Many cranes at an Australian construction site (Sunshine Coast, Kawana Waters, QLD, Australia)

TAFE Queensland is awarding up to 100 scholarships to Queenslanders, with recipients receiving up to $5,000 to study any qualification from a certificate III through to advanced diplomas and bachelor’s degrees.

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program first launched in 2015. Since then it has helped more than 390 Queenslanders pursue their career goals thanks to more than $1.8million of support.

Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer says applications for the scholarships open today, with recipients receiving up to $5,000 to study any TAFE Queensland qualification from a certificate III through to advanced diplomas and bachelor’s degrees: “The Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan puts a focus on investing in skills, and with over $1 billion for training and skills in the recent state budget we are taking that commitment seriously.

“These scholarships are another opportunity for Queenslanders to take courses that will lead to real, rewarding jobs in a wide range of industries. TAFE Queensland offers qualifications in all industry areas and delivers training throughout the state.”

The scholarships will help cover the costs of course fees, textbooks, and living expenses.

“We know the power vocational education has to change people’s lives and we want to help people fulfil their career potential regardless of their circumstances,” Di adds.

“There are two types of scholarships available. Merit Scholarships are aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers, and Access and Equity Scholarships designed to help students who are battling social or financial hardship.”

TAFE Queensland chief executive Mary Campbell says this year RACQ and CPL have partnered with the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program to support Queenslanders to receive access to training: “RACQ has come on-board to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to study in the Townsville region, while CPL have provided funding for scholarships under the Access and Equity category for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a disability.”

Applications for a TAFE Queensland scholarship to commence study in semester one, 2022 open on 12 July and close on 24 September 2021.