Tafe Fee Free Courses 2026
Government-funded courses are available to study in Australia, ranging from Certificate III to Diploma level. You can study online, blended or on-campus through TAFEs and RTOs, with course lengths spanning around two months to two years depending on the qualification. Graduates often move into community services, aged care and community development roles. Government-funded or subsidised places may be available in some states, though eligibility always depends on the provider and where you live, so it's worth checking each course individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TAFE courses are free right now?
Government-funded and subsidised places open up at different times depending on your state and the provider, and this changes regularly. Courses on this page span Certificate III to Diploma level in areas like community services, aged care, IT, construction and business, delivered through TAFEs and RTOs. Some of these may carry funded or subsidised places. You can check funding status listed against each course, or read more about Government Funded options.
Will fee-free TAFE continue in 2027?
Funding programs are set by state and federal governments and can change from year to year, so it's not possible to guarantee what will be offered in 2027. What's available now includes government-funded or subsidised places on some Certificate III to Diploma courses, depending on the provider and state. The safest approach is to check current funding directly with the provider before you enrol, since eligibility rules shift over time.
How long will fee-free TAFE last?
There's no fixed end date that applies everywhere, because government-funded training is reviewed and adjusted by individual states over time. Availability depends on the provider, your location and the specific course, so a place that's subsidised today might not be next year. It helps to confirm current funding status when you enquire, rather than assuming it will stay the same long term.
How do I know if I'm eligible for a government-funded course?
Eligibility for a government-funded course depends on factors like your state, your existing qualifications and the specific course you choose. Rules vary between TAFEs and RTOs and between states, so there's no single answer that applies to everyone. You can read Am I Eligible for Government-Funded Study? for a general guide, then confirm your own situation directly with the provider.
How long do government-funded courses take to complete?
Government-funded courses on this page range from around two months for short courses up to two years for a Diploma. Certificate III and IV courses often sit in between, with some completed in as little as 11 to 13 weeks and others taking closer to 12 months. Actual duration depends on the qualification, the provider and whether you study full-time, part-time or online.