Fee-Free TAFE provides free training to people seeking to learn, retrain or upskill.
Fee-Free TAFE is a jointly funded initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. Eligibility criteria apply, approved students will need to pay for any learning resources such as textbooks or other equipment required for the course. The course will remain fee-free for the duration of your training as long as you remain engaged in your study.
Fee-Free TAFE
Fee-Free TAFE will continue at CIT with 600 fee-free places available for Canberrans in each semester until December 2026.
Prospective Fee-Free TAFE students are encouraged to apply early, as the number of places allocated has reduced and are limited each semester.
Canberrans who identify as being part of an ACT priority learner cohort in their CIT Fee-Free TAFE application will be offered an available place first. Enrolments will be offered on a first-in, first-served basis.
Fee-Free TAFE eligibility
The Course List below is subject to change and may be updated as courses are filled or other courses become available. The list may be updated as courses are filled or if other courses become available. To apply for a course listed below, select the Course and then when you are on the Course page, select Apply Now. When applications are open you will be able to apply by selecting the course and then when you are on the Course page, selecting Apply Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who can access Fee-Free TAFE course?
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What does Fee-Free TAFE pay for at CIT?
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What are the steps for applying and enrolling into a Fee-Free TAFE course at CIT?
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Can I enrol in more than one Fee-Free TAFE course at CIT?
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No, prospective Fee-Free TAFE students are encouraged to focus on one Fee-Free TAFE course at a time, with the view to building their knowledge and skills and then progressing to the next qualification, if desired.
For example, the short course in Networking and Web Development can be undertaken in one semester and provides all relevant technical skills and knowledge to allow students to undertake the Certificate IV in Information Technology or Certificate IV in Cyber Security. All three of these courses are on the Fee-Free TAFE course list.
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How many Fee-Free TAFE places will be available at CIT?
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If I'm currently studying at CIT, what does this mean for me?
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How can I find out more about the course I'm interested in?
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Once I am a Fee-Free TAFE student at CIT, am I automatically eligible for another Fee-Free TAFE course?
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No, as each time you intend to study a Fee-Free TAFE course you will need to apply for the specific course via the Fee-Free TAFE application process.
This is because:
- Fee-Free TAFE in 2023 had different eligibility criteria to the extension of Fee-Free TAFE from 2024
- different course areas and course types may have different Fee-Free TAFE eligibility
- over time, your circumstances may change that may also change your type of Fee-Free TAFE eligibility assessment status
- not all Fee-Free TAFE courses are available each semester and intakes may fill when applications and enrolments open.
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Am I only a Fee-Free TAFE student at CIT for the calendar year I start?
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No, Fee-Free TAFE students have their course fees covered over continuous semesters, and if applicable years of study. Students must commence and engage in learning each semester to retain their Fee-Free TAFE place. Continuing Fee-Free TAFE students are responsible for re-enrolling each semester.
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What happens if I do not successfully pass a subject in my Fee-Free TAFE course?
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What happens if I withdraw from my Fee-Free TAFE course?
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If you withdraw in full from a Fee-Free TAFE course you will forfeit the fee free place. A condition of the Fee-Free TAFE Initiative is that you must remain engaged in your study. If you disengage from study without any communication for more than 90 days, you will also forfeit the fee free place. If you forfeit the fee free place you can still complete the course however fees will apply.
Need careers advice?
CIT offers a free career advice service to prospective and current students who are looking to gain more information about choosing the right course and career pathway.
Please complete the career advice enquiry form to book in a phone or video appointment with the CIT Career Advisor to determine the learning pathway that is a fit for you.
Need help?
Our Student Services team can help answer any questions you might have. Please call us on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au
Fee-Free TAFE places are now open. ONLY complete this form, if the course you are interested in does not appear on the above list.