Question 1

What does fee-free* mean?

Accepted Answer

If you're eligible, fee-free* means the Australian and NSW Governments will cover your tuition fees. You may still need to pay for course materials, like a uniform for work placement.

*Eligibility criteria applies.

Question 2

Who is eligible for NSW Fee Free?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible at enrolment, you must:

live or work in NSW
be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder
be 15 or older and not enrolled at school
be enrolling for the first time in semester 2, 2025, with studies starting between 1 July and 31 December 2025.

You're encouraged to apply if you belong to one or more of these groups:

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples
LGBTIQ+ community
veterans
job seekers
young people
unpaid carers
women interested in non-traditional fields
people with disability
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Question 3

How do I know if I'm eligible for a NSW Fee Free enrolment?

Accepted Answer

Search for your course and choose your preferred location. Click the ‘Calculate my fee’ button and answer the questions. The fee calculator will tell you if you're eligible and if the course is fee free.

Question 4

How many NSW Fee Free courses can I study?

Accepted Answer

You can access one NSW Fee Free place per semester.

Question 5

How can I learn more about a fee-free course?

Accepted Answer

Attend an information session to speak with teachers and learn more about the course. Information sessions are held face to face or online. You can also check the Career Guide to help decide if the course suits you.

Question 6

How do I apply for a NSW Fee Free course?

Accepted Answer

The process depends on whether your course has entry requirements.

For courses with no entry requirements (‘Enrol’ courses):

Enrol in your course
Click ‘Start enrolment’. The portal will show course fees. Select ‘pay now’, then choose ‘pay later’.
Wait for confirmation
We'll check your eligibility. If successful, you'll get an email and your portal will show $0 fees.

For courses with entry requirements (‘Apply’ courses):

Apply for your course
Click ‘Start application’. Your teacher will assess your application. Include all required documents.
Accept your offer
If accepted, you'll get an email with instructions. Accept your offer and choose ‘pay later’ in the portal.
Wait for confirmation
We’ll check your eligibility. If successful, we’ll email you and update your fees to $0 in the portal.

Question 7

Can I request a NSW Fee Free place for more than one course?

Accepted Answer

You can only use one NSW Fee Free place per semester. If you submit more than one request, only your first will be considered. For advice, call 131 601 or attend an information session in your area of interest.

Question 8

When do NSW Fee Free courses start?

Accepted Answer

Enrolments and applications for NSW Fee Free semester 2 courses open on Monday 12 May 2025. This is for full-qualification courses starting from 1 July 2025.

Question 9

What if I don’t get a NSW Fee Free place?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t get a NSW Fee Free place, you have a few options. You can pay the course fees, apply for another TAFE NSW course or cancel your enrolment.

If you choose a new course, you must submit a new NSW Fee Free request. You can only access one NSW Fee Free place each semester.

Question 10

What if I’ve already paid?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve already paid and your NSW Fee Free request is successful, TAFE NSW will refund your payment.

Question 11

Is my class place held while my NSW Fee Free request is processed?

Accepted Answer

Your place is not held while your NSW Fee Free request is processed. Your enrolment is confirmed only when you get an email from TAFE NSW. Classes may fill up while you wait for your request to be processed.

Question 12

What communication will I receive from TAFE NSW?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get an email confirming if you secured a NSW Fee Free place and your enrolment. Remember to accept your offer using the instructions in the email.

Question 13

What information is available for under 18-year-olds?

Accepted Answer

If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your enrolment form. Call us on 131 601 to get the form and learn the next steps. You cannot enrol online if you are under 18.

Fee-free* TAFE Courses 2025

Semester 2, 2025 Fee Free* TAFE NSW Certificates and Diplomas. Enrol Now.

Aboriginal Cultural Programs

Building and Construction Trades

Farming and Primary Production

Foundation Skills, English Language and Auslan

Study and Career Pathways

Frequently asked questions