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The resource pressures that have been imposed on TAFE systems in recent years have led to a greater reliance on funding from non-government sources. There has been renewed discussion about issues of equity and access. In this context it seems timely to explore a national picture of TAFE fees and charges in order to ascertain the trends on such costs to students. This paper reviews trends in aggregate and average fee levels and briefly outlines state and territory policies in relation to fees and charges. While the paper shows a continued commitment to a low fee system overall, it highlights particular concerns about student fees and charges and funding issues which need to be addressed if TAFE systems are to provide equitable access to vocational education and training (VET). There have been indications that cost, as well as charges for materials and other charges, are factors in some people choosing not to study at TAFE. The paper notes that consideration should be given to whether the application of a cap on annual fees would ensure greater equity and that increased funding levels to TAFE systems would reduce the pressure of fee for service activities and would assist with reducing or maintaining fees and charges at low levels. Provision of increased places is required to ensure access for all school leavers unable to access university or employment and mature people who need access to VET.