Your Questions Answered
What are the changes to Victoria’s TAFE and training system?
There are 172,000 extra government subsidised places to help the 1.6 million Victorians who do not have post school qualifications and those that want to improve their skills to get the jobs they want. More skilled people means a more productive and prosperous Victoria.
Will fees increase?
Government subsidised places in 2010 will cost between $50 and $2000, with fees for most courses staying the same or lower. Most students study at levels where concessions are also available. Your provider will advise the fees for your chosen course.
How will it affect young people?
Under 20 year olds are guaranteed a government subsidised place in any course.
Will disadvantaged students be worse off?
Help will go to those most in need, the jobless, retrenched and disadvantaged. Concessions for Health Care card holders remain for all courses except Diplomas and above - the most you will pay in 2010 is $120. However, apprentices and trainees and Indigenous students continue to access concessions at all levels.
What about Diplomas and above?
Next year a government subsidised place will cost $2,000. If you are over 20 and already hold a higher level qualification you may have to pay full fees. VET FEE-HELP loans are available from approved training providers.
Is it true that those who complete Year 12 and enrol in a diploma or above at TAFE are most likely to be low income earners?
Students at diploma and above level are more likely to be high income earners than low income earners. 75 per cent of all enrolments in government subsidised places are not eligible for the low income concession.