The Victorian Government is delivering a major reform of the Victorian training system from July 2009 called Securing Jobs for Your Future – Skills for Victoria. This $316 million Government investment will provide for an additional 172,000 training places for Victorians over four years. Government will subsidise training in Victoria in a different way.  Government TAFE’s and private training providers will now be able to provide Government subsidised training. Individuals will be encouraged to move on to higher levels of learning. Workforce development services will be provided directly to businesses.

Fees for 2009

There will be some minor changes to fees from July 1 2009 for Semester 2.  Until that time the fees will be the same as in 2008. 

The changes are the result of a major reform of the Victorian training system from July 2009 called securing Jobs for Your Future –Skills for Victoria.

Under the reformed system, from July 1 2009, the proportion of costs paid by the government and the amount contributed by individuals and employers through tuition fees will vary for each of the levels of training.

Foundation Courses
If you are studying a course in literacy, numeracy, language, self management and job-readiness the fees will be slightly reduced and the maximum tuition fee a student will pay is $500 per annum.  Students eligible for a concession* will pay a tuition fee $50. 

Skills Creation Courses
If you are studying at Certificate I or II level the fees will remain the same with the maximum tuition fee a student will pay is $875 per annum.  Students eligible for a concession* will pay a tuition fee $105. 

Skills Building Courses
If you are studying at Certificate III or IV the fees will increase slightly, with the maximum tuition fee a student will pay is $1,000 per annum.  Students eligible for a concession* will pay a tuition fee $120. 

Apprenticeships and Traineeships
If you are studying an Apprenticeship or Traineeship the fees will increase slightly, with the maximum tuition fee a student will pay at $903 per annum.  Students eligible for a concession* will pay a tuition fee $57. 

Diploma/ Advanced Diploma - Skills Deepening Courses
A government subsidised place will only be available to:
Students for a Diploma level with a qualification at a Certificate IV or lower qualification.
Students for an Advanced Diploma with a Diploma level or lower qualification.

For students with existing qualifications at the same level or higher, it will be necessary to pay full fees.  Details of these are available from the relevant department.

From July 1 2009 there will be no concessions for students who enrol in Diploma/Advanced Diploma courses after that time.  The tuition fees will increase to a maximum of $1,500 per annum depending on the amount of study undertaken by a student.  Income contingent loans will be available to assist students and further advice will be provided once these details are received from Government.

Student will still be required to pay materials fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees.

* Concessions
In 2009 concessions will be available for recipients of a Commonwealth Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans Gold Card.  From July 1 students who enrol in Diploma or Advance Diploma will not be eligible for a concession.

Skills Reform Q and A - Chisholm answers your questions

Skills Reform brochure - Securing Jobs for Your Future
40 page PDF. Published by the Victorian Government Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development 

Skills Reform Summary - A Guide for Students
4 page summary PDF. Published by Chisholm Institute

Skills Reform VET Fee Help Booklet 2009
45 page PDF.  Published by Chisholm Institute.  Vital information for those considering a VET qualification (Diploma, Advanced or Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate)

Skills for Growth information page - a Government initiative for industry

VET Fee Help website - Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website