Free Tafe Courses for Mature Age Students

Australia offers 80 free tafe courses for mature age students courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Master's Degree. You can study free tafe courses for mature age students fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 1 month to 4 years to complete. Graduates commonly move into roles such as Aged Care Worker, Support Worker, Activity Officer or Leisure Planner in community and care settings.

20 Courses

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (WA Only)

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) offered by Arrow Training Services is designed for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of the elderly and those with disabilities.

Top Course

CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) (WA Only)

Blended,Classroom,On Campus

Aged Care Worker,Community Care Worker,Disability Support Worker,Home Care Assistant,Personal Care Worker,Support Worker

Price may vary

12 months

CHC33021

5.0

Certificate III in Individual Support (Perth and Mandurah)

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support offered by Gateway Training Academy is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to provide effective support to those in need.

CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (Perth and Mandurah)

5.0

Blended,Classroom,On Campus,Workplace

Aged Care Service Manager,Aged Care Worker,Assistant Community Services Worker,Community Care Worker,Community Health Worker,Community Support Worker,Community Wellness Officer,Disabilities Services Officer,Disability Support Worker

Price may vary

3-6 Months

CHC33021

4.8

Certificate III in Individual Support (WA only)

The CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (WA only) offered by Industry Skills Training is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to provide effective support to people in need.

CHC33021

Certificate III in Individual Support (WA only)

4.8

Classroom,On Campus,Workplace

Accommodation Support Worker,Aged Care Service Manager,Aged Care Worker,Community Care Worker,Community Support Worker,Disability Service Worker,Disability Support Worker,Home Care Assistant,Personal Care Assistant

Price may vary

Enquire now for course duration

CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (VIC Only)

The CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction offered by the Trade Institute of Victoria is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for a successful career in the building and construction industry.

CPC40120

Certificate IV in Building and Construction (VIC Only)

Blended,Online

Online

Building Contractor,Building Estimator,Construction Manager,Construction Project Manager,Construction Supervisor,Site Manager,Site Supervisor

Price may vary

43 weeks

CHC32015

4.8

Certificate III in Community Services (WA only)

The Certificate III in Community Services (WA only), with the national course code CHC32015, offered by Industry Skills Training, is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to work effectively in the community services sector.

CHC32015

Certificate III in Community Services (WA only)

4.8

Classroom,On Campus

Assistant Community Services Worker,Community Care Worker,Community Services Case Manager,Community Services Worker,Community Support Worker,Community Worker

Price may vary

Enquire now for course duration

ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care (QLD Only)

The ACM20121 Certificate II in Animal Care, offered by the Pet Stylist Academy, is designed for individuals passionate about working with animals and seeking a fulfilling career in the animal care industry.

ACM20121

Certificate II in Animal Care (QLD Only)

Online,Workplace

Online

Assistant Dog Groomer,Pet Shop Assistant,Veterinary Assistant

Price may vary

up to 12 Months

CHC30121

5.0

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Perth and Mandurah)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the early childhood education sector.

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Perth and Mandurah)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the early childhood education sector.

5.0

Classroom,On Campus

Child Care Coordinator,Child Care Worker,Early Childhood Educator,Early Childhood Teacher,Early Learning Coordinator,Nanny

Price may vary

6 Months

CHC43121

Certificate IV in Disability Support (SA only)

The CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in the disability support sector.

CHC43121

Certificate IV in Disability Support (SA only)

The CHC43121 Certificate IV in Disability Support offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals looking to advance their careers in the disability support sector.

Online

Care Worker,Disability Support Coordinator,Manager,Team Leader

Price may vary

6-9 months

ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (QLD Only)

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services offered by Pet Stylist Academy is designed for individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the animal care and pet industry.

ACM30122

Certificate III in Animal Care Services (QLD Only)

The Certificate III in Animal Care Services offered by Pet Stylist Academy is designed for individuals passionate about pursuing a career in the animal care and pet industry.

Online,Workplace

Online

Animal Shelter Manager,Assistant Dog Groomer,Pet Shop Assistant,Veterinary Assistant

Price may vary

up to 12 Months

CPC30220

Certificate III in Carpentry (VIC Only)

The CPC30220 Certificate III in Carpentry offered by the Trade Institute of Victoria is a comprehensive course designed for individuals eager to embark on a career in carpentry without the need for an apprenticeship.

CPC30220

Certificate III in Carpentry (VIC Only)

Classroom,On Campus

VIC

Carpenter,Construction Apprentice,Construction Worker

Price may vary

64 weeks

PSP50616

Diploma of Procurement and Contracting

The PSP50616 Diploma of Procurement and Contracting, offered by UNE Partnerships, is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their skills in procurement and contract management within the public sector.

PSP50616

Diploma of Procurement and Contracting

Online,Workplace

Online

Procurement Officer,Project Manager

Price may vary

2 Years

CHC43315

4.8

Certificate IV in Mental Health (WA Only)

The CHC43315 Certificate IV in Mental Health offered by Industry Skills Training is designed for individuals who aspire to support those affected by mental illness through a recovery-oriented and person-centred approach.

