What is Fee-Free TAFE funding?
Fee-Free TAFE (NSW) is a government initiative that allows eligible residents of NSW to grab a fully accredited diploma, certificate qualification, or short course — completely free.
This fantastic program focuses on career paths where there are skills shortages and excellent job prospects, at the same time prioritising First Nations people, unpaid carers, young people, women, people with disabilities, and people who are unemployed.
There are loads of qualifications up-for-grabs in the coming months, especially in high-growth sectors like aged care, hospitality, nursing and healthcare, agriculture, information technologies, construction, agriculture, childcare, disability support, and the manufacturing industries.
To be eligible for a free course under the Fee-Free TAFE (NSW) program you must be at least 15 years old and already be living (or working) in NSW. Additionally, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or hold an approved visa) and no longer going to school.
Please note: you don’t have to complete your training with NSW TAFE, there are plenty of eligible Registered Training Organisations (RTO) who are also approved to deliver free qualifications.
Eligibility criteria
- be 15 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 or work in NSW
- not have enrolled in the course previously
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.
Certificate III in Business
The BSB30120 Certificate III in Business prepares you for an administrative role. You’ll gain essential communication and teamwork skills, then specialise in an area that supports your career aspirations. Specialty areas include: technology and IT, business competence, teamwork and relationships, customer service, accounts, medical administration, records management. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The BSB30120 Certificate III in Business prepares you for an administrative role. You’ll gain essential communication and teamwork skills, then specialise in an area that supports your career aspirations. Specialty areas include: technology and IT, business competence, teamwork and relationships, customer service, accounts, medical administration, records management. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices, entry requirements, and available enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Health Administration
A Certificate III in Health Administration is suitable for students already working as medical receptionists, admissions clerk or wards clerks or individuals seeking roles in hospitals, community health centres or private practices. Students will gain skills important skills including understanding and applying medical terminology, following organisational infection prevention and control procedures as well as working with a diverse range of people.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
A Certificate III in Health Administration is suitable for students already working as medical receptionists, admissions clerk or wards clerks or individuals seeking roles in hospitals, community health centres or private practices. Students will gain skills important skills including understanding and applying medical terminology, following organisational infection prevention and control procedures as well as working with a diverse range of people.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Hospitality
Get started in the hospitality industry with the SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality. With this nationally recognised qualification you could work in bars, coffee shops, nightclubs, hotels, resorts, casinos, events and festivals. You’ll gain skills in communication and customer service and choose electives that support your career interests: food and beverage service, cooking, guest services, gaming, barista services, administration and customer service. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices and their availability, plus training providers near you who deliver this qualification.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get started in the hospitality industry with the SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality. With this nationally recognised qualification you could work in bars, coffee shops, nightclubs, hotels, resorts, casinos, events and festivals. You’ll gain skills in communication and customer service and choose electives that support your career interests: food and beverage service, cooking, guest services, gaming, barista services, administration and customer service. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices and their availability, plus training providers near you who deliver this qualification.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management
Get the skills you need to become a successful workplace leader with the BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. This nationally recognised qualification covers the essential aspects of team leadership, workplace relationships, and operations management — then you choose electives that support your actual job role (eg, WHS and risk management, personal productivity, financial reporting, workplace diversity). You’ll graduate a more effective communicator with an arsenal of administration, IT, and digital work skills. Enquire now for the list of study units and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get the skills you need to become a successful workplace leader with the BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management. This nationally recognised qualification covers the essential aspects of team leadership, workplace relationships, and operations management — then you choose electives that support your actual job role (eg, WHS and risk management, personal productivity, financial reporting, workplace diversity). You’ll graduate a more effective communicator with an arsenal of administration, IT, and digital work skills. Enquire now for the list of study units and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Individual Support
Become a qualified personal carer with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to enter one of Australia’s most rapidly growing work sectors and you can specialise in either aged care or disability support. The course covers: supporting independence and wellbeing, recognising healthy body systems, communication protocols in health and community services, implementing infection controls, workplace safety for direct client care, recognising risk of falls, visiting client residences, assisting with client medications, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, personal care career outcomes, and course openings in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Become a qualified personal carer with the CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to enter one of Australia’s most rapidly growing work sectors and you can specialise in either aged care or disability support. The course covers: supporting independence and wellbeing, recognising healthy body systems, communication protocols in health and community services, implementing infection controls, workplace safety for direct client care, recognising risk of falls, visiting client residences, assisting with client medications, and much more. Enquire now for the full list of study units, personal care career outcomes, and course openings in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Driving Operations
