When deciding to undertake TAFE study, apart from choosing the course, it is important to find out if there is an option to access help towards your tuition fees. To help students achieve their study and career goals, there are a range of options available to help with TAFE fees. In this article we will guide you through all the funding assistance available for TAFE fees from student loans to payment plans and government-funded courses, and their eligibility criteria.

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Training and course fees at TAFE

Before deciding on a TAFE course, it is crucial to understand the fees and expenses for your overall tuition. Fees can be made up of a number of factors, including tuition fees associated with teaching and training, course materials, excursions, consumables, text books and stationery. Some institutions may also charge service or amenities fees. The full list of potential fees and expenses is listed here:

  • Tuition fee: General tuition fees cover the cost of your day to day classes, learning and assessment activities. These fees are the money that you pay to study at TAFE and are charged based on the length of the course. Tuition fees will vary across different courses and depend on whether you are eligible for subsidised funding or concession rates.
  • Student services fee: This is often a compulsory fee for non-academic services . It can be paid separately or can be included in the general tuition fee.
  • Course materials: Course materials could be  handouts and booklets, licence fees for e-Learning resources and any excursions you may take as part of your course. It could also include text books, tools, uniforms or personal protective equipment.

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Financial assistance for TAFE fees

At TAFE Gippsland, there are a range of options to help eligible students pay for higher education. Some of these can help you reduce the cost of your course or provide loan or payment plans to help pay for study. Below are the financial assistance options available for TAFE fees.

Government-subsidised training

Government subsidies for study occur when the government contributes money to eligible students to help pay for courses. There are several ways the government can help subsidise training  expenses. These include:

  • Free TAFE: If you are eligible for Free TAFE, the Australian and Victorian Governments pay your TAFE fees. The Free TAFE initiative targets occupations facing shortages and removes financial barriers for students by paying the fees. This could include additional fees including service fees or some text books and materials, so discuss this with your education provider.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *New Zealand citizen
      • *Must be physically present in Victoria while undertaking the course
      • *Can do first Free TAFE course regardless of previous qualifications
      • *Can do multiple Free TAFE courses.
  • Victorian Training Guarantee: If you do not hold a tertiary qualification or want to gain a higher level qualification, the Victorian Training Guarantee is making vocational education and training more accessible. The government will contribute approximately 70 to 90 % of the fees for eligible employees under this scheme.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *New Zealand citizen
      • *Under 20 years of age
      • *Seeking to enrol in a foundations skills course, VCE or VCE VM
      • *Seeking to enrol in apprenticeship
      • *20 years or older and  upskilling by seeking to enrol in a higher level of education course than you already hold.
  • Skills First: Through this program, eligible applicants receive government funding to contribute to the cost of training. Training providers are funded by Skills First to help students pay for courses where there is a demand for jobs.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *New Zealand citizen
      • *Be physically present in the state of Victoria at all times when undertaking training and assessment.
  • Parents Next: Parents Next an incentive program that helps parents with children  under six return to work and study. It is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and offers financial assistance when studying. If you have small children and have been receiving Centrelink parenting payment, you may be able to access free or reduced fee study at TAFE.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Have a child under six years of age
      • *Receive parenting payment for six months
      • *Have not reported work for six months.

Loans

There are two types of Australian Government loans you can apply for in order to pay for your TAFE study. Alternatively, many banks have education loans which are personal loans for tertiary study. While you may be eligible for a personal education loan through a bank, they can have high fees, so examine government-assisted loans first.

  • VET student loans: VET student loans help students to pay their fees by not having to pay a lump sum upfront. The VET student loan scheme provides loan support for students studying levels above vocational education and training qualifications and specific diploma levels.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Students must be enrolled in a VET students loan approved course by a VET student loans provider
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *New Zealand citizen
      • *Have an available HELP balance of more than $0
      • *Meet student entry requirements.
  • Apprenticeship Support Loans: These interest free loans to help you purchase trade tools and supplies during your apprenticeship. Apprenticeship Support Loans do not have to be repaid until you are earning an income above the minimum repayment threshold.
    • Eligibility criteria-
      • *Must be undertaking a qualifying apprenticeship which means it is a course that is listed on the current priority occupations for the Australian Apprenticeship priority list.
      • *Full time, part time and school-based apprenticeship
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *New Zealand citizen.

