Media release
New data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows nationally recognised government-funded vocational education and training (VET) student numbers fell by 7.0% in the first half of 2026, reaching its lowest January to June level since 2019.
'While student numbers declined nationally, the pattern was not uniform across jurisdictions and provider types,' said NCVER Managing Director John King.
Student numbers declined in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, while South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory recorded increases.
Private training providers recorded larger declines than TAFE institutes nationally, although patterns varied across jurisdictions.
'Looking beyond the national result shows that government-funded training is not the same across Australia. Participation patterns, provider mixes and areas of training differ markedly between jurisdictions’, said Mr King.
Background: Government-funded students and courses: January – June 2026 provides a summary of data relating to Australia’s government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system during this period.
Government funded VET is defined as all Commonwealth and state or territory government-funded training delivered by technical and further education (TAFE) institutes, other government providers (such as universities), private providers and community education providers.
While Fee-Free TAFE activity falls within scope of reporting, it is not separately collected and cannot be identified in the data.
Download the report: Government-funded students and courses: January – June 2026
Enquiries: Elise Stone P: +61 8 8230 8443 E: communications@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: NCVER is Australia’s custodian of vocational education and training (VET) data. We deliver trusted data and insights that help the VET system work better for people, businesses and communities.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.