Learn how to safely drive and operate commercial vehicles with the TLI31222 Certificate III in Driving Operations. This nationally recognised qualification is the training requirement for most commercial vehicle licences in Australia including buses, coaches, tip trucks, line-haul and delivery vehicles, forestry vehicles, waste vehicles and more. During your studies you will learn how to drive in a range of traffic conditions, ensure the safety of your vehicle, and complete mandatory paperwork. You will also gain skills in driver awareness, fatigue management, and manual handling. Choose specialist electives that support licensing outcomes in your state or territory. Enquire now for the full list of study units, licensing electives (and their availability) and course openings in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Learn how to safely drive and operate commercial vehicles with the TLI31222 Certificate III in Driving Operations. This nationally recognised qualification is the training requirement for most commercial vehicle licences in Australia including buses, coaches, tip trucks, line-haul and delivery vehicles, forestry vehicles, waste vehicles and more. During your studies you will learn how to drive in a range of traffic conditions, ensure the safety of your vehicle, and complete mandatory paperwork. You will also gain skills in driver awareness, fatigue management, and manual handling. Choose specialist electives that support licensing outcomes in your state or territory. Enquire now for the full list of study units, licensing electives (and their availability) and course openings in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Retail
The Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) is perfect for students seeking roles in places like shops, specialty retailers, supermarkets, and department stores. Student begin their studies with the safety aspects of the retail workplace, learning how to identify and respond to security risks. This course has a strong focus on interpersonal skills and selling, so students graduate confidently able to engage with customers, sell products and services, assist with customer complaints, and be an effective member of a sales team. The Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) is perfect for students seeking roles in places like shops, specialty retailers, supermarkets, and department stores. Student begin their studies with the safety aspects of the retail workplace, learning how to identify and respond to security risks. This course has a strong focus on interpersonal skills and selling, so students graduate confidently able to engage with customers, sell products and services, assist with customer complaints, and be an effective member of a sales team. The Certificate III in Retail (SIR30216) is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Retail Services Training Package.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is an entry-level qualification for students seeking manufacturing work on a production floor as part of a team. The course delivers hands-on skills that focus on personal safety; working to quality standards and a production schedule; picking and processing orders; preparing documentation and inventory reports. Click for the complete lesson plan as well as enrolment and funding requirements.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is an entry-level qualification for students seeking manufacturing work on a production floor as part of a team. The course delivers hands-on skills that focus on personal safety; working to quality standards and a production schedule; picking and processing orders; preparing documentation and inventory reports. Click for the complete lesson plan as well as enrolment and funding requirements.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting
The HLT47715 Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting is perfect for anyone needing the administration skills to support a team of medical practitioners and health care professionals. A hands-on qualification, students graduate with the skills to take clinical measurements; perform electrocardiography (ECG); handle medical specimens; and maintain medication stocks. To fully complete the qualification you do need access to an appropriate workplace environment within the health care sector, click to learn how to enrol and for the full list of modules.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The HLT47715 Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting is perfect for anyone needing the administration skills to support a team of medical practitioners and health care professionals. A hands-on qualification, students graduate with the skills to take clinical measurements; perform electrocardiography (ECG); handle medical specimens; and maintain medication stocks. To fully complete the qualification you do need access to an appropriate workplace environment within the health care sector, click to learn how to enrol and for the full list of modules.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Patisserie
Become a qualified pastry chef with the SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie. With this fantastic qualification you’ll have the skills to create fantastic bread and yeast products as well as specialist cakes, pastries, petit fours, biscuits and cookies, confectionary, and desserts. The course also covers: perishable stock control, modern cooking methods, kitchen hygiene and safety, food preparation equipment, planning and costing recipes. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, patisserie competencies, and enrolment opportunities in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Become a qualified pastry chef with the SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie. With this fantastic qualification you’ll have the skills to create fantastic bread and yeast products as well as specialist cakes, pastries, petit fours, biscuits and cookies, confectionary, and desserts. The course also covers: perishable stock control, modern cooking methods, kitchen hygiene and safety, food preparation equipment, planning and costing recipes. Enquire now for the full list of entry requirements, patisserie competencies, and enrolment opportunities in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively in a laboratory environment. Through hands-on training and theoretical instruction, learners will gain proficiency in conducting experiments, using laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety protocols, preparing them for entry-level positions in various scientific and research settings.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
The Certificate III in Laboratory Skills is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with fundamental knowledge and practical skills required to work effectively in a laboratory environment. Through hands-on training and theoretical instruction, learners will gain proficiency in conducting experiments, using laboratory equipment, and adhering to safety protocols, preparing them for entry-level positions in various scientific and research settings.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Pathology Assistance
Get the skills you need to work in a pathology lab with the Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415). This nationally recognised training qualification will teach you how to receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens as well as prepare culture media and perform basic tests. Graduate job-ready for laboratory and field work. Enquire now the list of study units and your eligibility for subsidies and government funding.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get the skills you need to work in a pathology lab with the Certificate III in Pathology Assistance (HLT37415). This nationally recognised training qualification will teach you how to receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens as well as prepare culture media and perform basic tests. Graduate job-ready for laboratory and field work. Enquire now the list of study units and your eligibility for subsidies and government funding.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Food Processing
