You may be reading this then you are on the verge of something life altering. Perhaps you have been fantasising about studying in Australia, having a future and working in something you are passionate about, nursing, info technology, hospitality, engineering or anything. And perhaps, as have been many before, you are faced with one thing that holds off the most of all the students and that is the cost.

Tuition fees. Travel expenses. Housing. Visa charges. These are not very small numbers. Their numbers quickly pile up, with an even worse stack in the case of students that come to the places where it seems much more of a luxury than a possibility to study abroad.

But look what the truth is. You do not need to sacrifice.

Because Australia has support systems in place, when you are ready to work to achieve your dreams particularly when you consider TAFE courses. The type of support that we have here is known as a TAFE international student scholarship.

It is not a simple dump of information. It is a student-oriented breakdown step-by-step made by those people who are like you understands and wants to know real answers, and not the academic parade.

TAFE: The Australian Education Path Many Students Overlook

First of all, we should clear things up. You may have heard of the word TAFE and you might be wondering what it is.

TAFE is an abbreviation that means Technical and Further Education. It is a network of government-supported training providers in all parts of Australia providing career-oriented qualification. Think of TAFE as the institution where you can not only learn theory, but you can learn how to do the job.

TAFE courses are aimed at practical requirements in areas where Australia really requires professionals- such as health care, construction, business, aged care, childcare, cyber security and more.

TAFE has hundreds and thousands of international students every year due to:

• Universities are more expensive than the tuition
• Programs are shorter and can be 1-2 years
• The training is practical, where practical job pathways are used
• The qualification is nationally accepted

What is best of all? There are a few TAFE providers that have scholarships that are available to international students.

What Is a TAFE International Student Scholarship?

So, what does it come to?

TAFE international student scholarship is a type of financial support that is provided to overseas students who wish to pursue an education in an Australian TAFE institution but who require some form of financial support to be able to afford the cost of education.

Such scholarships may include:

• The Australian government
• Departments of state education
• The TAFE institution, itself,
• Local authorities or contractors

They are not loans. You do not need to recompense them. They are being set up so as to make it easier to fund their educations with motivated students.

However, they are also competitive. This is why it is a wise thing to read this guide.

What Makes These Scholarships Different from University Ones?

Something important is that most individuals do mention university scholarships. However, not as many speak about TAFE scholarships- and this is a massive lost opportunity.

TAFE international student scholarships The TAFE international student scholarships are offered by Institute of Rural Observation and Research, located in Chengdu, China. The aim of these scholarships is to help foreign students with financial expenses, and broaden their career opportunities.

• Less competitive, as not so many people apply
• Emphasis on job-ready training, frequently matches with an eminent industry scarcity
• Provided by institutes who are less demanding on eligibility

You will not have to get perfect grades and lists of achievements. The only thing that counts is that:

• You are interested in taking a course that will aid the growth of Australian industries
• You can either demonstrate financial need or high motivation
• You have already tried to research your studies and plan them

Who Can Apply? You Might Be More Qualified Than You Think

One of the greatest myths international students of international schools believe is this: “I am unlikely to be off the hook.”

Lets get that straight. In case you are,

• Out of Australia
• Obtained a high school Education (or its equivalent)
• Possess elementary language skills in English (such as IELTS or TOEFL)
• Possess or are in the process of applying a student visa (500)
• Be able to demonstrate a sincerity of interest in your course and career in the future

Then you have already gone the right way. There are scholarships which will require:

• A personal statement or record of theology
• Income, or financial circumstances
• Teacher or employer reference letters

No, you never have to be the most excellent pupil in your school. There are a lot of scholarships that students with good grades receive rather than those with highest marks.

What Can These Scholarships Actually Pay For?

Now on to the money–that is what you are here to know.

The amount of TAFE international student scholarships may differ, yet the general idea is to assist in paying:

• There is a tuition fee waiver (e.g., 25 to 50 per cent).
• Book or booklets
• A relocation allowance (in case of moving to a regional campus)
• Living support (little, but in some programs)

Here’s a quick sample table:

New programs are introduced or prolonged every year. The greatest thing about it is? Some of these are associated with shortage skills areas meaning that should you select the right selection of course then your chances of receiving assistance increases.

How Do You Find the Right Scholarships?

Now come on. It is maze finding the right scholarship. However, when you have an idea of where to start out, then the journey becomes less cumbersome.

This is where most students begin:

1. Official TAFE websites – all TAFE institutes do have their own scholarships listed

2. Study in Australia website – depending on the country, the scholarships that are described on the government site may be national ones

3. Australian embassies or education offices –these are wonderful places to go to help students who are still in their home country

4. Agents and education consultants – simply ensure that these people are trustworthy and are not pressuring you to enroll in course that you do not want

5. Facebook groups and forums – students frequently pass on daily updates and advice in real time

And don not be scared to send a mail to international office of your choice TAFE. They are able to provide other less-known scholarships that you will not get by searching engines.

How Hard Is It to Apply?

Not as difficult as you think. In the majority of scholarship applications, you will be required to provide:

• Copies of your academic records (translated in case it is needed)
• Proficiency in English (such as IELTS or similar)
• A copy of a passport
• An acceptance letter/ course application
• A short motivational statement or letter
• Financial records in case of needing support based on need

So, what if English is not your native language? Do not become panicked. Just be direct and very real. The majority of scholarship committees appreciate the fact that international students are studying and adapting.

