Free TAFE

Why this is important

Free TAFE has been a significant policy platform of the Victorian Government since its establishment in 2019. It is within the responsibility of the current Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR). As of November 2023, there were more than 80 Free TAFE qualifications and short courses available at 12 standalone Victorian TAFE institutes and 4 dual-sector universities.

Since the initiative's inception, there has been a consistent emphasis on its role in addressing Victoria's skills shortage, in addition to driving economic recovery, creating more opportunities for Victorians and improving access to training for priority cohorts.

In the 2023–24 state Budget the Victorian Government allocated $90.5 million to DJSIR for the Free TAFE and skills demand initiative to meet expected demand for subsidised accredited training. DJSIR received an additional $186 million under the Backing TAFE for the Skills Victoria Needs initiative to amend training subsidy eligibility criteria to make subsidised training courses, including Free TAFE, more widely available to people returning to study. In the 2024–25 state Budget an additional $394.3 million was allocated through the Boosting access to Free TAFE and training services initiative.

Despite Free TAFE being a significant policy platform of the Victorian Government, there is little publicly available data on enrolment and course completions, total state expenditure and key outcomes. It is also not transparent how the Victorian Government identifies and prioritises Free TAFE courses to satisfy skills demand.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine whether Free TAFE has delivered intended outcomes for Victorians by helping address demand for priority skills and delivering public benefit.

Who we plan to examine

Department of Education, DJSIR and selected Victorian TAFE institutes.