Free TAFE offers reduced fees for training in areas where skilled workers are needed most.
At Chisholm, eligible students can access Free TAFE courses across a range of high-demand industries, along with pathway options that support further study in related fields.
Combined with quality, hands-on training delivered by experienced educators, Free TAFE at Chisholm is helping students take the next step in their lives and careers.
What are Free TAFE courses?
Free TAFE is a Victorian Government initiative that covers tuition fees for selected high-priority courses (including short courses). Some costs may still apply, such as student services or materials fees.
Chisholm offers Free TAFE courses across industries, including early childhood education, allied health, trades, hospitality, and community and social services.
Learn more about Chisholm's Free TAFE courses
What are Free TAFE Pathway courses?
The Free TAFE Pathways initiative allows eligible students to complete multiple Free TAFE courses within the same designated pathway – building on their skills and reinforcing their career paths.
Learn more about Chisholm's Free TAFE Pathway courses
Real students, real success
Meet five Chisholm students who have studied Free TAFE courses at Chisholm and are now making an impact in successful, meaningful careers.
Laura thrived as she trained for a new career that makes a difference.
After leaving Australia Post in her forties, Laura enrolled in Chisholm's Diploma of Nursing under Free TAFE, was accepted into Ramsay Health's Undergraduate Cadetship Program and ultimately won the Ramsay's 2024 Nursing Cadet Student of the Year Award.
She gained valuable clinical experience in rehab, perinatal mental health and acute health through her training and placements at several hospitals. She was then offered a graduate role at Peninsula Private Hospital just a month after completing her cadetship.
Laura's transition into nursing has been transformative, enabling her to make a real difference in healthcare.
"As I approached my forties, my interest in work that would help others in my community only grew stronger."
Simon joined the industry that once changed his life for the better.
After losing his leg in 2022, Simon decided he wanted to give back and become an allied health professional like the ones who helped him recover.
He enrolled in a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, a Free TAFE course at Chisholm. Through the course, Simon discovered just how broad and rewarding the allied health sector is, with career paths in physio, rehab, podiatry and more.
Now, Simon's building a future where he can support people in recovery – turning his experience into a career that helps others.
"The teachers have been wonderful. They all still work in industry, so they really know what they are talking about."
Eddy shifted to a role helping those who need it most in his community.
After a life-changing injury ended his career in construction, Eddy turned to Free TAFE to retrain and start over. He enrolled in a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs at Chisholm, using his own experiences and natural ability to connect with others.
The course opened the door to a support worker role at Ngwala Willumbong, helping First Nations men in recovery. Now, Eddy's building a future where he can give back to his community, create safe spaces, and help others on their journey.
"The range of subjects, the support you get offered, along with the clinical science behind everything that gets delivered is why I would choose Chisholm."
Nisha turned his personal journey into purpose and a meaningful role.
Nisha has lived through homelessness, mental health struggles and substance abuse. Now, he's taking the skills he gained through Chisholm's Certificate IV in Youth Work and using his lived experience to help young people facing similar challenges.
The Free TAFE course gave Nisha the tools, confidence and support he needed to take the next step. Now, he's working in residential youth care, helping others find their path while building a rewarding career for himself.
"It was great to finally be in a class where people had the same ideas and wanted the same things as me."
Bronwyn embraced a fresh start and rebuilt her life with a bold career change.
After her marriage ended, Bronwyn decided to reinvent herself. At 53, she took the plunge and returned to study as a mature-age student, motivated by a desire to become independent and find a meaningful career.
With the support of her children, Bronwyn applied for Chisholm's Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Traineeship), which she accessed under Free TAFE. She now works two days a week at an early learning centre while balancing study and retail work. Bronwyn says the guidance she’s had from Chisholm has been amazing as she navigates this new chapter.
"Being in the workforce and combining my theory and practical knowledge is amazing."
Read Bronwyn’s full story here
Start your journey today
Free TAFE offers an open door to career opportunities – and even breaks barriers to study that may not have previously been an option. From career changes to personal comebacks, these student stories show just how powerful a Free TAFE course can be and how it could change your life for the better.
Want to future-proof your career? Check out some of the most in-demand occupations in Australia and how you can get started with Free TAFE.
Discover where Free TAFE at Chisholm could take you.
