If you’ve typed “free AI course Australia” into Google, you’ve probably met a wall of ads for paid bootcamps and “AI mastery” programs. The good news: you don’t need any of them to get started.
Australia has several free AI courses from TAFEs and government programs, plus low-cost local classes made for older people. Some take an afternoon. Some you can do from your armchair at your own pace.
This guide lists the best free options for 2026, starting with older Australians and complete beginners, then moving to people who want AI skills for work or a small business. You’ll get the format, time, cost, eligibility and link for each, plus advice on which one to start with.
Is there a free AI course available in Australia?
Yes. The best-known is TAFE NSW’s free Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, a short online course that anyone in Australia can take, and there are several other free courses and low-cost local classes too.
TAFE NSW delivers its free AI courses through its Institute of Applied Technology Digital, on behalf of the National AI Centre, which is part of the federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The department says the courses are “available to anyone in Australia”.
If you’re new to smartphones and the internet, though, start one step earlier with Be Connected. An AI course is much easier once the basics feel comfortable.
The best free AI courses in Australia at a glance
| Course | Best for | Cost and time |
|---|---|---|
| Be Connected | Older beginners, basics first | Free, own pace |
| Tech Savvy Seniors AI session (NSW) | Over 60s who like a class | About $10, one 2.5-hour class |
| Library and U3A classes | Learning locally with others | Free or small fee |
| TAFE NSW Introduction to AI | Any adult, first course | Free, 2.5 hours online |
| TAFE NSW Generative AI for business | Workers, small business | Free, 3 to 5 hours online |
| TAFE SA AI Essentials | A deeper beginner course | Free, 5 to 10 hours online |
| Elements of AI | Curious readers | Free, certificate included |
Costs and dates were checked in September 2026. Prices change, so confirm on each provider’s site before you enroll.
Best for older Australians and beginners
Be Connected (eSafety Commissioner)
Be Connected is a free Australian Government program that helps older Australians build digital skills and stay safe online. It has short online courses, videos and tip sheets, free live online safety webinars, and in-person help through community organizations such as libraries and neighborhood centers.
As of September 2026, Be Connected doesn’t have a full course on AI. It does have a plain-English article, What is AI?, a course on using a voice assistant, and a podcast episode on AI. Use it to build your phone, email and safety skills, then add an AI class.
- Format: online at your own pace, plus local help
- Cost: free
- Suits: anyone who feels unsure with technology
Tech Savvy Seniors (NSW)
Tech Savvy Seniors is a NSW Government program run in partnership with Telstra, offering free or low-cost classes at public libraries and community colleges. Some colleges now run an AI class. At Macquarie Community College in Sydney, for example, “Tech Savvy Seniors: Artificial Intelligence” is a single 2.5-hour class for people over 60, costing $10, covering what AI is, voice assistants, chatbots such as ChatGPT, and safety tips. Sessions are listed for November 2026.
- Format: in person, small groups
- Cost: free or low cost (about $10 at Macquarie Community College)
- Suits: people over 60 in NSW who like a teacher in the room
Library workshops
Many state and council libraries run AI sessions. The State Library of Queensland, for example, has run free “AI for Beginners” and “ChatGPT for Seniors” workshops in regional libraries and online. Other councils, such as Queanbeyan-Palerang in NSW, have run AI sessions for seniors.
Try this
Call or visit your local library and ask: “Do you run any beginner classes on AI or ChatGPT for seniors?” Libraries often know about classes at nearby community centers and colleges too.
U3A
U3A (University of the Third Age) groups offer relaxed, low-cost learning for retirees, and more now run AI classes. U3A Brisbane’s Term 4 2026 program, for example, includes classes called “AI Making It Work for You” and “Artificial Intelligence for the Rest of Us”. If you live far from a group, U3A Online offers online courses, including AI, for members. Search for your nearest group through U3A Australia.
Best for curious learners, workers and small business
TAFE NSW free AI microskills
These short online courses are free for anyone in Australia. Enroll through the TAFE NSW online store.
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: about 2.5 hours, self-paced, with four months of access. It covers what AI is, machine learning, how computers “see” and understand language, and AI’s benefits and challenges. No programming experience needed.
- Generative AI and its Business Applications: about 3 to 5 hours, free (normally listed at $140). It covers AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, AI image tools and ethics. You get a certificate after completing a feedback activity.
