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Free TAFE
Free TAFE Courses

Free TAFE Courses

More than ever, the skills we need to build our state are learned at TAFE.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses will reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in courses that lead to jobs in demand from Victorian employers.

From 1 January 2019, Free TAFE for Priority Courses covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training.

Free TAFE courses

The free priority course list includes 20 non-apprenticeship courses and 18 courses that provide pathways to apprenticeships (also known as ‘pre-apprenticeships’).

Free priority courses lead to occupations in industries where there are likely to be more jobs. Some of them lead to work in important areas like preventing family violence, rolling out the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Victoria and delivering our major infrastructure projects.

Students who are eligible for the Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative can study in one of the following courses at Melbourne Polytechnic in 2019.

Free Apprenticeship Pathway Courses

Certificate II in Building and Construction - Bricklaying Pre-apprenticeship
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Construct your future from the ground up with a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Bricklaying). If you love working with your hands and seeing something you built at the end of the day, this course is for you. Work towards becoming an apprentice bricklayer by developing the skills every employer wants in their apprentice. Our course is focused on getting you laying bricks and a solid foundation for your career in building and construction.
Certificate II in Building and Construction - Painting and Decorating
Construction Trades - Full Time - Epping
Construction Trades - Full Time - Epping
Do you enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for colour? As a painter/decorator, you could chase the sun around Australia or the world to work wherever you want. This flexible career choice could lead to starting your own business.
Certificate II in Building and Construction - Carpentry and Joinery Shopfitting Stairbuilding
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
The Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) is offered in conjunction with the Certificate II in Building and Construction (Joinery/Shopfitting/Stairbuilding) (22338VIC). Build a future in carpentry, joinery, stairbuilding and shopfitting to become the apprentice every site manager wants to employ on a diverse range of building projects.
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
The 22304VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (pre-apprenticeship) provides the best tools and practical experience to launch your career in plumbing. Develop the right skills in a hands-on learning environment to prepare you for a plumbing apprenticeship.
Certificate II in Horticulture
Horticulture - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Fairfield
Horticulture - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Fairfield
Our Certificate II in Horticulture is a hands-on course that will prepare you for a career in Horticulture. This pre-apprenticeship program provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the industry and provides a foundation for moving into an horticultural apprenticeship or to undertake additional studies in other Horticulture certificates.
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Locksmithing
Information Technology and Security, Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Information Technology and Security, Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Crack the right combination and be part of Melbourne Polytechnic’s renowned locksmithing teaching and training with the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways. Physical security is an important consideration for everyone and the locksmithing industry is constantly evolving to meet the demand for new products, new technology and new methods.

Free Accounting Courses

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Every business, organisation and company uses accountants to process their financial information. Enter the industry as an Accounting Support Officer with our comprehensive training.
Diploma of Accounting
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
Business Management and Accounting - Full Time - Preston
If you enjoy mathematics, have an analytical mind and would like to work in the account profession then our Diploma of Accounting is for you. Accountants support their clients with regular monitoring, analysis, preparation of documents, reports and accounts advice. Get qualified as an Assistant Accountant and start your rewarding career.

Free Building Courses

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
Building Design and Construction - Part Time - Preston, Epping
Building Design and Construction - Part Time - Preston, Epping
Construct a great future with the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). Take your own business to the next level, become an invaluable manager or gain the skills you need in site and business management to lead you to the top of your field.
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
Building Design and Construction - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
Building Design and Construction - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
Manage your building career with our Diploma of Building and Construction (Building). You’ve got the hands-on experience, so take your career to the next level and manage a commercial or domestic building site with your leadership.
Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying
Building Design and Construction - Full Time - Preston, Epping
Building Design and Construction - Full Time - Preston, Epping
Become a building surveyor or inspector with a successful career in the vital area of building compliance in Australia with the Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying.