Payment plans

To avoid paying upfront fees, there are two types of payment plans available: instalment arrangements and Centrepay deductions.

  • Instalment arrangements: Fees can be paid in instalments when you organise this type of payment plan. These are available for students doing a certificate IV or below course, of a diploma. Students pay an upfront deposit of 10% at the start of the payment plan. Then a minimum of $50 per fortnight.  
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *Must be enrolled in a qualifying course
      • *Must have parent/guardian’s permission if under 18 years of age
      • *Payment plan must be finalised within six months of course commencement or the end of course whichever is sooner
      • *Minimum payment of $50 per fortnight.
  • Centrepay deductions: If you receive a financial payment from Centrelink, you may have the option to deduct your tuition fees from your Centrelink benefit. This is known as a centrepay deduction. These repayments through Centrepay will require a fortnightly repayment to cover the outstanding amount.
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Receiving Centrelink payments
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *Enrolled in a TAFE course.

Concession fees

If you are enrolled in a certificate IV level qualification or below and are eligible for a government concession, you may be eligible for a reduced TAFE fee. To be eligible for a concession, students must be holders of a Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans Gold Card to name a few.

  • Concession
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Enrolled in a certificate-level course
      • *A current concession card holder
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Scholarships

Scholarships are  grants or payments made to support a student’s education. They are awarded on the basis of academic achievements. TAFE Gippsland and their community partners offer a range of scholarships for students who are looking for financial and academic assistance. TAFE Gippsland scholarships include the Tim Weight Memorial Scholarship, Placement Scholarship, Technology Scholarship, Student Support Scholarship, and Koorie Support Scholarship among others.

  • Scholarship
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen
      • *Australian permanent resident
      • *Holder of bridging or other temporary visa
      • *Experiencing financial hardship through receipt of a means-tested income support payment or other social disadvantage
      • *Enrolled in a course that has been scheduled to run for six months or longer
      • *Have not received another scholarship for the year.

The Reconnect Program

This program is being delivered by TAFE Gippsland in partnership with Gippsland Employment Skills Training (GEST). It has been established to assist disadvantaged people to overcome the barriers preventing them from engaging in education and training. Training through this program is free.

  • Reconnect Program
    • Eligibility criteria -
      • *Australian citizen or hold valid visa
      • *Young person 17-19 years of age not engaged in education or training for past 6 months
      • *Mature people aged 20 - 64 years of age, unemployed and not engaged in education or training for past 6 months
      • *Young people 17-24 years of age who have been or are currently on Youth Justice Orders
      • *Asylum seekers 17 - 64 years of age who meet criteria, including hold or have applied for a   humanitarian, protection of refugee visa in Australia.
      • *A person that has a current or previous experience with child protection.

Financial restrictions should not be a barrier to furthering your education and having career aspirations. To speak with an expert about achieving your study dreams, contact the friendly team at TAFE Gippsland today.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I pay by instalments?

  • Yes. There are two options to pay by instalments - TAFE instalment arrangements and Centrepay deductions.

Can I get help paying my fees?

  • Yes. Eligible students can get help paying fees through a variety of options. These include government incentives, subsidies, scholarships and concessions.

Do you offer concession rates?

  • Yes. At TAFE Gippsland eligible concession holders can access concession rates.

What if I can’t pay all of my fees when I enroll?

  • You don’t have to pay all of your fees on enrollment. There are payment plans with small deposits available.

What courses can I do for free or discounted TAFE?

  • There are numerous Free TAFE courses available through TAFE Gippsland and a long list of discounted courses including certificate IV and diploma courses.