TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:33): As the academic year begins today, I joined the Premier at Swinburne University to talk about the availability of free TAFE courses and degrees in nursing and education. Whether it is through TAFE or university, students who want to make a difference and give back to their community can study for free. All new domestic students enrolled in a professional entry nursing or midwifery course in 2024 can receive a scholarship of up to $16,500 to cover course costs – $9000 while they study and the remaining $7500 if they go on to work in a Victorian public health service for two years. The Labor government scholarships are part of a $270 million boost to the health system and a $229.8 million package to grow the workforce as we build world-class hospitals and schools in every corner of Victoria.
There are also many free TAFE courses, including in health, the care sector and education. These are priority industries. Students can complete these free TAFE courses as a pathway to a degree or start work sooner in the industry. I encourage all young people to consider enrolling in nursing or teaching courses and those already enrolled to claim this scholarship. Free TAFE has seen 156,000 enrolments and saved students an estimated $431 million in tuition fees, and we have invested over $4 billion since 2019 in the Victorian skills system. Today is just one example of how the Allan government is reducing financial barriers and cost-of-living pressures for students to enable greater access to skills and education for a meaningful, lifelong, worthwhile career.