Message from the CEO
At TAFE Queensland, we believe every Queenslander has the potential to define their own greatness, and we are proud to support that journey through high-quality vocational education and training.
As the state’s largest training provider, TAFE Queensland plays a critical role in skilling Queenslanders and supporting the industries that underpin our economy. We sit at the heart of the Queensland economy, equipping individuals with the practical, job-ready skills needed to build meaningful careers, strengthen communities, and help industry thrive.
In doing so, we are not only building the talent pipelines our state depends on, but also helping Queenslanders unlock their potential, passion, and purpose.
We recognise that the pathway to education is not always straightforward.
For many Queenslanders, financial pressure and personal circumstances can create significant barriers to accessing training and opportunity.
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation was established to help address this challenge. As a philanthropic initiative and registered charity, the Foundation ensures that more people, from more communities,
can access the life-changing benefits of education. Each year, through the generosity of our partners and donors, we proudly award 100 scholarships, providing vital financial support to students across the state.
Since 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $4 million in scholarships to more than 800 students. These individuals are not only pursuing their own potential, they are contributing to a stronger, more skilled workforce and helping to shape Queensland’s future.
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation reflects the collective commitment of government, industry and community to invest in people— recognising that when we support individuals to succeed, we strengthen industries, build capability for the long term, and create lasting economic and social impact. I invite you to be part of this shared commitment, with the opportunity to change lives, strengthen communities, and help ensure Queensland continues to grow and prosper.
Tim Rawlings Chief Executive Officer TAFE Queensland
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
TAFE Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and respects the continuing connection to land, waters, cultures and family that First Nations peoples uphold.
We pay respect to Elders past and present. We recognise that teaching and learning has taken place on Country for over 60,000 years and two-way learning is an important part of our reconciliation journey.
First Nations peoples should be aware that this publication may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.
First Nations artwork created for TAFE Queensland’s Reconciliation Action Plan by Riki Salam. Learn more: tafeqld.edu.au/rap.
*The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation is the trustee of the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation Trust (ABN 15 697 577 363). The Foundation has Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement and 100 per cent of gifts go directly to scholarships. The Foundation is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission for the purposes of awarding scholarships to students for study with TAFE Queensland. The information contained in this document is correct as of July 2026. For the most up-to-date information please refer to our website: tafeqld.edu.au/foundation.
About TAFE Queensland
TAFE Queensland is the largest and most experienced training provider in the state. With more than 400 nationally-recognised courses, we deliver practical, industry-relevant training to over 139,000 students each year.
TAFE Queensland’s vision is to be the leading provider of vocational education and training at the heart of community success. Our purpose is to deliver quality education and training that enables the careers of our students and the development of the industries and communities we serve.
We have been supporting Queenslanders for more than 140 years and are proud to continue delivering our award-winning training, supported by our scholarships, First Nations Education Strategy, Reconciliation Action Plan, Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, and Social and Environmental Sustainability Action Plan
795+ scholarship recipients
$3.7M+ in scholarships awarded
100 x $5,000 scholarships awarded annually
84.4% of our graduates go on to work or further study
Scholarships launched in
TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to transforming lives through education. Established in 2015, the Foundation exists to remove financial barriers and promote equity in vocational learning. By offering scholarships to students across Queensland, the Foundation empowers individuals to pursue qualifications in high-demand industries, from trades and health to digital technology and creative fields, unlocking their future potential, passion, and purpose.
The Foundation is a registered charity (ABN 15 697 577 363 with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR status), ensuring that 100 percent of donations and sponsorship revenue go directly to students. Our scholarship framework is designed to be inclusive and responsive, with tailored options that allow donors and sponsors to align their support with specific industry needs or community priorities. Through strategic partnerships and generous contributions, we continue to reduce reliance on internal funding and expand our reach to those who need it most.
Scholarship success
EVIE
After graduating high school in 2019, Evie’s plans to pursue fine arts were disrupted by a university enrolment mix-up that led her into a course that wasn’t the right fit. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she stepped away from study and worked in a call centre, continuing to nurture her creativity in her own time.
Four years later, while studying dental assisting at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, Evie found herself drawn back to the creative environment she passed daily. Inspired by a friend’s experience, Fee-Free TAFE made it possible for her to enrol in the Certificate III in Visual Arts, where she quickly realised she had found her place.
During her studies, Evie discovered clear pathways into further qualifications and applied for a TAFE Queensland Access and Equity Scholarship. Living with mental health challenges, the scholarship provided both financial relief and validation, allowing her to progress straight into her visual arts diploma with confidence and support.
