Scholarship Opens Doors for Yu-Shen’s Australian Career

Yu-Shen Kao holds the building blocks to a career in Australia after accepting the TAFE Queensland Merit Scholarship for her outstanding performance in her migrant English course.

During her time in Taiwan, Yu-Shen completed an architecture degree and worked across the financial marketing, engineering and interior design sectors.

In 2019, she moved to Australia with her husband. After 18 months in Australia—during which time the couple welcomed a baby boy—Yu-Shen began her search for an English language course.

“TAFE Queensland was my first choice,” said Yu-Shen.

“It’s the best vocational technical school in Australia. I knew they would help me find a pathway to a good position.”

In 2021, Yu-Shen joined the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) at TAFE Queensland’s Browns Plains location.

The AMEP supports migrants and refugees with free English language, literacy and numeracy training. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs and is delivered by TAFE Queensland at 34 locations.

“The AMEP helped me to improve my English quickly and settle into life in Australia,” said Yu-Shen.

“I’m especially grateful to my teachers. They inspired me and supported me in applying for a merit scholarship. I cannot be more thankful.”

Through the AMEP, Yu-Shen also commenced a Certificate II in Skills for Education, Training and Employment Pathways (10291NAT). Thanks to her dedication and performance—and with the support of her teachers and peers—Yu-Shen was granted the TAFE Queensland Merit Scholarship.

Yu-Shen soon utilised her scholarship to study a Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (MSA30208-CAD) at TAFE Queensland’s Acacia Ridge campus.

When asked about her next steps, Yu-Shen told us she plans to commence a master’s degree in architecture.

“I feel so lucky to have all of these resources to help me learn,” she said. “I’d like to thank TAFE Queensland and the Australian Government. I’m so grateful.”

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) is funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. In Queensland, the AMEP is delivered by TAFE Queensland.