New figures highlight popularity of Fee-Free TAFE

New data revealing the locations of Fee-Free TAFE course enrolments across South Australia has shown that there have been 16,410 Fee-Free TAFE enrolments across the state, many in high demand employment sectors such as early childhood education and care (ECEC).

In metropolitan Adelaide, the postcode ‘5114’ has received the highest number of Fee-Free TAFE enrolments with 372 over the past two years, and this includes Smithfield, Blakeview, Andrews Farm and Craigmore.

This was closely followed by the postcode ‘5108’ of Salisbury and Paralowie which has had 356 Fee-Free TAFE enrolments. There has been a total of 2,905 Fee-Free TAFE enrolments from Adelaide’s Northern suburbs.

Students from regional South Australia have also benefitted with more than 500 enrolments over the past two years in each of the Yorke and Mid North, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula, Murraylands and Riverland, and Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and KI.

The Limestone Coast had just under 500 enrolments with Murray Bridge the highest number of enrolments from regional locations.

Since its introduction, Fee-Free TAFE has saved priority cohort learners more than $37 million in student fees – with students previously unable to access education and training due to financial barriers, taking up the opportunity in droves.

“The true test of Fee-Free TAFE is how many South Australians have enrolled who couldn’t afford to attend TAFE if it wasn’t free,” SA Education Minister Blair Boyer said.

“The fact that the number one postcode in South Australia for Fee-Free TAFE is 5114, shows this initiative is doing exactly what we need it to do.”

From the period of January to June 2024, there were increases of students participating in vocational education at school, aged 24 years and under, from regional and remote locations; reporting a disability, who identify as Aboriginal; and studying courses at the Certificate III level.

Courses offered through Fee-Free TAFE directly align with the need for skilled workers including health, technology, construction, major defence projects such as AUKUS, three-year-old preschool, and the Whyalla hydrogen power plant facility.

Popular areas of study include Early Childhood Education and Care, Information Technology, Individual Support (Aged Care), Human and Social Welfare, and Health Administration.

For more information about Fee-Free TAFE courses, visit the TAFE SA website