Q: Who is eligible for NSW Fee-free?

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 1, 2026 - with studies starting between 1 January and 30 June 2026 have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) . 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.

Q: How do I apply for a NSW Fee-free course (Diploma and above)?

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 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:

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 (Diploma and above)?

Accepted Answer

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

How do I apply for a NSW Fee-free course (Certificate IV and below)?

Accepted Answer

Applications and enrolments for Certificate IV are now open.

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

Enrol in your course
Click ‘Start enrolment’. The enrolment portal will calculate your eligibility for a fee free place.
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.
Accept your offer
If accepted, you'll get an email with instructions. Accept your offer.
Wait for confirmation
We’ll check your eligibility. If successful, we’ll email you and update your fees to $0 in the portal.

Question 8

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 9

When do NSW Fee-free courses start?

Accepted Answer

Full qualifications start from 1 January 2026.

Question 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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

Accepted Answer

If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must give consent for you to enrol.

For Certificate IV courses and below, they’ll complete the consent section in the online enrolment form. If you want to enrol in a Diploma course, call us on 131 601 to get an enrolment form. You cannot enrol online if you are under 18 for a Diploma course.

Fee-free* TAFE 2026

Explore Semester 1 2026 Fee-free* TAFE NSW courses

Aboriginal Cultural Programs

Building and Construction Trades

Business and Marketing

Carpentry, Joinery and Furniture

Civil Construction and Surveying

Community and Youth Services

Education and Training

Electrotechnology

Engineering

Farming and Primary Production

Food and Hospitality

Foundation Skills, English Language and Auslan

Healthcare

Horticulture

Information and Communication Technology

Mining and Resources

Music and Production

Screen, Media and Games

Study and Career Pathways

Tourism and Events

Frequently asked questions