Understand your study costs and payment options
Planning for study includes understanding your course fees, payment options and any financial support that may be available.
At Central Regional TAFE, we want students to feel informed and prepared before they start their course. Whether you are paying your own fees, using a payment plan, being supported by an employer or agency, or exploring a VET Student Loan, this page will help you understand your options and where to go for support.
Course costs can vary depending on the course, units, study type and any materials required. Reviewing your fees early can help you plan ahead, make informed decisions and start your training journey with confidence.
Understanding your course fees
When you enrol at Central Regional TAFE, your fees may include course fees, resource fees, other fees and additional study costs.
Your course page will usually include indicative fee information, and your enrolment quote will provide the most accurate fee information for your chosen units and study plan.
Course fees are based on the units you enrol in and may vary depending on your course and study pathway. Resource fees may apply where essential materials are required for your training, such as workbooks, workshop materials, uniforms or items used during practical activities.
Other fees may apply for goods or services that are not essential to your course. You may also need to purchase textbooks, uniforms, equipment or other items, depending on your course requirements.
Your enrolment quote will provide more specific information about the fees and charges that apply to your course.
Payment options
There are different ways to pay your course fees. Help may be available to reduce the cost of study.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for government-funded training, concession rates, scholarships or other financial support initiatives. Exploring these options early can help you plan your studies with confidence and understand what assistance may be available.
Pay in full
You can pay your fees upfront using accepted payment methods. This may include paying online, over the phone or in person at a campus.
When making a payment, please make sure your student ID and name are entered correctly to avoid processing delays.
Payment plan
Eligible students may be able to set up a payment plan.
A deposit may be required before the payment plan is established, with the remaining balance paid across the study period through scheduled payments. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to sign the agreement.
It is important to keep up with payment plan requirements. Missed payments may affect your enrolment and outstanding fees may be referred for collection.
VET Student Loans
Eligible students studying approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses may be able to access a VET Student Loan.
Employer or agency payment
If your employer, job service provider or another approved third party is paying your fees, additional information and documentation may be required.
Financial support options
Training may be more affordable than you think.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for government-funded training, reduced fees, concessions, scholarships or other financial support. Exploring these options early can help you understand what assistance may be available and reduce the cost of study.
Reduced tuition fee caps may be available for eligible secondary school aged students and young people undertaking approved training outside of school-based programs.
Eligible students may benefit from lower annual tuition fee caps across selected qualifications, helping make training more affordable while building skills for future study or employment.
Resource fees are not included in tuition fee caps and may still apply.
If you have a valid concession card, you may be eligible for reduced course fees.
Eligible concession students generally pay 30% of the standard tuition fee, however resource fees, incidental fees and other course-related costs may still apply.
Concession rates generally do not apply to foundation skills courses, Diploma qualifications or Advanced Diploma qualifications.
You may be eligible if you:
- Hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- Hold a current Repatriation Health Benefits Card issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Are a recipient, or dependent of a recipient, of AUSTUDY, ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance
- Are an inmate of a custodial institution
- Meet the eligibility requirements for secondary school aged concessions
To receive a concession rate, you must provide valid concession evidence before your classes begin.
If your concession is only valid for part of your enrolment period, the concession rate will only apply to eligible units during the valid period.
Eligibility requirements and annual fee caps are determined by State Government fee policy and may change from year to year. Students should check current eligibility requirements at the time of enrolment.
The Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative helps eligible students access training in industry areas with strong employment demand at a reduced cost.
Selected qualifications are available at a significantly lower fee, helping students gain the skills employers are looking for while reducing the cost of study.
Fee caps may apply depending on your age and concession status. Eligible students aged 15 to 24 years and concession holders may receive additional fee reductions.
Course availability and funding arrangements may change, so check individual course pages for current information.
Fee Free TAFE courses are funded by the Western Australian and Australian Governments to help students gain skills in priority industries.
Students enrolled in approved Fee Free TAFE courses do not pay tuition fees, although resource fees and other incidental costs may still apply depending on the course.
Availability and eligibility requirements vary by course.
There are no tuition fees for approved Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) programs.
Students participating in a VETDSS program through their secondary school do not pay course tuition fees for approved training delivered under the program.
Additional course-specific requirements may still apply depending on the qualification and school arrangements.
Scholarships may be available to help students with course fees, travel costs, accommodation costs or other study-related expenses.
