Scholarship helps Shae find her calling

After a decade of changing lives, TAFE Queensland’s landmark Scholarship program is back for its 2025 round, officially opening on 7 July 2025.

Now in its 10th year, the TAFE Queensland Scholarship program has awarded more than $3.4 million in scholarships to over 720 students – empowering everyday Queenslanders to pursue their vocational education goals and build better futures.

Amongst those who have benefitted from the program is 44-year-old Shae Dingle, who received a scholarship in 2024 to undertake a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland's Bundaberg campus.

Inspired by the amazing healthcare professionals she’d encountered while caring for her father during his final months, Shae decided to pursue a career as a nurse to help support others like her family during what is an incredibly difficult time.

“I’d just brought Dad’s ashes up to Bundaberg, and we had left behind our life in Tasmania when Dad got sick, so I was feeling lost and wanted to do something about it,” Shae said.

“I’d seen the Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) was available under the Queensland Government’s fee free funding at the time, so I decided to apply, and when I was accepted, I made the decision to stay in Bundaberg and apply for a scholarship.

“I was so excited when I found out I was successful. It was a huge boost to my self-esteem and gave me the motivation to dive in. It’s been a while since I’ve studied and it took my brain a while to get going, but I’m loving it – I feel this is the path I meant to be on.”

As a single mother to 14-year-old twin boys, Shae said the scholarship was immensely helpful in supporting her first steps towards her goal.

“It’s definitely helped reduce the financial stress and meant I was able to buy the uniforms, a printer, textbooks, and everything else I need for my studies, without putting myself under greater strain. I can’t recommend it (applying) enough,” she said.

Having just completed her first stage of nursing, Shae said she’s now confident she’s on the right path, and can’t wait to graduate in 12 months’ time.

“We just did our first placement in the aged care sector and it really solidified that this is what I want to do,” Shae said.

“I’m still deciding on the exact direction I’d like to head in—I want to have a go at everything first— but I’d like to eventually become a registered nurse and maybe specialise after that, depending on which direction I’m drawn in. For now though, I’m aiming to become an enrolled nurse so I can work in the industry while I further my studies.”

Applications for the 2025 round of scholarships will be open from 7 July to 30 September 2025, offering 100 scholarships valued at $5,000 each.

Scholarships can be used to help cover course fees, textbooks, and living expenses while studying any TAFE Queensland course from a Certificate III through to an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor and Masters Degree, across more than 60 campus locations or online. 

Scholarships are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and donors, including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Refrigeration Council, Samford Community Bank (Bendigo Bank), CleanCo, CPL Mylestones, Exemplar Health, Fujitsu, QLD Hydro, Microsoft, Orro, RACQ, and Technology One.