Get a job at a food processing plant, grain mill, bakery, or dairy with the FBP30121 Certificate III in Food Processing. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to follow an organisation’s food safety plan as well as OHS, administration, compliance and technical skills. The course takes 6-12 months to complete and you can choose electives that match your actual job role in either production or packing. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices and upcoming enrolment dates near you.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get a job at a food processing plant, grain mill, bakery, or dairy with the FBP30121 Certificate III in Food Processing. This nationally recognised qualification teaches you how to follow an organisation’s food safety plan as well as OHS, administration, compliance and technical skills. The course takes 6-12 months to complete and you can choose electives that match your actual job role in either production or packing. Enquire now for the full list of elective choices and upcoming enrolment dates near you.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Waste Management
Looking for a supervisor’s role at a waste management facility or recycling plant? How about the CPP40919 Certificate IV in Waste Management? This nationally recognised qualification delivers technical skills in waste collection and processing, as well as leadership and supervision. The course covers: WHS and site safety, identifying waste management hazards and emergencies, assessing waste avoidance options, developing waste management plans, preparing tender submissions, carrying out waste audits, team development and leadership. Enquire now for the list of study units, waste management competencies, and enrolment choices near you.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Looking for a supervisor’s role at a waste management facility or recycling plant? How about the CPP40919 Certificate IV in Waste Management? This nationally recognised qualification delivers technical skills in waste collection and processing, as well as leadership and supervision. The course covers: WHS and site safety, identifying waste management hazards and emergencies, assessing waste avoidance options, developing waste management plans, preparing tender submissions, carrying out waste audits, team development and leadership. Enquire now for the list of study units, waste management competencies, and enrolment choices near you.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Waste Management
Get a job at a waste processing facility with the CPP30719 Certificate III in Waste Management. This nationally recognised training course has scope to specialise in either waste collection or waste processing. The course covers: identifying and segregating waste, conducting waste resource recovery, identifying hazards and responding to waste management emergencies, following WHS and site procedures, operating waste processing plant, carrying out waste assessments, operating waste collection vehicles, administration and leadership skills. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, upcoming course dates, and your eligibility for subsidised training.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get a job at a waste processing facility with the CPP30719 Certificate III in Waste Management. This nationally recognised training course has scope to specialise in either waste collection or waste processing. The course covers: identifying and segregating waste, conducting waste resource recovery, identifying hazards and responding to waste management emergencies, following WHS and site procedures, operating waste processing plant, carrying out waste assessments, operating waste collection vehicles, administration and leadership skills. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, upcoming course dates, and your eligibility for subsidised training.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Patisserie
Become a senior pastry chef with the SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie. This fantastic qualification will teach you how to design and produce sweet showpieces as well as a wide range of patisserie dishes including cakes, chocolate confectionary, marzipan, desserts, pastries, petit fours, breads and baked goods. You’ll also gain skills in leadership, stock control, and kitchen hygiene practices. Enquire now for the full list of study units, commercial pastry chef career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Become a senior pastry chef with the SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie. This fantastic qualification will teach you how to design and produce sweet showpieces as well as a wide range of patisserie dishes including cakes, chocolate confectionary, marzipan, desserts, pastries, petit fours, breads and baked goods. You’ll also gain skills in leadership, stock control, and kitchen hygiene practices. Enquire now for the full list of study units, commercial pastry chef career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment opportunities in your area.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations
Get started in logistics and supply chain operations with the TLI30321Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to specialise in logistics or warehousing. Competencies include: shifting materials using correct manual handling methods, ensuring transport chain of responsibility, stock control, loading and unloading goods, securing cargo, maintaining records, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get started in logistics and supply chain operations with the TLI30321Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. This nationally recognised qualification allows you to specialise in logistics or warehousing. Competencies include: shifting materials using correct manual handling methods, ensuring transport chain of responsibility, stock control, loading and unloading goods, securing cargo, maintaining records, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement)
Get the skills you need to take care of customer service with the BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement). This nationally recognised qualification delivers communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills as well as customer specific competencies in marketing, social media, sales, and complaint resolution. Graduate ready for work on the help desk or better able to support your own work team. Enquire now for the full list of study units, graduation competencies, and enrolment opportunities.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Get the skills you need to take care of customer service with the BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Customer Engagement). This nationally recognised qualification delivers communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills as well as customer specific competencies in marketing, social media, sales, and complaint resolution. Graduate ready for work on the help desk or better able to support your own work team. Enquire now for the full list of study units, graduation competencies, and enrolment opportunities.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate III in Cleaning Operations
Become a commercial cleaner with the CPP30321 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to properly clean and sanitise commercial premises for clients using the latest equipment, techniques, and infection controls. You’ll learn how to use chemicals safely and maintain cleaning stores, while gaining specialist skills in any of the following areas: interior and exterior cleaning, residential and accommodation services, manufacturing and food processing, operations and safety. Enquire now for the full list of study units, elective choices (and their availability) and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Become a commercial cleaner with the CPP30321 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to properly clean and sanitise commercial premises for clients using the latest equipment, techniques, and infection controls. You’ll learn how to use chemicals safely and maintain cleaning stores, while gaining specialist skills in any of the following areas: interior and exterior cleaning, residential and accommodation services, manufacturing and food processing, operations and safety. Enquire now for the full list of study units, elective choices (and their availability) and upcoming enrolment dates.
- There are no mandated entry requirements.