On top of the 4,744 local enrolments, the data show there have been more than 685,000 Free TAFE enrolments across Australia since the start of the program.
The program, a commitment made by the Government during the 2022 election and introduced in 2023, encourages Australians to upskill with qualifications that local communities need, helping to address skills shortages in key areas like construction, care, and manufacturing.
The data also revealed that there have now been more than 190,000 courses completed – seeing more Australians starting careers as nurses, carpenters, aged care workers, electricians and early childhood educators.
In Queensland, among the most popular Free TAFE courses are the Diploma of Nursing, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
There have been 8,644 Diploma of Nursing enrolments between January 2023 and June 2025.
Queenslanders are benefitting from significant savings as a result of Free TAFE, with a student undertaking a Diploma of Nursing able to save up to $15,900 on their course, while a student training in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care can save up to $950.
Across Australia there have been more than 185,000 enrolments in care sector courses, helping more Australians towards careers in nursing, aged care and disability care.
Early Childhood Education and Care courses have seen more than 53,000 enrolments, with Construction courses also seeing significant enrolment numbers at more than 52,000.
Free TAFE offers dozens of courses across local communities. To find out about courses available through Free TAFE, visit www.yourcareer.gov.au and
https://tafeqld.edu.au/courses/apply-and-enrol/subsidised-training/fee-free-tafe
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that the Albanese Labor Government would always stand up for Free TAFE and the opportunities it provided for locals to get the skills they want for the jobs we need.
“Across Blair, locals are benefitting from Free TAFE, which is breaking down the barriers to people accessing qualifications in areas as diverse as nursing, community services, cyber security and construction,” Mr Neumann said.
“We need more nurses and early education workers to care for older Australians and children, and more construction workers to build more homes, so it makes sense to make it easier for people to gain these skills through TAFE.
“As a member of the Albanese Government, I’ll continue to stand up for Free TAFE and the pathways it’s opening up for locals to pursue their dream career.”
