New data indicates that Fee-Free TAFE courses have attracted thousands of South Australians, with 16,410 enrolments recorded over the past two years.
The State Government’s snapshot highlights the program’s impact, reaching students across both metropolitan and regional areas, as revealed in a news release.
In Adelaide, the northern suburbs have emerged as key beneficiaries, with postcode 5114—encompassing Smithfield, Blakeview, Andrews Farm, and Craigmore—recording the highest enrolments at 372.
Salisbury and Paralowie (postcode 5108) followed closely with 356 enrolments, contributing to a total of 2,905 enrolments in Adelaide’s northern regions.
“The true test of Fee-Free TAFE is how many South Australians have enrolled who couldn’t afford to attend TAFE if it wasn’t free,” said Minister for Education Blair Boyer.
“The fact that the number one postcode in South Australia for enrolments is 5114 shows this initiative is breaking down financial barriers and providing essential skills for our economy.”
Regional South Australia has also seen a strong uptake, with over 500 enrolments in areas such as Yorke and Mid North, Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula, Murraylands and Riverland, and Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, and Kangaroo Island.
Murray Bridge led regional locations with the highest enrolment numbers.
“Fee-Free TAFE has been an absolute game-changer in my community,” commented Zoe Bettison, Member for Ramsay.
“It is wonderful to see such a strong uptake of Fee-Free TAFE, especially in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.”
Since its launch, Fee-Free TAFE has saved priority cohort learners more than $37 million in student fees.
Among these students are over 3,920 low-income learners, who collectively saved $9.08 million, and 193 First Nations students.
Additionally, 55 per cent of participants are women, and 3,520 regional students have accessed vocational education through the program.
David Coltman, TAFE SA Chief Executive, highlighted the broader impact: “This latest data indicates that Fee-Free TAFE is strongly supporting areas of lower socio-economic status and higher unemployment. We’re pleased to see students gaining qualifications in key industry sectors who may otherwise have not had the opportunity to study.”
Popular courses include Information Technology, Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Health Administration.
These align with critical workforce needs, including major projects like AUKUS, the Whyalla hydrogen power plant, and three-year-old preschool initiatives.
In some parts of the country, there has been a tendency for TAFE enrolments to go down when the economy is strong and unemployment rates are low, but in South Australia we have a strong economy and we are still seeing demand for our training, which highlights the positive impact of Fee-Free TAFE in our state,” Coltman added.
For more information about Fee-Free TAFE courses, visit the TAFE SA website.
