This is a government fee concession or free program, not a scholarship: it lowers or removes what you pay to study.

Eligible visa holders pay the same subsidised fees as Australian residents instead of full commercial fees. That includes Fee Free courses with no course fee, and low-fee 'Lower fees, local skills' courses capped at $1,200 a year ($400 for concession students and young people up to 25). They can also get the concession fee rate if they hold a concession card such as a Health Care Card, and can apply to the college for a fee waiver if they are in severe financial hardship. Resource fees may still apply.

Who can apply

• Main home in Western Australia and have left school
• Hold one of the eligible visas (see visa_eligibility)
• Enrol in a government-funded course with a WA TAFE college or approved training provider
• Concession rate: you, or someone you are a dependant of, holds a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Repatriation Health Benefits Card, or gets Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY, or is in Workforce Australia or Parent Pathways
• Fee waiver: severe financial hardship, assessed case by case by the college, for courses below diploma level and for concession-eligible diplomas and advanced diplomas

Visa eligibility: Holders of 449, 785, 786 and 790 are treated as residents. Bridging Visa E holders qualify if they have applied for a 785 or 790, and any bridging visa holder with work rights who has applied for an 866 also qualifies.

How to apply: There is no separate application. Enrol in a funded course with a WA TAFE college or training provider; the college checks your visa before enrolling you. Ask the college about concession rates or a hardship fee waiver when you enrol. Jobs and Skills Centres can help on 13 64 64. Policy questions: VETFees@dtwd.wa.gov.au or 08 6551 5642.