Multiple enrolments in Free TAFE in Victoria highlighted in new data

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Freya Lucas

Feb 03, 2025

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New data released late last week shows that there have been close to 110,000 enrolments in Free TAFE since the program began in Victoria in January 2023.

The figures were released alongside a pre-election commitment by the Federal Government that it will make Free TAFE permanent should it be successful in retaining power.

As part of the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program in Victoria, between January 2023 and September 2024, there have been:

more than 13,300 enrolments in the construction sector.
more than 34,300 in the care sector.
more than 5,900 in the agriculture sector.
more than 9,900 in the technology and digital sector.
more than 5,500 in the early childhood education and care sector.

Students from regional areas comprised more than a third of all enrolments, with popular courses including nursing, building and construction and training and assessment.

“Free TAFE is providing an accessible pathway to secure work and cost-of-living relief to more than 108,000 enrolments in Victoria,” Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said.

“As I travel around Victoria, at every TAFE I visit, I meet students who tell me how much Free TAFE has changed their life.”

“It’s great to see Victorians embracing the opportunity to lay the foundations for their future careers through Free TAFE. I’m proud that they can make this decision without having to consider the financial burden of training costs.”

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