The Albanese Government has confirmed that Free TAFE will become a permanent program in Victoria, with nearly 110,000 enrolments recorded since its launch in January 2023. 

The initiative has seen strong uptake in key industries, including construction, care, agriculture, technology, and early childhood education.

Regional students made up more than a third of all enrolments, with the Diploma of Nursing and the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) among the most popular courses, saving students up to $17,150 and $9,257, respectively.  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the program was about more than infrastructure, describing it as “creating a better life for Australians, building better education and creating new employment opportunities”.

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles emphasised Free TAFE’s role in delivering cost-of-living relief and workforce development.

“As I travel around Victoria, at every TAFE I visit, I meet students who tell me how much Free TAFE has changed their life,” he said.

From 1 July 2025, eligible construction apprentices will receive a $10,000 incentive payment over the course of their training, in addition to their wages.

 The government sees this as a key measure to encourage more Australians into the trades sector and strengthen the construction workforce. 

The Australian Education Union has welcomed the legislation, calling it a “historic shift” that has significantly reduced financial barriers and created new career pathways. 

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe has called for increased investment in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and workplace conditions to ensure the program’s long-term success. 

“We can’t afford to go backwards,” she said.

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