Free Tafe Courses for Permanent Residents

Australia offers 80 free tafe courses for permanent residents courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Graduate Certificate. You can study free tafe courses for permanent residents fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 1 month to 4 years to complete. Many of these study options are delivered as fee-free TAFE or low-fee, state-subsidised places for eligible permanent residents, leading to roles such as Activity Officer or Education Support Worker.

20 Courses

Diploma of Community Services (Perth only)

The CHC52025 Diploma of Community Services offered by Industry Skills Training is designed to equip individuals with the essential skills and knowledge required to thrive in the community services sector.

Top Course

CHC52025

Diploma of Community Services (Perth only)

4.8

On Campus,Workplace

Perth

Aged Care Service Manager,Aged Care Worker,Case Manager,Case Worker,Community Care Worker,Community Development Officer,Community Manager,Community Services Manager,Community Services Worker,Community Worker,Youth Worker

Price may vary

6-18 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHC33021

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.

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

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

SIR30116

5.0

Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (On Campus WA Only)

The SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy, offered by Gateway Training Academy, is designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to thrive as pharmacy assistants.

SIR30116

Certificate III in Community Pharmacy (On Campus WA Only)

The SIR30116 Certificate III in Community Pharmacy, offered by Gateway Training Academy, is designed to equip learners with the essential skills needed to thrive as pharmacy assistants.

5.0

On Campus

Pharmacy Assistant

Price may vary

3 Months

CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the early childhood education sector.

CHC50121

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (SA only)

The CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care offered by Enhance Training is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the early childhood education sector.

Online

Childcare Educator,Early Childhood Educator,Early Childhood Teacher

Price may vary

9-12 months

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free tafe courses for permanent residents?

Free TAFE courses for permanent residents are government-subsidised VET and higher education programmes that reduce tuition to zero or very low fees for eligible Australian permanent residents. On Course Finder there are 80 options in 2026, from Short Courses through to Graduate Certificate level. These courses are funded mainly by state and territory governments under fee-free TAFE or similar skills initiatives targeting priority industries.

How long does a free tafe courses for permanent residents course take in Australia?

Course duration ranges from 1 month short courses up to 4 years for higher-level qualifications. Certificate III and Certificate IV programmes often sit in the 6–18 month range, while Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas commonly run for 12–24 months. Some Graduate Certificate pathways may extend towards the 2–4 year end if taken part-time alongside work or family commitments.

Can I study free tafe courses for permanent residents online in Australia?

Yes, many free TAFE places are available fully online, as well as on-campus or in blended formats through RTOs, TAFEs and universities. Learners can choose flexible online delivery for 24/7 access to resources, assessments and support, or attend local campuses for face-to-face training. To compare flexible options, students often start by browsing accredited Online Courses that qualify for state funding.

How much does a free tafe courses for permanent residents course cost?

For eligible permanent residents, tuition on many priority courses is fully covered under fee-free TAFE or JobTrainer-style initiatives, meaning $0 course fees. Others may be heavily reduced through state-subsidised training, with short courses typically costing less than Certificate III–IV, Diploma or Graduate Certificate study. Some higher-level qualifications may also be supported by VET Student Loans for approved providers and courses, reducing upfront costs.

What jobs can I get with a free tafe courses for permanent residents qualification?

Graduates commonly move into people-focused roles such as Activity Officer, Leisure Planner, Education Assistant and Education Support Worker. Some pathways also lead into broader community services or aged care positions. Those interested in structured recreation roles can research the Activity Officer Career to see how Certificate and Diploma-level study supports long-term employment and progression.