Free TAFE courses in Victoria were released on January 1 in 2019, and by the end of that year, there were more than 39,500 students enrolled in these TAFE courses and taking advantage of this incredible incentive. While other states have had a smaller foray into this area, only Victoria has a diverse range of eligible courses which are offered at a number of reputable education providers. Now in its second year of operation with students having success in these programs, more and more young and mature-aged individuals are considering these courses. Let’s understand what the deal is with these free TAFE courses in Victoria, and how you can enrol in a course that might spark a passion or career change, both of which are so important in these uncertain times we find ourselves in.
How did these free TAFE courses in Victoria come about?
The Victorian government announced this free education incentive to reduce the financial barrier that prohibits tertiary education, with some TAFE courses costing upwards of $18,000 a year. These free TAFE courses in Victoria are targeted at people who are looking to change careers or attain their first tertiary qualification. The incentive also has a dual benefit of bringing some awareness and interest to vocations that are either in demand (aged care, for example) or have low enrolment rates (agriculture, for example). If you haven’t received a qualification from university or TAFE, it might be worth checking out what courses are offered. Here are the official eligibility criteria:
- Under 20 years old (regardless of any qualification that might be held)
- Victorians that require additional support (financial, etc)
- Upskilling or change of career
- Retrenched workers
- Victorians who are unemployed
As this program continues, some of the eligibility requirements have and may continue to change, so you might not be excluded from all offerings in the future if the above eligibility has ruled you out.
What free TAFE courses in Victoria are available?
There is an enormous list of free TAFE courses in Victoria available, with eligible students finishing with a Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma. These courses provide training and qualifications in early childhood education, construction/infrastructure, health, community services, disability services, professional services, hospitality/tourism and agriculture. Many of these disciplines also facilitate apprenticeship pathways, fast-tracking the student’s journey and removing any hurdles that come with finding employment.
Not only will these free TAFE courses in Victoria not cost you a thing, but you will be entering a career where your skillset is in demand. Job security is a luxury not all of us can enjoy, so check out this free course list and see what grabs you as a potential new job and industry.
What are the participating TAFE and universities?
Nope, these courses aren’t just offered at one hard-to-reach destination, but there are actually many participating institutions that have come on board to support these free TAFE courses in Victoria. We won’t name all 17, but you might recognise RMIT, Swinburne, Victoria University, Melbourne Polytechnic, Kangan Institute and Box Hill Institute. if you live close to one of these esteemed institutions, then reach out to their enrollment team to find out which free courses they offer and at which campus they are involved. Many of these courses can be completed online with limited contact hours, so be sure to include a wider selection if this is the case.
We’re all in favour of learning something new and contributing to our Victorian community here at Around Melbourne. We would love to know which of these courses, if any, interests you. Be sure to check out the rest of our articles about things happening around Melbourne, and or what the best mindfulness podcasts of 2020 are.
