Find out the best sites to visit for free online courses paid for by the government.
The Australian Government, in partnership with state governments, is offering Fee-Free TAFE courses to Australians to upskill, retrain, or start a new career. These vocational courses cover high-demand industries like healthcare, construction, clean energy, and early childhood education.
Eligible students can study for diplomas, certificates, or short courses without paying tuition fees.
Free courses are open to priority groups, including young people aged 17-24, women aged 25-54, and other eligible individuals. Providers deliver these courses across Australia. Flexible online options give further access to free online courses with certificates.
Index of Free Online Courses by State
Australian Capital Territory
Fee-Free TAFE courses in the ACT provide training in high-priority areas such as digital skills, community care, and sustainable energy.
■ Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
CIT offers 600 free places each semester, with courses spanning areas like digital technology, construction, early childhood education, and project management. Programs include diplomas in Building and Construction, Information Technology, and Early Childhood Education, as well as certificates in Cyber Security, Allied Health Assistance, and Youth Work. Students must meet eligibility criteria, including ACT residency or employment.
New South Wales
New South Wales offers fee-free TAFE courses to address skill shortages in sectors like aged care, construction, and childcare. Many of the courses are available online.
■ TAFE NSW
TAFE NSW provides fee-free TAFE courses across industries like healthcare, building and construction, aviation, and information technology. Programs include the Diploma of Early Childhood Education, Certificate IV in Cyber Security, and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. Courses are available online and on-campus, with hands-on learning opportunities in areas like electrotechnology, horticulture, and community services. Students must live or work in NSW and meet eligibility requirements to enrol.
Northern Territory
Fee-Free TAFE courses in the Northern Territory focus on local industries, providing skills for healthcare, construction, and sustainability.
■ Charles Darwin University
CDU TAFE has free courses in areas like community services, information technology, and construction. Some programs are available online, while others require on-campus training. Eligibility criteria apply, and places are limited.
Queensland
Queensland’s Fee-Free TAFE initiative provides training in technology, trades, and healthcare.
■ CQUniversity
CQUniversity offers courses to eligible Queenslanders, funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments. Programs include certificates and diplomas in areas like business, childcare, community services, and health, with highlights such as the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, Diploma of Nursing, and Certificate III in Horticulture. While tuition costs are covered, students may need to pay for uniforms or resources. Courses are available for new students in high-priority fields to help fill skills gaps across Queensland.
■ TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland offers Fee-Free TAFE courses in health and science, business, cyber security, education, and trades. Over 70 industry-recognised options are available, such as the Certificate III in Agriculture, Certificate II in Cookery, and Battery Electric Vehicle Servicing Skill Set. These programs help students gain job-ready skills aligned with local workforce needs. Eligible participants benefit from government funding that covers tuition. Courses are available online and in person.
South Australia
South Australia provides free TAFE courses to students in priority industries like health, construction, and early childhood education.
■ TAFE SA
TAFE SA offers over 4,000 Fee-Free TAFE places annually in areas like construction, healthcare, and digital technology. Courses include Building Trades, Cyber Security, and Aged and Disability Services, with options for apprenticeships in select construction programs. Tuition fees are waived, though students may need to cover resource or incidental costs. Eligibility is based on criteria set by the South Australian and Australian Governments.
Tasmania
Tasmania offers free courses to address local skill gaps in industries like childcare and aged care.
■ TasTAFE
TasTAFE offers a wide range of TAFE courses online, including options like the Certificate IV in Information Technology, Certificate III in Community Services, and multiple skill sets in areas such as cyber security and digital workplace essentials. These programs provide flexible learning for students across Tasmania, covering diverse industries. Eligibility criteria apply.
Victoria
Victoria’s free TAFE courses help students gain skills in areas like construction, healthcare, and digital technology. Online study options are limited however.
■ TAFE Victoria
TAFE Victoria offers limited free TAFE courses online, with most programs requiring on-campus attendance. Courses are delivered by a long list of providers, including Bendigo TAFE, Box Hill Institute, and Holmesglen. Areas of study include aged care, clean energy, and trades.
Western Australia
Western Australia delivers training under the Fee-Free TAFE initiative to address skill shortages in healthcare, construction, and clean energy.
■ North Regional TAFE
North Regional TAFE offers several free online courses, including the Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, and Certificate IV in School Based Education Support. These programs focus on high-demand industries such as aged care, community services, and workplace safety.
■ South Metropolitan TAFE
South Metropolitan TAFE offers a small selection of Fee-Free TAFE courses online: the Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety, Integrating Mental Health Practice Skill Set, and Job Ready Basics Skill Set. These programs focus on building skills in high-demand areas such as workplace safety and mental health support. Eligibility criteria apply, and places are limited.