CHC43315

Certificate IV in Mental Health (WA Only)

4.8

Classroom,On Campus

Case Worker,Drug and Alcohol Worker,Mental Health Officer,Mental Health Outreach Worker,Mental Health Support Worker,Rehabilitation Assistant,Welfare Support Worker

Price may vary

SIT30622

Certificate III in Hospitality (WA Only)

The SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality offered by Arrow Training Services is an ideal qualification for individuals aspiring to build a career in the vibrant hospitality sector.

SIT30622

Certificate III in Hospitality (WA Only)

The SIT30622 Certificate III in Hospitality offered by Arrow Training Services is an ideal qualification for individuals aspiring to build a career in the vibrant hospitality sector.

Blended,Classroom,Workplace

Bar Attendant,Barista,Waitstaff

Price may vary

12 months

CHC30125

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Start a career in early childhood education with the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

CHC30125

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Start a career in early childhood education with the CHC30125 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

Online

Childcare Educator,Early Childhood Educator,Early Learning Coordinator

Price may vary

8 – 14 Months

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, offered by Enhance Training, is designed for individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children.

CHC30121

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, offered by Enhance Training, is designed for individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children.

Online,Workplace

Early Childhood Educator,Family Day Care Educator

Price may vary

Approximately 12 months

CHC40221

5.0

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Mandurah Campus)

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support offered by Gateway Training Academy is designed for individuals aspiring to support students in educational settings.

CHC40221

Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Mandurah Campus)

The CHC40221 Certificate IV in School Based Education Support offered by Gateway Training Academy is designed for individuals aspiring to support students in educational settings.

5.0

On Campus

Education Assistant,Education Support Worker,Teacher Assistant,Teacher's Aide

Price may vary

23 Weeks

BSB50420

Diploma of Leadership and Management

The BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management offered by UNE Partnerships is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and managerial skills.

BSB50420

Diploma of Leadership and Management

The BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management offered by UNE Partnerships is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and managerial skills.

Online,Workplace

Online

Executive Officer,Manager,Supervisor

Price may vary

2 Years

ICT30120

4.8

Certificate III in Information Technology (WA Only)

The Certificate III in Information Technology offered by Industry Skills Training is designed for individuals aiming to enter the dynamic field of information technology.

ICT30120

Certificate III in Information Technology (WA Only)

The Certificate III in Information Technology offered by Industry Skills Training is designed for individuals aiming to enter the dynamic field of information technology.

4.8

Classroom,On Campus

Help Desk Officer,IT Support Technician,Junior Developer,Network Support Coordinator,Network Support Officer

Price may vary

CHC50125

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Take the next step in an early childhood career with the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

CHC50125

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA Only)

Take the next step in an early childhood career with the CHC50125 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care at Suzan Johnston Australia (est.

Online

Child Care Coordinator,Child Care Worker,Early Childhood Educator,Family Day Care Coordinator,Family Day Care Educator

Price may vary

Between 9 – 18 Months

BSB50820

Diploma of Project Management

The BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management offered by UNE Partnerships is designed for individuals looking to enhance their project management skills and knowledge.

BSB50820

Diploma of Project Management

The BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management offered by UNE Partnerships is designed for individuals looking to enhance their project management skills and knowledge.

Online,Workplace

Online

Program Manager,Project Leader,Project Manager,Project Team Leader

Price may vary

2 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free tafe courses for mature age students?

Free TAFE courses for mature age students are government-funded or fee-free vocational and higher education programmes designed for adults, often 21+ years, who want to retrain or upskill. In 2026, these span Short Courses, Certificate III–IV, Diploma, and even Master's level study. Places are usually offered through public TAFEs and selected private RTOs. Many focus on practical, job-ready skills in areas like aged care, community services and support work.

How long does a free tafe courses for mature age students course take in Australia?

Course length ranges from 1 month to 4 years, depending on the level and study load. Short Courses can be completed in as little as 1 month, while a typical Certificate III runs for about 6–12 months. Diplomas often take 12–24 months, and Bachelor or Master's pathways can take 3–4 years. Part-time or online study may extend these timelines.

Can I study free tafe courses for mature age students online in Australia?

Many mature-age friendly TAFE options are offered fully online, while others use blended delivery with some on-campus workshops. In 2026, learners can choose from online, on-campus, or mixed modes through TAFEs, registered RTOs and universities. This flexibility lets you fit study around work or caring responsibilities. To compare flexible options, you can browse nationally recognised Online Courses listed on Course Finder.

How much does a free tafe courses for mature age students course cost?

Standard tuition can range from a few hundred dollars for Short Courses up to several thousand dollars per year for Diploma, Bachelor or Master's programmes. However, many places are covered by fee-free TAFE initiatives, JobTrainer and other state-subsidised training in priority areas. Higher-level courses may also be supported by VET Student Loans or HECS-HELP. Actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your state, concession status and chosen provider.

What jobs can I get with a free tafe courses for mature age students qualification?

Common outcomes include roles such as Aged Care Worker, Support Worker, Activity Officer and Leisure Planner in residential and community settings. Some graduates move into Community Support Worker or Lifestyle Coordinator positions. These qualifications are especially relevant to the growing Aged Care Industry in Australia. With further study, mature students may progress into supervisory or care management roles.