Scholarships vary throughout the year and may be based on factors such as academic achievement, financial need, community contribution, regional location or industry area.
VET Student Loans
VET Student Loans may help eligible students pay tuition fees for approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses.
If approved, the Commonwealth Government pays the loan amount directly to Central Regional TAFE. You repay the loan through the Australian taxation system once your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Before applying, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements, census dates, loan conditions and your responsibilities as a student.
VET Student Loans are available for eligible students enrolled in approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses.
Eligibility requirements apply and may include citizenship or visa status, academic suitability, a valid Tax File Number and enrolment in an approved course.
You must be enrolled with Central Regional TAFE before applying for a VET Student Loan.
A VET Student Loan can only be approved for units with a future census date. Retrospective access is not available, and applications cannot be submitted less than two days before the first census date.
Students are encouraged to complete their application as early as possible.
A VET Student Loan is a Commonwealth Government loan and must be repaid through the taxation system once your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Loan conditions, census dates, progression requirements and student responsibilities apply. You may wish to seek independent financial advice before applying.
Students using a VET Student Loan may need to confirm their ongoing engagement and participation during their course.
If you do not meet VET Student Loan requirements, you may become ineligible to continue accessing the loan for future fees.
Paying through an employer or agency
If your employer, Job Service Agency or another approved organisation is paying your fees, there are a few additional steps required before your enrolment can be finalised.
To arrange third-party payment, the organisation will need to provide either an Invoice Authorisation Form or a Purchase Order. Central Regional TAFE will then issue a tax invoice directly to the organisation.
Payment can be made by credit card, BPOINT or bank transfer. If paying online, organisations can use our BPOINT facility.
Please note that even when a third party is paying your fees, you remain responsible for any fees and charges linked to your enrolment.
Withdrawals and refunds
If your circumstances change and you need to withdraw from a unit or course, it is important to understand the withdrawal process and any refund conditions that may apply.
You must notify Central Regional TAFE in writing if you wish to withdraw. You will not be considered withdrawn until the required withdrawal or refund form has been received.
Students who withdraw on or before the relevant census date or withdrawal deadline may be eligible for a refund of tuition fees and, where applicable, part or all of associated resource fees.
Refund conditions may vary depending on the course type and fee arrangements.
Students who withdraw after the relevant census date or withdrawal deadline may not be eligible for a refund of tuition or resource fees.
Outstanding fees may still need to be paid, even if you stop attending classes.
A pro-rata refund or fee adjustment may be approved where a student can provide written evidence that they need to withdraw for personal circumstances beyond their control.
These requests are assessed according to the relevant fees, charges and refund requirements.
If you are using a VET Student Loan and withdraw from a unit on or before the census date, you will not incur a VET Student Loan debt for that unit.
If you withdraw after the census date, you may still incur the loan debt for that unit. Special circumstances may be considered under the relevant re-credit process.
Frequently asked questions
Course costs vary depending on the course, units, delivery type and any resources or materials required.
Your course page may include indicative fee information, and your enrolment quote will provide the fees and payment options specific to your enrolment.
Students with outstanding fees from a previous enrolment may need to clear the debt or arrange an approved payment agreement before enrolling again.
If you are unsure whether you have any outstanding fees, please contact the Contact Centre for assistance.
Eligible students may be able to set up a payment plan.
Payment plans may require a deposit and scheduled payments across the study period. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian may need to sign the agreement.
Yes. Employers, agencies and other approved third parties may be able to pay your fees. Additional documentation may be required.
See the Employer or Agency Payment section above for more information.
A VET Student Loan is a Commonwealth Government loan for eligible students studying approved Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses.
If approved, the loan helps pay eligible tuition fees and is repaid through the Australian taxation system once your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
If you withdraw, you must notify Central Regional TAFE in writing.
Refund eligibility depends on when you withdraw, your course or unit census date, and whether special circumstances apply.
Fee-related forms, policy documents and student resources are available through the Publications, Resources & Policy Hub.
Questions about fees or payment options?
Understanding fees and payment options can feel like a lot, but you do not need to work it out alone.
Our Contact Centre can help you understand payment options, course fee information, payment plans, concessions, VET Student Loans and withdrawal or refund information.
Freecall: 1800 672 700
Email: enquiries@crtafe.wa.edu.au