Free Tafe Pathways

Australia offers 77 free tafe pathways courses in 2026, ranging from Short Courses to Undergraduate Certificate. You can study free tafe pathways fully online or on-campus through registered RTOs, TAFEs, and universities. Courses typically take 1 month to 6 years to complete. Many are covered by fee-free TAFE and other state-subsidised schemes, helping learners move into roles such as Education Assistant, Education Support Worker or Teacher's Aide.

20 Courses

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.

Top Course

PSP50616

Diploma of Procurement and Contracting

Online,Workplace

Online

Procurement Officer,Project Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHC52025

4.8

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is free tafe pathways?

Free TAFE pathways are government-supported vocational courses that reduce or remove tuition fees for priority study areas at Certificate and Undergraduate Certificate level. In 2026, students can choose from 77 options delivered by TAFEs, RTOs and universities across Australia. These courses often create a pathway into education support roles or further higher education. Many are designed to articulate into Certificate III, Certificate IV or degree-level study.

How long does a free tafe pathways course take in Australia?

Across Australia, free TAFE pathway courses can run from 1 month to 6 years, depending on level and study load. A typical Certificate III or IV often takes 6–12 months, while Diplomas may run for 12–24 months. Undergraduate Certificate study can extend to 1–2 years part-time. Short, job-ready skill sets may be completed in just a few weeks.

Can I study free tafe pathways online in Australia?

Many free TAFE pathway courses are available fully online, while others use blended or on-campus delivery through TAFEs, RTOs and universities. Students can choose flexible options that fit around work or family, including self-paced and evening study. Online delivery is particularly common for education support and foundation skills programmes. To compare flexible study options, explore current Online Courses listings.

How much does a free tafe pathways course cost?

Course fees vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for short courses to several thousand dollars for higher-level qualifications such as Diplomas or Undergraduate Certificates. Many eligible students pay $0 tuition through fee-free TAFE and state-subsidised training, including JobTrainer-style initiatives. Some higher-level courses may also offer VET Student Loans support. Exact costs depend on your state, provider, concession status and study load.

What jobs can I get with a free tafe pathways qualification?

Graduates commonly move into education support roles such as Education Assistant, Education Support Worker, Teacher Assistant, Teacher’s Aide or Learning Support Officer in primary and secondary schools. Some pathways also support work in community education and after-school programmes. With additional study, learners may progress into higher-level roles within the Education Support Industry. Many positions start with Certificate III or Certificate IV qualifications.