Free TAFE courses align with skills and jobs that are in demand from Victorian employers.
Students eligible for Victorian Government–subsidised training may not have to pay course tuition fees for some Victoria University Polytechnic courses.
Why choose VU Polytechnic?
Our strong connections with industry, award-winning learning model, state-of-the-art facilities and specialised course content mean you’ll graduate ready to work in an in-demand occupation. Our class sizes are small, so you can receive support from trainers, who work in industry, and get to know your classmates. You’ll also get the chance to find career opportunities through placements and industry connections.
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State-of-the-art facilities
Purpose-built facilities in campuses across Melbourne’s west and CBD, including our world-class Cybersecurity Training Centre and Sunshine Skills Hub.
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Connected with industry
Our industry partnerships give us insight into the needs of industry. We reflect this in our courses so you gain real-world experience and graduate work-ready.
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Innovative, flexible and hands-on learning
Our multi award-winning blended learning model combines eLearning with face-to-face training and practical applications.
Free TAFE
VU Polytechnic’s Free TAFE courses
Browse VU Polytechnic’s Free TAFE courses by study area. Visit the course page to apply online.
Business services
Community services & youth work
Early childhood & education support
Health, nursing & care industries
- Certificate IV in Ageing Support CHC43015
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance HLT43015
- Diploma of Emergency Health Care HLT51020
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance HLT33115
- Certificate IV in Disability Support CHC43121
- Certificate III in Individual Support CHC33021
- Diploma of Nursing HLT54121
- Course in Introduction to the National Disability Insurance Scheme 22469VIC
Hospitality, tourism & events
Systems & IT
Trades
- Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) CPC50220
- Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying CPC60121
- Certificate III in Civil Construction RII30920
- Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations RII30820
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship 22614VIC
- Certificate IV in Civil Construction RII40720
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) 22499VIC
- Certificate II in Engineering Studies 22470VIC
- Certificate II in Furniture Making MSF20313
- Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship) 22569VIC
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40920
- Course in Working Safely in the Solar Industry 22515VIC
*This list is subject to change and will be updated to reflect policy and institution changes.
Eligibility for courses with no tuition fees
The Free TAFE for Priority Courses program covers eligible students’ tuition fees for the full course duration. You'll still need to pay other fees, such as student services fees or materials fees.
It is important to choose training carefully because students can only access the initiative once for some course areas, even if they do not finish their tuition-fee free priority course (exceptions apply). More than one Free TAFE enrolment is now allowed in specific Free TAFE pathway courses within the accounting, allied health, building and construction, civil construction, community services, early childhood and education support, health and nursing, and IT industries. Conditions apply – you can only complete another Free TAFE course within the same Free TAFE pathway group of the Free TAFE course you have completed and you must complete a qualification before you can access another Free TAFE place, refer to Free TAFE Pathways information.
Any Australian citizen/permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen is eligible to take Free TAFE for Priority Courses in Victoria, if they meet the following criteria.
Career changers
Positions are also available, subject to availability of TAFE places and prioritised based on need, to these groups:
- Victorians who want to reskill, change careers and improve their employment prospects
- Victorians who meet the needs of local industries.
Victorians who need additional support
- Unemployed and clients of the Jobs Victoria Employment Network
- Retrenched workers
- Automotive supply-chain workers
Skills & Jobs Centre
The Victoria University Polytechnic Skills and Job Centre is funded by the State Government to provide a free service to the community and improve individual career outcomes. Find out more about how the Skills and Jobs Centre may be able to help you.
Make an enquiryWhy VU is ahead of the rest
8 top honours at the 2021 LearnX Awards
Victoria University (VU) Polytechnic's Course Development and Design teams have been been internationally recognised as leaders in quality eLearning models and systems, and digital product design and development at the 2021 LearnX Awards.
Read about the LearnX awards
VU Polytechnic finalists in two 2021 Victorian Training Awards categories
VU Polytechnic nominated as the finalist for Industry Collaboration Award, for the Victoria Police Diversity Recruitment Program, and Inclusive Training Provider of the Year Award.
Read about the 2021 Victorian Training Award
VU Polytechnic opens new Cyber Security Training Centre
VU Polytechnic, in partnership with the world’s largest cyber security vendor Cisco, has launched a Cyber Security Training Centre in Melbourne’s West to meet an increasing demand for workers in one of Australia’s fastest growing and under-serviced industries.
Read about the Cyber Security Centre
Free TAFE - Aged Care
Hear from our students
“I have done my Master of Computer Applications. I chose to study the Certificate IV in Cyber Security to update my skills in IT. The cyber security industry is booming nowadays. There are many challenges in this industry, which is quite exciting. The most valuable thing is no doubt the knowledge and confidence we get every day going through assessments and hands-on projects.”
Certificate IV in Cyber Security 22334VIC – Monika Mathur
“My courses allowed me to undertake five work placements over my 18 months of training. Each one was very different and gave me the opportunity to hone my skills and knowledge in various learning environments. I was offered casual work from my first placement and by the time I was in the sixth month of my Certificate III, I was working on all my class-free days.”
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30113 and Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care CHC50113 – Justen Petch
“I enjoy the practical side of my course – I like the hands-on experience. We have three different cookery teachers and they all bring something unique to the table. My teachers helpful and are willing to teach us even things that are outside of the course content.”
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery SIT30816 – Sarah Sims
Make an enquiry
Visit the course page to apply online, or register your interest for Free TAFE. Complete this enquiry form below, start a live chat or call us on 1300 82 33 87.