What is Fee-Free TAFE funding?
Fee-Free TAFE is an initiative by the Western Australian government, designed to provide eligible residents of WA with the opportunity to pursue a fully accredited diploma, certificate qualification, or short course at no cost.
This program targets key areas where skill shortages exist, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the current job market. Priority is given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, unpaid carers, young adults, women, individuals with disabilities, and the unemployed.
A wide array of qualifications is available in sectors that are currently facing a high demand for skilled workers, including aged care, hospitality, nursing and healthcare, information technology, construction, agriculture, childcare, disability support, and manufacturing.
To qualify for Fee-Free TAFE, candidates must be at least 15 years old, a resident or employed in WA, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid visa, and not be currently enrolled in school.
It’s important to note that training options are not limited to TAFE Western Australian institutes; a variety of approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) throughout the state also participate in delivering these free qualifications.
Eligibility criteria
You must meet ONE of the following requirements:
- be a First Nations Australian; OR
- be unemployed or receiving income support payments; OR
- be an unpaid carer; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is facing economic insecurity; OR
- be a person who identifies as female and is undertaking study in non-traditional fields; OR
- be a person with a disability
As well as ALL of the following requirements:
- be 17 years of age or older
- not enrolled at any school
- be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or an eligible VISA holder
- live in WA
Popular Fee-Free TAFE courses
Enquire with a course provider to confirm availability of Fee-Free TAFE funded places and eligibility requirements.
Certificate III in Pathology Collection
The HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection is a hands-on qualification that prepares you for work in a pathology unit or testing centre. Over 6 months you will learn how to collect blood and other pathology samples — then prepare, record and despatch for testing. Choose electives from electrocardiography (ECG), first aid, recognising healthy body systems, drug and abuse testing. Enquire now for the list of study units and electives, plus your eligibility for government funded training.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection is a hands-on qualification that prepares you for work in a pathology unit or testing centre. Over 6 months you will learn how to collect blood and other pathology samples — then prepare, record and despatch for testing. Choose electives from electrocardiography (ECG), first aid, recognising healthy body systems, drug and abuse testing. Enquire now for the list of study units and electives, plus your eligibility for government funded training.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Diploma of Remedial Massage
The Diploma of Remedial Massage is a comprehensive program that prepares students to become qualified remedial massage therapists. You'll learn anatomy, massage techniques, and how to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, gaining practical experience through supervised clinic hours. Graduates will be well-equipped to provide effective treatments to clients in a range of settings.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The Diploma of Remedial Massage is a comprehensive program that prepares students to become qualified remedial massage therapists. You'll learn anatomy, massage techniques, and how to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, gaining practical experience through supervised clinic hours. Graduates will be well-equipped to provide effective treatments to clients in a range of settings.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
The Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques is an advanced program that focuses on refining students' laboratory skills and techniques, preparing them for roles that require greater responsibility and expertise. Through specialized training in data analysis, quality control, and advanced instrumentation, graduates will be equipped to undertake complex scientific investigations and contribute significantly to research and development projects across diverse industries.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques is an advanced program that focuses on refining students' laboratory skills and techniques, preparing them for roles that require greater responsibility and expertise. Through specialized training in data analysis, quality control, and advanced instrumentation, graduates will be equipped to undertake complex scientific investigations and contribute significantly to research and development projects across diverse industries.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Community Pharmacy
A Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is for students needing the practical skills to work in a pharmacy as a retail assistant. Students graduate knowing how to assist customers with a range of products: skin and anti-fungal; cough and cold relief; analgesic and anti-inflammatory; gastro-intestinal conditions; allergy relief; as well as support the on-site pharmacist. The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
A Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is for students needing the practical skills to work in a pharmacy as a retail assistant. Students graduate knowing how to assist customers with a range of products: skin and anti-fungal; cough and cold relief; analgesic and anti-inflammatory; gastro-intestinal conditions; allergy relief; as well as support the on-site pharmacist. The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy SIR30116 is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary
The SIR40216 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary is the course you need to work at the chemist or drugstore dispensing prescriptions under a qualified pharmacist. Over 12 months of study you will learn how to assist customers with their prescriptions and accurately dispense pharmacy-only medicines. The course also covers infection controls, retail skills, and customer service. Enquire now for the list of study units, graduation outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The SIR40216 Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy Dispensary is the course you need to work at the chemist or drugstore dispensing prescriptions under a qualified pharmacist. Over 12 months of study you will learn how to assist customers with their prescriptions and accurately dispense pharmacy-only medicines. The course also covers infection controls, retail skills, and customer service. Enquire now for the list of study units, graduation outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
