“Congratulations to all the Victorian Year 12 graduates who received offers today, you should be proud of your achievements, and I wish you well as you embark on your studies,” Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Caroll said.
With another four rounds of offers still ahead, this second wave brings the total number of offers issued so far to 64,780 domestic study offers, a 5.2% rise compared to the same time last year.
These offers cover a wide range of study areas and qualifications, providing young Victorians with opportunities to work towards their career aspirations.
TAFE continues to be a popular choice for students seeking hands-on skills in trades, healthcare, and emerging sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Launched in 2019, the state’s Free TAFE program offers Victorians access to a wide range of TAFE courses without the cost of tuition fees.
Since its launch, the initiative has made education more affordable for over 187,900 students, resulting in a combined saving of more than $550 million in tuition fees.
The initiative not only opens doors to affordable education but also enhances job prospects, with many graduates stepping directly into employment.
In partnership with the federal government, Victoria has further expanded the Free TAFE initiative to meet demand in the construction industry. This includes 5,200 additional places in construction-related qualifications, along with 1,300 pre-apprenticeship places.
“Our world-class universities and TAFEs provide so many promising education pathways, and I encourage Victorians starting a new training journey or looking to switch careers to consider all their options before making a decision,” Mr Carroll said
Students who haven’t received an offer yet can wait for additional rounds of VTAC offers, scheduled for January and February.
Alternatively, they may consider changing their VTAC preference or applying directly to TAFEs, without the need for a VTAC placement.
A full list of Free TAFE courses available can be accessed here: vic.gov.au/free-tafe