- Responsible Artificial Intelligence: about 2 hours on the ethical, legal and policy side of AI.
- AI Safety and Cyber Security Risks: aimed at small business owners and staff.
The National AI Centre lists these on its training page, which is a good place to check for new free options.
TAFE SA AI Essentials
TAFE SA’s free AI Essentials: Getting Started with Artificial Intelligence is a longer beginner course, about 5 to 10 hours online at your own pace. You have 90 days to finish, and you receive an Acknowledgement of Training certificate. It covers AI basics, real-world uses, privacy, safety and common AI tools. It was launched with South Australians in mind, and the course page doesn’t list a residency rule, so call TAFE SA on 1800 882 661 if you’re unsure whether you can enroll.
Elements of AI
Elements of AI, from the University of Helsinki and MinnaLearn, is a respected free online course open to anyone in the world. Its Introduction to AI needs no math or programming, and the certificate is free. It’s more reading-heavy than the TAFE courses, so it suits people who enjoy learning from text and quizzes.
Free to audit vs free certificate: what’s the difference?
Many online course sites use the word “free” loosely. Before you sign up, check exactly what’s free.
Plain talk: free to audit
“Auditing” a course means you can watch or read the lessons without paying, but you don’t get a certificate, and sometimes you can’t do the tests. A “free certificate” means you can finish the whole course and get proof of completion at no cost.
- Fully free, certificate included: Elements of AI (Introduction to AI), TAFE SA AI Essentials, TAFE NSW’s generative AI course.
- Free preview only: Coursera has replaced its old free audit option. You can now do the first module of most courses free, then pay for the rest and the certificate. Financial aid is available.
- Free audit on many courses: edX lets you take many university courses on a free audit track, with the option to pay to upgrade.
- Not free: Google AI Essentials is on Coursera at US$49 a month after a 7-day free trial, according to Google’s Australian site, although Google says some free scholarships are offered through community partners.
For most older learners, a certificate doesn’t matter. Learning to use AI safely and confidently does.
Which one should I start with?
- “I’m still getting used to my phone or tablet.” Start with Be Connected, then join a library or Tech Savvy Seniors class.
- “I’m fine with my phone and just want to understand AI.” Do TAFE NSW’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. It’s short and free.
- “I learn best with other people.” Try a U3A group, a library workshop or a Tech Savvy Seniors class.
- “I want to go deeper.” Take Elements of AI or TAFE SA’s AI Essentials.
- “I still work, volunteer or run a small business.” Take TAFE NSW’s generative AI, responsible AI and AI safety courses.
- “I want proof for my résumé.” TAFE SA’s AI Essentials and TAFE NSW’s generative AI course both give certificates.
Whichever you pick, practice between lessons. Our guide to what seniors can use AI for has 25 everyday ideas, and Is ChatGPT safe and free? explains the free versions and the safety settings worth changing.
Type or say this
“I’ve just finished a beginner course on AI. Ask me five simple questions to check what I’ve learned, one at a time, and explain any answer I get wrong in plain words.”
For more free options, including in-person help across Australia, the US, UK and Canada, see where seniors can learn about AI.
How to spot a scam “AI course”
Not every AI course advertised to Australians is what it claims to be. ASIC’s Moneysmart website warns that scammers use AI to create fake websites, fake reviews and deepfake videos of well-known Australians promoting investment schemes, often with pressure to act quickly.
Red flags include:
- promises that you’ll earn money or trade profitably “with AI”
- celebrity endorsements, especially in social media ads
- countdown timers, “last chance” offers and pressure to pay today
- requests for bank details, cryptocurrency or remote access to your computer
Safety tip
A free TAFE course, Be Connected or a library class won’t ask for your bank details. If a “free AI course” asks for your card or bank details, stop. Check Moneysmart’s AI investment scam warning, and see where to report a scam if you’ve already paid.
Where to go from here
Pick one course from the table and put it in your diary this week. If you’re a beginner, that might be a phone call to your library. If you’re more confident, it might be TAFE NSW’s 2.5-hour introduction.
Our book AI for Seniors, Plainly Explained is coming soon. It’s a large-print, step-by-step guide to setting up an AI assistant safely and asking good questions, and it pairs well with any of these courses. In the meantime, the Scam-Stopper Kit (free when you join our email letter) has 25 easy prompts you can print and practice with, and our FAQ answers common questions.
