Supporting Australian Students through Community Investment

In 2021, 100 Queenslanders were given the opportunity to create a better future for themselves through education and training by receiving up to $5,000 to study a TAFE Queensland qualification from a certificate III through to an advanced diploma or bachelor's degree.

Wendy Wang, who received an access and equity scholarship, is studying a Diploma of Early Childhood Education Care (CHC50121) at TAFE Queensland’s Bracken Ridge campus and said the scholarship has set her up for every success as she embarks on a new career.

“I’m using the money to pay for textbooks, a laptop, and public transport to campus. I’m also using it to fund my preparation for employment in childcare, such as applying for my Blue Card, my First Aid and anaphylaxis certificates, getting all the required immunisations, police checks, as well as shoes and uniform,” said Ms Wang.

Meanwhile, Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50720) student Dylan has described his scholarship win as life-changing, thanks to the financial security it has provided.

“It has enabled me to focus my energies entirely on my studies without the burden of financial stress, which has given me the motivation to study hard and repay the faith that’s been invested in my success,” he said.

“So far I’ve used it to help with travel costs, to pay subscriptions for necessary design software and online learning resources, as well as course fees and upgrade my laptop to run intensive graphic design software.”

Last year was the first time Community Bank Samford partnered with TAFE Queensland’s Scholarship program and Professor Abby Senior, Deputy Chair, said the bank was built by the community for the community and was committed to helping Queenslanders achieve their study aspirations to build stronger communities.

“Unlike traditional banks, up to 80 per cent of our profits are returned to the community and this is an outstanding example of how we can create a positive and lasting social impact for communities across the State and further break down barriers to access education for students who may be challenged by distance, financial insecurity or other difficult circumstances."

“The 2022 recipients are very deserving”, she said.

TAFE Queensland General Manager Brisbane, Brent Kinnane, said scholarships connect driven and passionate students with vocational training, helping them to develop the job-ready skills they need to fast track their futures.

“We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives, build stronger communities and help Queenslanders to achieve extraordinary things,” said Mr Kinnane.

“Scholarships provide an opportunity for first-time students, like Wendy and Dylan, to access TAFE Queensland’s world-class training, teachers, support and facilities to upskill, get qualified and secure jobs to enhance their lives and continue building on the prosperity of our state.”

TAFE Queensland's scholarship program was first launched in 2015 and has since awarded over $2.2 million, helping more than 470 Queenslanders pursue their careers goals.

Scholarship applications to commence study at TAFE Queensland in semester 1, 2023 open on Monday 11 July and close on Friday 30 September.

There are two types of scholarships available – merit scholarships, which aim to support people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers, and access and equity scholarships, which are designed to help students battling social or financial hardship.