Government Funded Courses in Victoria

What are government-funded courses in VIC?

Government-funded courses are training programs where the Victorian Government covers part or all of your course fees directly paid to the training provider.

This means:

• You may pay reduced fees or nothing at all
• Training is aligned with industries that need workers
• Courses are designed to deliver practical, job-ready skills

All government-funded courses in Victoria are nationally recognised and approved under Australia’s vocational education system.

What is Skills First?

Skills First is the Victorian Government program that subsidises training courses across a wide range of priority industries and qualification levels. Eligible students can access government-subsidised training through registered RTOs and TAFE providers across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Who’s eligible?

To access government subsidised training in Victoria, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
• Be limited to two government subsidised courses per year (this cap does not apply to pre-apprenticeships)
• Not be enrolled in more than two subsidised courses at the same time
• Not begin more than two government-funded courses at the same qualification level

Asylum seekers: You may still be eligible for subsidised training through the ASVET program even if you don’t meet standard residency requirements. See below.

Always confirm your eligibility criteria with an approved training provider before enrolling.

What courses are available?

Government-funded courses in Victoria are offered across a broad range of qualification levels, including certificates, diplomas, and higher-level courses. Construction, nursing, building, and renewable energy are priority sectors for 2025/26. Covered subjects include:

• Certificate III in Construction, Plumbing, and Engineering Trades
• Certificate III and IV in Electrotechnology and Renewable Energy
• Certificate III and IV in Nursing and Allied Health
• Certificate III and IV in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III and IV in Individual Support
• Certificate III and IV in Information Technology and Cyber Security
• Certificate III and IV in Hospitality, Retail, and Horticulture
• Certificate IV in Fitness
• Certificate IV in Disability and Aged Care
• Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice
• Diploma of Community Services
• Diploma of Project Management

Visit the Victorian Skills Gateway for a comprehensive list of all government-funded courses available in your area.

Course costs and financial support

Skills First subsidies

• The Victorian Government pays a portion of your course fees directly to your training provider
• You may only need to pay a small gap fee, or nothing at all
• Other fees, like material fees, may vary depending on your provider and selected courses
• Some training providers offer additional financial assistance for books and course-related costs

Free TAFE

Free TAFE is a Victorian Government program that fully waives tuition fees for eligible students, making it the most accessible form of government-funded training in Victoria. For 2025/26, Free TAFE prioritises pathways in construction, housing, and renewable energy.

Key things to know about Free TAFE:

• Access Free TAFE courses without a concession card if you meet the standard Skills First eligibility criteria
• Available from Certificate III through to the Advanced Diploma
• Previously completed courses at the same level don’t necessarily exclude you from a Free TAFE pathway
• The free TAFE fee waiver covers tuition only
• Eligible students can progress through multiple Free TAFE courses as part of a structured Free TAFE pathway program
• Eligible asylum seekers under ASVET can also access Free TAFE priority courses without a concession card

VET student loans

• Available for some Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at approved training providers
• Covers a large portion of your tuition fees with no upfront cost
• Repayments only begin once your income reaches a set threshold — similar to HECS-HELP
• Not all courses undertaken at all providers are approved — confirm before enrolling

Centrelink assistance

Options include Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Education Entry Payment, Pensioner Education Supplement, Student Start-up Loan, Rent Assistance, and more — depending on your age, income, and study load.

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Many government-funded training pathways in Victoria combine structured learning with hands-on training through an apprenticeship or traineeship.

Apprenticeships — typically 3–4 years, covering trades such as construction, engineering, automotive, hairdressing, and cookery.

Traineeships — usually 1–2 years, covering areas such as IT, childcare, aged care, beauty therapy, and business.

Financial support for apprentices may include Trade Support Loans, Living Away from Home Allowance, User Choice funding, Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY, and the Trade Apprentice Registration Discount.

Other support available

The ASVET Program

The ASVET program is a Victorian Government initiative that allows eligible asylum seekers to access Skills First subsidised training without meeting standard citizenship or residency requirements. You may qualify if you hold or have applied for a humanitarian, protection, or refugee visa, or hold a bridging visa pending ministerial intervention.

ASVET participants can access:

• Discounted fees across all Skills First subsidised courses
• Fee-free training under the Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative
• Pre-accredited training in literacy, numeracy, English, digital skills, and employability

Access the program through the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) or by contacting a Skills First training provider directly.

Where can you study?

Government-funded courses in Victoria are available across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas, with increased support for training providers outside the metro area. Both online study and hands-on training at campus locations are subsidised state-wide. Key locations include:

• Melbourne
• Geelong
• Ballarat
• Bendigo
• Werribee
• Hoppers Crossing
• Sunshine
• Rosebud
• Shepparton
• Wodonga

Jobs and Skills Centres are also available across Victoria, offering free advice on government-funded training, eligibility, and career pathways.

Enquire about a government-funded course today!

Whether you’re starting your career, upskilling in your current role, or changing careers, there are government-subsidised training options available across Victoria to help you build a rewarding career.

Visit the Victorian Skills Gateway for a comprehensive list of government-funded courses in Victoria and to compare training providers near you.