data for First Nations people and people with disability not reported in Q1, 2024.