TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program
Since its launch in 2015, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program has awarded over $3.05 million to help hundreds of Queenslanders pursue their career goals. Each year 100 x $5,000 scholarships are awarded to people looking to change their lives and build lifelong careers. Scholarships can be used to pay for study-related costs such as course fees, travel expenses, childcare, uniforms, tools, books and other study materials.
There are three main types of scholarships available:

Access and equity scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate a genuine interest and commitment to their chosen career and identify with one of the following cohorts:
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- significant caring responsibilities
- people with disability, long-term medical conditions or illnesses
- long-term unemployed (longer than 6 months)
- sole parent
- experiencing significant financial difficulties or social barriers to study
- another specified disadvantage.

Merit scholarships
Merit scholarships are aimed at supporting people who have demonstrated strong levels of achievement to advance their careers.
These scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate:
- outstanding academic merit or strong work performance in their field of study AND
- a clear desire to secure ongoing employment in their chosen industry.

Athlete - Merit scholarships
Athlete - Merit scholarships are available under the Merit category to support athletes across a variety of disciplines to gain a qualification with TAFE Queensland without forfeiting their sporting opportunities.
Eligibility criteria
Scholarship applications open in July and close towards the end of September with scholarships awarded for study in Semester 1 of the following calendar year.
To be eligible to apply for a TAFE Queensland scholarship, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and either:
- a current first-year apprentice OR
- planning to enrol in any certificate III or higher-level qualification in Semester 1 the following year.
Current students who meet the above criteria are eligible to apply.
How to apply
You can quickly and easily apply for a TAFE Queensland scholarship by completing the online application form.
You'll need to verify your identity by supplying a copy of your ID such as your passport or birth certificate. You may also be required to attach supporting documentation such as your resume or letter of support, so make sure you have all the required documentation before you begin.
Frequently asked questions
Sponsor a TAFE Queensland Scholarship
Any individual, organisation or industry partner is able to contribute to the TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program through donations or sponsorship.
There are many reasons to sponsor a TAFE Queensland Scholarship:
- raising the profile of a company, organisation or individual within an industry or in the wider community
- recognition as a socially responsible company or organisation through a commitment to education with TAFE Queensland
- sponsoring a scholarship can provide industry partners with an early opportunity to select from the students in their field
- a scholarship may be established to remember or honour a student, family or staff member
- a sponsor may wish to ‘give something back’ having been involved with TAFE Queensland through either work or study.
To get involved you can donate now, or to discuss scholarship sponsorship opportunities in more detail, please contact the TAFE Queensland Foundation Manager at foundation.tq@tafeqld.edu.au.
Learning how to take care of his mob
The pandemic caused a shift in Mick Lacey’s life that he never knew he needed and now the proud Wakka Wakka man is reaping the personal rewards of knowing he is playing a pivotal role in improving the health of his mob.
Scott's found his spark
The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Program not only helps students meet their career goals, but also allows industry to attract workers and build skills capability. Thanks to his scholarship, Scott has progressed his studies into an advanced diploma, enhancing his skills and career prospects.
Karmila's commitment to the kids
Karmila Saunders wasn’t always a great scholar but thanks to a TAFE Queensland scholarship the proud Yiman woman is now committed to learning as much as possible to help her people.
When you seek to help others
Astri Candrarini is studying training and assessment at TAFE Queensland and hopes to become an educator to support other migrants.
External scholarship opportunities
In addition to TAFE Queensland scholarships, there are a range of external grants and scholarships on offer from other organisations that you may be eligible for to assist with study and training costs and other related expenses.
For further information and applications please contact each company or organisation directly.