Free Construction Trades Courses

Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Locksmithing
Information Technology and Security, Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Information Technology and Security, Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Crack the right combination and be part of Melbourne Polytechnic’s renowned locksmithing teaching and training with the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways. Physical security is an important consideration for everyone and the locksmithing industry is constantly evolving to meet the demand for new products, new technology and new methods.
Certificate II in Building and Construction - Bricklaying Pre-apprenticeship
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Construct your future from the ground up with a Certificate II in Building and Construction (Bricklaying). If you love working with your hands and seeing something you built at the end of the day, this course is for you. Work towards becoming an apprentice bricklayer by developing the skills every employer wants in their apprentice. Our course is focused on getting you laying bricks and a solid foundation for your career in building and construction.
Certificate II in Building and Construction - Carpentry and Joinery Shopfitting Stairbuilding
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
The Certificate II in Building and Construction (Carpentry) is offered in conjunction with the Certificate II in Building and Construction (Joinery/Shopfitting/Stairbuilding) (22338VIC). Build a future in carpentry, joinery, stairbuilding and shopfitting to become the apprentice every site manager wants to employ on a diverse range of building projects.
Certificate II in Building and Construction - Painting and Decorating
Construction Trades - Full Time - Epping
Construction Trades - Full Time - Epping
Do you enjoy working with your hands and have an eye for colour? As a painter/decorator, you could chase the sun around Australia or the world to work wherever you want. This flexible career choice could lead to starting your own business.
Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
Construction Trades - Full Time, Pre Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
The 22304VIC Certificate II in Plumbing (pre-apprenticeship) provides the best tools and practical experience to launch your career in plumbing. Develop the right skills in a hands-on learning environment to prepare you for a plumbing apprenticeship.
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services - Operations Stream
Construction Trades - Part Time - Heidelberg
Construction Trades - Part Time - Heidelberg
Gather all the tools you need to be a success in the plumbing trade with our Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services.
Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
Building Design and Construction, Construction Trades - Apprentice - Epping, Heidelberg
Building Design and Construction, Construction Trades - Apprentice - Heidelberg, Epping
Get the skills, confidence and qualification to fast track your career in the construction waterproofing industry. Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing is a hands-on course catering for both experienced trades people and students new to the construction industry.

Free Horticulture Courses

Certificate II in Horticulture
Horticulture - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Fairfield
Horticulture - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Fairfield
Our Certificate II in Horticulture is a hands-on course that will prepare you for a career in Horticulture. This pre-apprenticeship program provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the industry and provides a foundation for moving into an horticultural apprenticeship or to undertake additional studies in other Horticulture certificates.
Certificate III in Horticulture
Horticulture - Full Time, Part Time - Fairfield, Epping
Horticulture - Full Time, Part Time - Fairfield, Epping
Nurture your interest in all things green with a Certificate III in Horticulture. A flourishing and rewarding career is bound to follow.

Free Cookery Courses

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery - Non-apprenticeship
Hospitality - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Prahran
Hospitality - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Prahran
Are you interested in carving a career in the thriving hospitality scene? Food is a necessity of life and people with skills in Commercial Cookery can work anywhere from the local pub to top international restaurants and hotels. If you want to gain skills in the culinary industry, our popular Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is the right choice for you.

Free Agriculture Courses

Certificate III in Agriculture
Agriculture and Land Management - Full Time, Part Time - Epping
Agriculture and Land Management - Full Time, Part Time - Epping
Melbourne Polytechnic's Certificate III in Agriculture is the entry-level qualification necessary to start your career in agriculture or to build on prior qualifications. This course can get you started in a rewarding career that can take you all over the country.
Certificate IV in Agriculture
Agriculture and Land Management - Full Time - Epping, Yan Yean at Northern Lodge
Agriculture and Land Management - Full Time - Epping, Yan Yean at Northern Lodge
Melbourne Polytechnic’s Certificate IV in Agriculture will build your leadership potential for a career on the land.

