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Students interested in studying a TAFE course with CQUniversity may also be eligible for other TAFE Subsidised Training schemes or other payment options.
Fee-Free TAFE, funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments covers the cost of tuition for eligible applicants. You will still be required to cover related costs such as uniforms and resources for your course.
Free Diploma of Nursing is made available thanks to the Queensland Government to support the growth within the Health Care and Social Assistance sector.
Fee-Free TAFE is designed to help fill the skills gap by enabling Queenslanders to seek new or enhance existing skills in a range of high-priority job areas. Provided you meet the eligibility criteria you can take advantage of fee-free funding regardless of your current employment status or the number of qualifications you have previously completed.
To be eligible, you must:
Applicants will be required to provide documentation to support their eligibility for subsidy. For more information regarding eligibility documentation visit Apply for TAFE Certificate and Diploma.
Individuals who hold a visa must also ensure their visa subclass is eligible for subsidised training.
*with the exception of a student who has completed the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) qualification through Fee-Free TAFE who may enrol in the Diploma of Early Childhood Educations and Care (CHC50121) under Fee-Free TAFE.
Thanks to the Queensland Government Free Diploma of Nursing will be available for 2026 enrolments at CQUniversity. The Free Diploma of Nursing program will support the Health Care and Social Assistance sector which is projected to be Queensland’s fastest growing industry by 2028-29.
Places are limited for Fee-Free TAFE enrolments.
This funding is applicable to unit enrolments. Any gap in your studies may result in you losing access to this funding. This funding is limited and subject to change. Please carefully consider your training options before committing to a training course, as this may exhaust your entitlement to further Queensland Government subsidised training. CQUniversity is an approved Skills Assure supplier with the Department of Trade, Employment and Training. To learn about Queensland Government funded programs, visit the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
Students from the following priority groups are strongly encouraged to apply:
Students are only eligible to complete one Fee-Free TAFE funded qualification from 2023 to 2026. If you do not complete the course or undertake a skill set, you can still complete a full qualification using this funding.
Students who complete the CHC30121 - Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care are eligible to complete the CHC50121 - Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care using Fee-Free TAFE funding.
Participants may be currently employed. Eligibility criteria will apply.
If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for Fee-Free TAFE, you might still qualify for other funding options.
To be eligible for most Queensland Government subsidies, you must not be currently enrolled in another qualification. If you are found to be enrolled elsewhere, you may be asked to withdraw from the qualification before your subsidy can be approved for the qualification you have applied for.
CQUniversity is required to receive proof of your withdrawal before offering a subsidy. This evidence must come from your previous Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and can be provided in one of the following ways:
This confirmation must clearly state that you have been withdrawn from your previous qualification(s).
If you do not wish to be assessed for a subsidy you may choose to continue your application as a Fee for service student.
Reduce the fees you pay with government subsidised training, from free to low-fee TAFE course options.
Find out more about the free TAFE study opportunities available for those under 25.
Find out more about TAFE study opportunities for over 25s.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
