What is Fee Free Training and Why Does It Exist?
Fee free training is a government initiative designed to remove cost barriers for people who want to start or advance a career in essential industries. Through Jobs and Skills WA, eligible learners can access courses where fees are significantly reduced or fully covered.
Bestwest Care delivers these government subsidised courses with a focus on practical skills and real employment outcomes.
Strong employment demand in care and support roles
Around 200 WA hospital beds per day are occupied by people waiting for aged care placements, showing ongoing workforce shortages. [Source: ABC]
Government investment in skills and jobs continues
Fee free and subsidised courses are part of WA’s investment in vocational education to support skills development and employment outcomes. [Source: Jobs & Skills WA]
A focus on WA’s priority industries
Healthcare, aged care, disability and mental health are identified as essential workforce priorities for WA. [Source: WA State Training Board]
Reduced cost barriers
Fee free training helps people “get into training with no course fees” across priority qualifications. [Source: Jobs & Skills WA]
Which Courses are Government Funded?
We offer a range of fee-free and lower-fee government funded certificate courses across high-demand sectors, including aged care, disability, mental health, and healthcare. These government funded aged care, disability, and mental health courses are aligned with Jobs and Skills WA priority areas and delivered by experienced trainers with strong industry expertise and a practical learning focus.
How Do I Apply for Fee Free Courses?
Getting started is straightforward, and our team supports you through every step. If you’re ready to begin training in aged care, disability or community support, here’s the simplest way to move forward.
Use our quick checklist or speak with our team to confirm you meet the basic requirements.
Select the qualification that matches your goals in aged care, disability or community services.
Have your proof of residency, ID and any concession details ready.
Submit your course enquiry or application with support from our friendly team.
Who is Eligible for Fee Free Training?
Fee free and lower fee training is available to people who meet Jobs and Skills WA eligibility requirements. These usually relate to your age, where you live, your employment situation and the course you choose. If you meet the general criteria below, there’s a good chance you may qualify.
Most learners aged 15 or over can be eligible. You’ll need to be living in Western Australia and be either an Australian citizen or the holder of an eligible visa. Eligibility also considers your employment situation, whether you’re looking for work, working part time, receiving income support or wanting to upskill in a priority industry. You’ll also need to be enrolling in an approved fee free or lower fee qualification, and Bestwest Care will guide you through what’s required so you know exactly what to expect.
To see exactly what applies to you, download Bestwest Care’s full eligibility checklist.
Hear from our happy graduates
Real Jobs You Can Step into After Your Course
Whether you’re starting out or looking to specialise, Bestwest Care’s fee free qualifications open up multiple career pathways. Each course leads to different roles and settings within the care and support sector.
CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing/Disability)
- Aged Care Worker
- Assistant in Nursing
- Home Care Assistant
- Support Worker
- Community Care Worker
- Respite Care Worker
- Health Care Assistant
- Aged Care Companion
CHC43015 Certificate IV in Ageing Support
- Aged Care Team Leader
- Assistant Hostel Supervisor
- Care Supervisor
- Community Program Coordinator
- Day Activity Worker
- Community Program Coordinator
- Personal Care Worker
- Residential Care Worker or Officer
- Dementia Care Specialist
Certificate IV in Mental Health
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Community Rehabilitation Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Mental Health Outreach Worker
- Residential Support Worker
- Case Manager
Fee-Free and Lower-Fee Training FAQs
Can I study if I’m working?
Yes. Many learners study while working part time or casually. Bestwest Care offers flexible training options to help you balance study with your current commitments.
Am I eligible for fee free training?
Eligibility depends on your age, residency and employment situation. Most learners aged 15 or over living in WA with the right citizenship or visa status may qualify.
What does “fee free course” mean?
Fee-free courses are fully subsidised by the WA Government for eligible students, meaning tuition fees are covered. Eligibility criteria apply.
Are there any costs at all?
While tuition fees may be covered, some courses may have small additional costs, such as uniforms, materials, or police checks. Bestwest Care will clearly explain any costs upfront.
Can international students apply?
The free government funded courses and lower-fee courses are only available to eligible Australian citizens, permanent residents, and approved visa holders. For all courses listed as being government subsidized, they are also available to enrol as a paid course.
How do lower-fee courses differ from fee-free courses?
Lower-fee courses are still government-subsidised, but learners pay a reduced tuition as opposed to the full tuition fees.
What are government-subsidised courses?
These are nationally recognised qualifications supported by government funding to help address skills shortages in priority industries, such as aged care and disability support.
Is a fee-free certificate worth it?
Yes. Fee-free courses deliver the same nationally recognised qualification as full-fee courses and are highly valued by employers.
Become in-demand with Bestwest Care’s fee free courses
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