Now thriving, Evie has built creative confidence, practical and professional skills, and a strong sense of belonging within the visual arts community. From selling work at markets to preparing exhibitions and launching her online presence, she credits TAFE Queensland for helping her grow into the artist she always aspired to be.
DRYDEN
Dryden is currently completing a air-conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeship via TAFE Queensland’s Bracken Ridge campus. His trade journey began in engineering, where he completed an apprenticeship in sheet metal and gained early experience working with HVAC systems.
After finishing his first trade, Dryden moved into on site installation work, applying his engineering skills to ductwork and measurements. This hands-on experience sparked a strong interest in the technical side of the industry, leading him to pursue his second trade in refrigeration and air conditioning.
Dryden credits TAFE Queensland’s teaching staff and support teams for his success across both apprenticeships. He describes the support as a key reason for returning to TAFE Queensland and actively encourages others to consider a trade career, noting the strong demand for skilled tradespeople.
As a recipient of a TAFE Queensland scholarship supported by the Australian Refrigeration Council, Dryden says the financial assistance helped cover essential tools and training costs. His experience highlights the important role scholarships play in supporting students to complete their studies and succeed in their chosen trade.
SCAN TO READ DRYDEN’S STORY
Making a difference
DANA
Dana’s path into cyber security was shaped by resilience and self-discovery. Living with major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and later an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, she recognised how her strengths aligned with the ICT industry. This led her to study a cyber security certificate at TAFE Queensland, supported by an Access and Equity Scholarship from the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation, sponsored by Orro.
The Foundation is committed to creating inclusive and equitable opportunities for students facing personal or financial barriers. Access and Equity Scholarships help reduce financial stress and increase access to education, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to focus on achieving their career goals.
Studying at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus, Dana trained in industry-standard facilities, developing skills in network security, breach detection, and incident response. Real-world projects and collaborative learning also strengthened her teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Now a graduate, Dana is preparing for junior cyber security roles, with aspirations to work in government or a leading cyber security organisation. She credits her educators, scholarship support, and Brisbane’s ICT community for her success—and encourages others to consider cyber security as a rewarding career that makes a real difference.
TIM
Tim Poole is completing a carpentry certificate and is a proud TAFE Queensland scholarship recipient. He currently works as an apprentice with Natural Lifestyle Homes, a Brisbane-based company specialising in high-end renovations of Queenslanders, including heritage-listed homes.
Through his apprenticeship, Tim has learned that the financial demands are greater than he expected, with costs such as transport, fuel, and a wide range of tools adding up quickly. Receiving a scholarship was a huge boost for him, helping ease the financial pressure and allowing him to build up essential tools needed for his trade.
Tim strongly values the hands-on, practical learning offered at TAFE Queensland, preferring site-based work over classroom learning. He also appreciates the extra guidance from educators and the informal learning gained from other apprentices, which has enriched his experience beyond the course material.
He encourages anyone considering an apprenticeship to give it a go and believes Australia needs more tradies, particularly carpenters. Tim also urges more businesses to support the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program, noting how vital this support is in helping apprentices succeed.
Partnership opportunities
Partnering with the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation is an opportunity to deliver real, measurable impact across Queensland, removing financial barriers so students facing genuine disadvantage can access training, complete their qualifications, and transition into employment in high-demand industries. In doing so, you are directly contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce and investing in long-term economic and community outcomes, with scholarship sponsorship providing a tangible, transparent way to see that impact in action.
Scholarship sponsorship
Sponsoring a scholarship, with a minimum annual investment of $5,000, is a great way to connect your brand to the education and development of students who are aligned to your industry or organisation’s values.
Becoming a sponsor could increase and enhance your brand’s exposure and reputation, highlight your organisation’s social responsibility, strengthen community and industry engagement, and create a talent pipeline into your industry.
Scholarship sponsorship benefits
• Scholarship naming rights aligned to the sponsor’s brand, values, or industry
• Opportunity to co-design the scholarship criteria and terms and conditions to align with workforce or community priorities
• Recognition across TAFE Queensland’s website, social media channels, digital platforms, and email communications
• Feature in scholarship-related media releases, case studies, and campaign storytelling
• Inclusion in targeted marketing campaigns highlighting student success and sponsor impact
• Sponsor experiences including networking opportunities with scholarship recipients, alumni, and TAFE Queensland stakeholders
• Invitations to exclusive events such as scholarship award ceremonies, graduation events, industry showcases, and VIP briefings
• Access to a pipeline of skilled graduates aligned to sponsor industry needs
Our committed partners
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Partnerships with organisations across various industries have been instrumental in the expansion of our Scholarship Program. These collaborations build a bridge between education and industry, and help our students change their lives and achieve their career aspirations.
