Free TAFE courses

When you see the word we it means TAFE NSW.

We use big text to make it easier to read.

We wrote some important words in bold.

This means the letters are thicker and darker.

We explain what these words mean.

This page tells you about

• what free TAFE courses are
• who can do a free course
• how to get more information
• how to contact TAFE NSW for support.

Some TAFE NSW courses are free.

Free means you do not pay a fee.

A fee is money you pay to do some courses.

Free courses are also called Fee-Free TAFE.

Free courses are for many people.
This includes people who

• have disability
• come from different cultures
• are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

You must meet some rules to do a free course.
To do a free course, you must

• live or work in NSW
• be allowed to live in Australia.

You must also

• be 15 or older
• not be at school.

You must also have a Unique Student Identifier.

This is called a USI.

A USI is your own number.

You need a USI to study at TAFE NSW.

You can only do one free course at a time.

Some things are not free.

You may need to pay for

• a uniform

• tools.

You can go to an information session.

An information session is a meeting.

You talk to a teacher.

At an information session you can learn about:

• courses
• where you can study
• support services.

You can go to an information session in person.

You can also go on a computer.

You can bring a:

• family member
• friend
• supporter.

You can register on the TAFE NSW website.
Follow these steps.

Step 1
Go to the Information sessions page.

Step 2
Choose a course.

Step 3
Select the blue Register button.

Step 4
Fill in your details.

Step 5
Select the blue Submit button.

You can get help at any time.

Call TAFE NSW on 131 601.

When you call, you will hear different options.

Step 1
Choose option 5.

Step 2
Choose option 2.

Remember
Choose 5, then 2 to get help.

You can talk to a disability teacher consultant.

A disability teacher consultant helps people with disability.

They can

• support you
• check if you can do a free course.

They may ask you for a letter.

The letter can be from

• your doctor
• your school.

They will not share your information.

Call TAFE NSW on 131 601.

Choose option 5.

Choose option 2.

Our team can book a meeting for you.

You can meet the consultant

• in person

• on a computer

• on the phone.

You can call the National Relay Service if you

• are deaf
• find it hard to hear people on the phone
• find it hard to speak on the phone.

The National Relay Service is free.

Speak and Listen

Call 1300 555 727.

You can ask them to call TAFE NSW for you.

The TAFE NSW phone number is 131 601.

To find out other ways the National Relay Service can help, visit their Helpdesk page.

Aboriginal protocols

Protocols are respectful ways to work with Aboriginal communities.

Auslan

Auslan is Australian Sign Language.
The Deaf community uses Auslan.

Confidence

Confidence means believing you can do things well.

Culture

The way a group of people live.
It includes their beliefs, traditions and values.

Disability teacher consultant

A disability teacher consultant helps people with disability.
They support you and check if you can do a free course.

Fee

A fee is money you pay to do some courses.

Free

Free means you do not pay a fee.

Heritage

Heritage means history passed down through families and communities.

Information session

An information session is a meeting where you talk to a teacher.

Interpreter

A person who helps people speak and understand another language.

Study skills

Study skills help you read, write and learn better.

Unique Student Identifier

This is also called a USI.
A USI is your own number.
You need it to study at TAFE NSW.
A USI helps staff know who you are.

You can learn more about a USI on our Easy Read page How to apply for a TAFE course.