If you’re considering vocational education in Victoria, you might be wondering: Does Swinburne University of Technology offer Free TAFE courses? The answer is a resounding yes. Swinburne participates in the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative, which covers tuition fees for eligible students enrolling in priority courses. Here’s an updated, easy-to-understand overview of how Free TAFE works at Swinburne in 2025.
What is Free TAFE?
Free TAFE is a government-funded program designed to help Victorians gain skills in industries with strong employment prospects. It waives tuition fees for a wide range of certificates, diplomas, and short courses in priority areas, making vocational education more affordable and accessible.
Free TAFE Courses Available at Swinburne
Swinburne offers a variety of Free TAFE courses across several in-demand sectors. These include:
- Building and Construction:
- Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (Carpentry and Bricklaying)
- Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
- Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
- Electrotechnology and Plumbing:
- Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start)
- Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
- Engineering:
- Certificate IV in Engineering
- Work Health and Safety:
- Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
- Accounting and Bookkeeping:
- Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (on campus or online)
- Diploma of Accounting (on campus or online)
- Information Technology and Cyber Security:
- Certificate III in Information Technology
- Certificate IV in Cyber Security (requires prior completion of Certificate III in IT)
- Health and Community Services:
- Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
- Certificate IV in Community Services
- Diploma of Community Services
- Certificate IV in Disability Support
- Diploma of Emergency Health Care
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability)
- Certificate IV in Mental Health and Mental Health Peer Work
- Diploma of Nursing (on campus and online)
- Certificate IV in Youth Work
- Diploma of Youth Work
Who is Eligible for Free TAFE at Swinburne?
To qualify for Free TAFE courses at Swinburne, you must be:
- An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
- Physically residing in Victoria for the duration of your studies
You can access Free TAFE tuition fee waivers even if you already hold a higher qualification such as a university degree. However, the program has a “one in a lifetime” fee waiver limit, meaning you can only access Free TAFE once, with some exceptions for certain pathways and short courses.
Important Conditions and Exceptions
- If you previously accessed Free TAFE under the JobTrainer initiative, you may be eligible for another fee waiver.
- Completing courses within the same Free TAFE priority pathway allows you to undertake multiple qualifications tuition-free, such as progressing from Certificate III to Diploma within the same field.
- The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is available as an additional Free TAFE course for those who have completed other Free TAFE qualifications, encouraging industry professionals to become trainers.
- Asylum seekers may be eligible for support through the Asylum Seeker VET (ASVET) program.
Additional Costs
While tuition fees are covered, students are responsible for other expenses such as:
- Student services and amenities fees
- Materials and equipment costs
- Graduation fees
Always check with Swinburne for specific course-related costs.
How to Enrol?
You can apply for Free TAFE courses directly through Swinburne’s website or via their admissions team. It’s important to verify your eligibility and understand the course requirements before enrolling.
Summary
Swinburne University of Technology offers a broad selection of Free TAFE courses in 2025, making vocational education accessible to eligible Victorian residents. With courses spanning building, engineering, IT, health, and community services, Swinburne supports students in gaining practical skills for high-demand careers without the burden of tuition fees.