Government Hails Its Own Fees-Free TAFE Schemes as a Success

The Albanese and NSW Minns governments said by removing financial barriers to study more people and learn new skills to plug gaps in areas with skill shortages.

Australian Education Minister Jason Clare speaks during the Universities Australia Conference dinner at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 22, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

A fees-free scheme at New South Wales (NSW) TAFE training institutes is “continuing to exceed targets,” says the federal and state governments, with interest surging in key vocations.

In figures released on April 7, 182,124 people enrolled in fee-free TAFE courses last year in NSW, and subjects like health, construction, IT, and teaching are booming.