Our partners take pride in nurturing the next generation of tradies and professionals, and their support echoes their commitment to social responsibility.
Fujitsu is proud to support the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation, helping students pursue their passions and unlock their potential through education. As a Fellowship Foundation sponsor, Fujitsu is investing in the future of Queensland by empowering learners to achieve their goals, both academically and personally.
Dedicated to supporting people and communities through meaningful partnerships, educational initiatives, and local programs, and by championing diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, Fujitsu strives to drive positive change. We also proudly support educational opportunities that empower the next generation of leaders across Queensland.
Fujitsu is committed to making a difference as a trusted partner, a force for good, and a proud contributor to our communities’ growth and well-being.
“At Fujitsu, giving back to the community is part of our DNA. We believe in making the world more equitable and more sustainable, and it’s a no-brainer for us to engage in activities that enrich the communities we live and work in.”
Fujitsu Head of Office of Purpose CHARLOTTE WRIGHT
SCAN TO READ
At the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ), they do more than meet members’ needs by providing peace of mind through roadside assistance, motoring services, insurance, banking, travel and solar products. RACQ is owned by over 1.7 million members and have been a force for good in Queensland communities for over 118 years.
Proud of its long-standing commitment to supporting Queensland communities through it’s community partnerships, educational programs and grant giving, RACQ know that when they show care, embrace diversity, and give a voice to their members they can drive change together.
RACQ proudly supports the TAFE Queensland Foundation, sponsoring 10 scholarships over five years to support First Nations students to train in their chosen area, and play a small role in helping remove barriers to educational opportunities.
“Our purpose ‘to make a positive difference to the lives of our members now and into the future’ is at the core of everything we do. As part of our ongoing commitment to the community and to reconciliation, we want to help provide clear and accessible employment pathways for First Nations peoples.”
RACQ Community and Sponsorship
Manager
MELANIE CALZAVARA
SCAN TO WATCH
Support and encouragement. The tools to build a better future.
Government and industry partnership
Business donations to the Foundation reflect a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and a shared vision of fostering individual and community prosperity through education. Our Scholarship Program is strengthened by both government and industry partners, whose support expands access to training and helps address critical skills needs across Queensland. A key example is our annual Government vs ICT Industry Trivia Night, where both sectors come together to raise funds that directly support ICT scholarships.
Government contributions are often focused on equity and participation, enabling more students to access education, while industry partners—particularly within the ICT sector—invest in developing future talent pipelines and addressing evolving workforce demands. Together, these contributions create a lasting legacy of positive change, supporting students to build skills, confidence, and meaningful careers.
JACK
Watch Jack Woodsfords story of how an ICT industry funded scholarship supported him through his studies.
SCAN TO WATCH JACKS STORY
Every gift creates opportunity
Your every act of giving—big or small—creates opportunity. Through individual donations, gifts in wills, and tribute giving, our community plays a powerful role in changing lives through education.
Whether supporting a student today, leaving a legacy for the future, or honouring someone special, each contribution helps remove financial barriers and open doors to new career pathways.
Individual donations
Individuals who are passionate about helping others achieve their education and training goals can make a scholarship donation at any time through our secure online payment facility.
SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT FACILITY
“Helping others is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences. It brings me joy to know my contribution is making a difference in helping someone achieve their study goals.”
TAFE Queensland staff, like PETA WLODARCZYK witness the life-changing impact of scholarships and are generously donating to the Foundation.
Tribute donations
Gifts in wills
Our gifts in wills program empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact by transforming lives through a scholarship. By leaving a gift in their will, individuals can ensure their life’s work and assets continue to support causes they care about beyond their lifetime, creating a lasting legacy that benefits future generations. Gifts will be fully purposed according to individuals’ requests, as will wishes for privacy and acknowledgement.
The estate of ARTHUR GEORGE EVANS donated $200,000 to TAFE Queensland, for students studying in trades areas including certificate III apprenticeships and qualifications at certificate IV, diploma and advanced diploma levels. This enables us to award multiple scholarships annually from this generous donation.
Tribute donations, whether in honour or memory of a cherished loved one, friend, or colleague, serve as a heartfelt gesture. Tribute donations allow donors to convey their gratitude or condolences while supporting a cause that holds great significance to them. One off or regular tribute donations can be made via our secure online payment facility.