What they would like to see is:

• That you are studious in your learning
• You know your course.
• That the scholarship will actually make you succeed

Writing a Personal Statement That Works (Even If You’re Not a Great Writer)

So, let us come to the point. The majority of scholarship programs will require bringing a brief statement of the reasons why you deserve to be awarded the scholarship. This is the point at which most students turn cold. You may say, my English is not very good or I have not done anything extraordinary.

However, there is one thing that every successful applicant knows: your story is sufficient.

The reviewers of the scholarship do not require poetry. They desire integrity. They desire to see. And above all they want to see that we have got the money out of them and that it is going to mean something to you.

A plain format would look like this:

• Who you are: Your background information, what do you want to learn, and the reason why you picked this course

• Why you need support: Speak about your financial position, do not exaggerate

• What your goals are: How this course will be able to make you work, contribute or come back home with skills

• Why this specific TAFE: Refer to the location, reputation, or anything personal

Example opening:

My name is Leila, I am a Malaysian, 20-year-old student. I have secured admission into the Diploma of Community Services in TAFE institute of Queensland and I am pursuing the International Merit Scholarship. I would also appreciate the scholarship because my family is only able to provide the tuition in full, and so I would be able to concentrate in my studies without the demands to work too many hours.

That’s it. Simple, upright, straight.

Student Stories: Real Wins, Real Struggles

So, who is Daniel? He is a Kenyan student who has applied to study a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW. He grew up in a one-parent family and his mother has been saving all these years. Nevertheless, tuition was too high.

Daniel was a candidate of the TAFE NSW International Scholarship. He did not believe he would win at it–his grades were not too good, that is,–but he wrote out of his heart. He discussed that he desired to work in the rural areas of Australia and payback to smaller communities.

He got 25 percent reduction in stipend on tuition fees. The hope and a future, that one decision provided him with. He now part-time works in a care home, and he is getting ready to start his university studies in Australia.

After that, there is Anh, a Vietnamese student. She has made an application of Diploma in Hospitality Management with the help of the Box Hill institute in Victoria. She had a 3,000 bursary under the Skills Shortage Support Grant of the institute. This money got her course books and assisted her to move into safe housing as a student.

What do these two students have in common?

They started and made their application- with doubts, with fear.

Avoiding Mistakes That Cost You the Scholarship

The following are five mistakes that international students do too often:

1. Waiting too long to apply: Scholarships usually have deadlines and tend to be earlier than that of the courses.

2. Copy-pasting personal statements: You can make the reviewers know whether your essay is generic or rewritten.

3. Missing documents: Failure in the filing of your application and the lack of complete paper works automatically causes its rejection.

4. Not proofreading: The typing errors or formatting errors do not make everything useless, but the clarity count.

5. Applying for the wrong course: Other scholarships are limited by program (such as nursing or trades). Each time, make sure that you course qualifies.

What Happens After You Win a TAFE International Student Scholarship?

Suppose that you happen to be one of the fortunate and deserving students who is offered a scholarship. What will follow?

• Accept the Offer in Writing

It is normally via an email or a letter. Read it slowly. Are your Accepts within the time limit? In some TAFEs, a confirmation or agreement has to be signed in order to enroll.

• Update Your Visa Application

Scholarship offers can also be an added strength to your visa since it reduces the financial burden on your part. You can provide the documentation to your immigration officer or embassy, in case you need it.

• Plan Your Finances Wisely

A scholarship alleviates some of the pressure but not all of it. It is important to make a budget. Find out how much is remaining to pay rent, buy groceries or transport. Apply, to other small bursaries, where you can.

• Get Connected

In the intake you can join student forums, orientation events or WhatsApp groups. In numerous TAFEs, the support services available cater exclusively to international students. Use them.

• Maintain Your Eligibility

There are scholarships where you have to maintain good grades or must attend a certain number of classes. There are others who expect you to graduate within a defined period. Pay attention to the regulations.

Q&A Section: What Students Like You Are Asking

Can I apply for a scholarship before I apply to a course?

Usually, no. To qualify most scholarships, there is in most cases a need to prove that you have either applied or gained admission in a TAFE program.

Can I get more than one scholarship?

Sometimes yes. You can do it, so long as it is not overlapping, and the different sources are not about the same purpose (e.g. tuition vs books). Always read the terms.

Do I need to live in a specific area to qualify?

Certain scholarships are geographical. As an example, depending on the area you live in, you may need to study in regional Australia to be able to apply. Others are accessible to the entire campuses.

Can I apply again next year if I don’t get it now?

Absolutely. Lots of scholarships are available on a regular basis. There are those that also accept applications per semester or intake.

Will a scholarship affect my part-time work rights?

No. The part-time work (48 hours per fortnight) in Australia is permitted under your student visa. This is not changed by a scholarship.

The Truth Most People Won’t Tell You

You have no need to be a millionaire. You have to be not perfect. And you certainly do not have to wait till somebody gets ready to give you a helping hand free of charge. Australia desires foreign students. TAFE schools particularly appreciate learners that are willing to contribute, develop and pay in trades where the assistance is required.

They cannot see you until you put up your hand. This is what this guide is about. Providing you with the knowledge to say, raise hand-with confidence. And when you say, “Yes, I will apply,” the entire narrative starts to change.