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Vocational Education and Training fees

Find out the difference between government-subsidised places and full-fee places, and whether you're eligible for a free TAFE course.

If you're studying at Federation TAFE, you'll be charged fees for your tuition and any materials you need for your course. What you pay depends on whether you’ve been offered a government-subsidised place or a full fee–paying place. And if you're eligible for a VET Student Loan, you can apply to defer your payment.

Free TAFE

Free TAFE is a Victorian Government initiative that's designed to address workforce shortages. Many of our TAFE courses are now fully funded under this scheme. If you’re eligible, you won't have to pay any tuition fees, but will still need to cover things like materials. 

Government-subsidised places

The Victorian Government provides funding for some TAFE courses through the Skills First Program. If you're eligible, you'll only have to pay part of the tuition fee (although you will have to pay any other fees in full – like materials).

Full-fee paying places

If you're not eligible for a government-subsidised place or a Free TAFE course, you'll be charged the full tuition fee. Download the 2025 TAFE Indicative Fee schedule (PDF 230 KB) to calculate your course costs. You may be able to defer your fee payment with a VET Student Loan.

Material fees

Some VET courses have materials fees (to cover the cost of activities such as excursions or materials like beauty kits or uniforms that become your property). Search for your course to view the estimated materials fee or ask your course coordinator.

VET Tuition Assurance

Federation University is exempt from VET Tuition Assurance requirements under the Higher Education Support Act 2003. As a dual-sector provider, we’re committed to delivering high-quality learning across all programs and supporting students through any changes.
 
If a program is being discontinued, we’ll consult with affected students first. If there’s no suitable replacement available at Federation, you’ll be entitled to a full refund of any upfront tuition fees and/or a re-credit of your VET Student Loan or VET FEE-HELP balance.

Past fee schedules