The Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments have locked in the future of Free TAFE for thousands of Victorians under a $470 million agreement, building on Victoria’s nation-leading introduction of Free TAFE in 2019.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Victorian Minister for Skills and Training Gabrielle Williams have signed the Free TAFE Agreement, which will deliver 133,000 Free TAFE places in Victoria across five years from January 2027.
The partnership delivers the next chapter in Free TAFE, with greater certainty and stability for the state’s vocational education system, supporting long‑term planning and sustained access to the program.
The agreement is the second to be signed since the passage of the Commonwealth’s Free TAFE Act in March 2025. The legislation locked in the Albanese Government’s commitment to make Free TAFE an enduring feature of the nation’s skills system.
This partnership builds on Victoria’s existing commitments for fee-free training, reducing financial barriers for people thinking about training or taking up a new career.
Free TAFE is delivering a pipeline of workers in critical skills areas by removing fees from qualifications in areas like housing construction, clean energy, and essential care services.
The agreement includes a focus on upskilling individuals who have faced barriers to education, training and employment.
People living in regional and rural communities and those who speak a language other than English at home are included as target groups for the first time.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“Free TAFE is life-changing – and it’s because of Labor Governments here in Victoria that Free TAFE exists.
“Seven years ago Victoria led the way. Today, the Albanese and Carroll Labor Governments lock in the future of Free TAFE for Victorians – opening up doors and breaking down barriers to careers in critical industries like nursing, construction and early childhood education and care.
“Labor is the party of TAFE. We’ll always back Free TAFE – even in the face of the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation dismissing Free TAFE and the hundreds of thousands of Australians who’ve benefitted from it.”