Free Community Service Courses

Certificate IV in Community Services
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
Committed to challenging social injustice? Want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people? Our Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42015 provides entry-level skills and knowledge for the community sector.
Diploma of Community Services
Human Services - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Greensborough
Human Services - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Greensborough
Take your commitment to solving social disadvantage further. Our Diploma of Community Services will give you the right skills to make tangible differences in the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people. We are ACWA accredited which is a requirement for working at DHHS.

Free Cyber Security Courses

Certificate IV in Cyber Security
Information Technology and Security - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Information Technology and Security - Full Time, Part Time - Preston
Cyber Security is the discipline and practice of securing computer systems and networks to protect valuable services, information and data from a variety of threats.

Free Education Courses

Certificate III in Education Support
Education - Full Time - Preston, Epping
Education - Full Time - Preston, Epping
This course provides you with comprehensive and high quality training if you would like to work with students with special needs. It is specifically designed for people who would like to work in schools assisting the teacher by providing extra literacy and numeracy support to students in the classroom.
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
Education - Full Time, Part Time - Preston, Epping
This course is designed to develop your understanding of issues relevant to the children’s services sector and to enhance your practical skills needed to deliver high quality care and education to young children. You will learn first aid, how to care for babies and toddlers and how to support holistic development of children.
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Education - Full Time - Preston
Education - Full Time - Preston
The Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care provides students with the skills and knowledge to plan and operate educational programs for children based upon their skills and interests.

Free Engineering Courses

Certificate II in Engineering Pathways - Fabrication and Mechanical
Engineering - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
Engineering - Part Time, Pre Apprentice - Heidelberg
The fabrication and mechanical stream of the Certificate II in Engineering course will give you basic knowledge and skills to help you successfully gain employment in the metal trades. You will gain the preparatory skills and knowledge of basic metal fabrication, welding and machining processes that the fabrication industry needs.
Certificate IV in Engineering - Fabrication
Engineering - Part Time - Heidelberg
Engineering - Part Time - Heidelberg
Already working in the metal trades and want to reach the next level? Melbourne Polytechnic's post-trade Certificate IV in Engineering - Fabrication will enhance your existing skills and knowledge.

Free Health Courses

Certificate III in Individual Support
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
The Certificate III in Individual Support is a nationally recognised qualification that will give you the practical skills and knowledge to work within the Aged Care sector, to provide a professional level of dignified and meaningful life.
Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
If you work in, or would like to work in a community based organisation, withdrawal service, residential rehabilitation or an outreach service, our Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs is the course for you. The program offers excellent teaching in these areas and successful completion will see you with a qualification in the field, paving the way for further study in Community Services and Health and Education and career options.
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance
Human Services - Full Time - Greensborough
Human Services - Full Time - Greensborough
Considering working in health and community? Are you interested in a career in Allied Health? Our Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance covers treatment plans, therapeutic interventions and how to conduct programs under the supervision of a specialised allied health professional.
Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
Human Services - Full Time - Fairfield
Human Services - Full Time - Fairfield
If you have a calling for care, consider our Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention. A course designed for those who work in youth and family intervention, including practice specialisations in residential and out of home care, family support and early intervention.
Certificate IV in Disability
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
Human Services - Full Time, Traineeship - Greensborough
The Certificate IV in Disability will prepare you to train and support people with disabilities. Empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and community participation.
Certificate IV in Mental Health
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
Human Services - Full Time - Preston
Would you like to make a difference in improving the mental health of others? Our Certificate IV in Mental Health focuses on recovery-orientated models and offers you many career opportunities in this rewarding field.

Find out more

For more information about Free TAFE for Priority Courses, you can contact the TAFE and Training line on 13 18 23. To see if you're eligible visit our Free TAFE Eligibility page.

Free TAFE for Priority Courses information in languages other than English

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve tried to answer as many of your Frequently Asked Questions as possible. If you need to check your eligibility or enquire about a course, call us on 03 9269 8400.