The Australian and Queensland Governments are taking action to deliver approximately 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training places for Queenslanders in 2023.
From 1 January – 31 December 2023, eligible Queenslanders will be able to undertake Fee-Free TAFE at TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity and Mater Education only.
The Fee-Free TAFE program, with an expanded list of qualifications and eligibility criteria, replaced the Free TAFE for under 25s program from 1 January 2023.
The Queensland Government's Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 aims to connect, educate and attract the people needed to meet the state's unprecedented workforce demand in existing and new industry sectors to support continued economic growth. The Fee-Free TAFE program will support Queenslanders to skill up to meet the state's current and future workforce needs.
The Free apprenticeships for under 25s program is separate and is available for new enrolments until 31 December 2023. It is not impacted by Fee-Free TAFE.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- permanently live in Queensland
- be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant), temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency, or a New Zealand citizen
- be aged 15 years or older, and no longer in school
- not currently be enrolled in a qualification (not including foundation skills training).
If you hold a visa, you must ensure your visa subclass is eligible for subsidised training.
Fee-Free TAFE enables Queenslanders to gain new skills or enhance existing skills, therefore you are able to enrol regardless of your current employment status or the number of qualifications you have previously completed.
However, you can only complete 1 qualification under Fee-Free TAFE.
The only students who can complete a second qualification under Fee-Free TAFE are those who have already completed Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care under Fee-Free TAFE, and go on to enrol into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (while meeting all other Fee-Free TAFE eligibility rules).
What training is available?
There are a range of qualifications and skill sets available, which are aligned to Australian and Queensland Government priorities, including emerging industries, to meet current and future skills needs.
View the qualifications list (XLSX, 15KB).
Enrolments in Fee-Free TAFE are available from 1 January – 31 December 2023 and are only available at TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity and Mater Education.
Note: Mater Education only delivers the Diploma of Nursing through Fee-Free TAFE.
Restricted qualifications
There may be restrictions and/or exemptions on participating in some qualifications. Additional eligibility requirements will be based on industry advice or requirements under the relevant national training package. These restrictions/exemptions are published against the specific qualification on the Priority Skills List.
What's free?
Free means the Queensland Government will cover the full cost of training in a high priority qualification that is included on the list, so eligible students don't contribute to training fees.
However, students may incur related costs such as uniforms and resources costs.
Contact
Phone:
- TAFE Queensland on 1300 308 233
- CQUniversity on 13 27 86
- Mater Education (for the Diploma of Nursing) on 1300 070 350.
Last updated 14 July 2023
