Student testimonials
Tropical North Queensland TAFE has had the privilege of teaching over 2,650 international ELICOS and vocational students over the past decade. Students have joined us from over 40 countries including:
| South Korea | Kiribati | The Netherlands | Sweden |
| Japan | Solomon Islands | Spain | Great Britain |
| China | Thailand | Germany | Ireland |
| Hong Kong | Vietnam | France | USA |
| Taiwan | Malaysia | Reunion | Canada |
| The Philippines | Cambodia | Italy | Russia |
| Papua New Guinea | India | Zimbabwe | Czech Republic |
| Vanuatu | South Africa | Ghana | Austria |
Read what some of our international students have to say about studying at Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE and student life in Cairns.
Hernan, Horticulture Student, Spain
TNQ TAFE is an institution that is a part of the government, which is a guarantee for the future. The staff are great and the teachers are friendly and accommodating - always willing to help. The school is very cosmopolitan and has great modern facilities.
My horticulture teachers are very enthusiastic and passionate about their work. They really like what they're doing and are very knowledgeable.
TAFE is a great learning environment for International students and if you have to choose only one place to study, why not Cairns where the weather is great and you can experience nature by climbing, trekking and snorkelling.
Alban, Information Technology (Networking) Student, Czech Republic
I've travelled all around Australia and it would be impossible to pick what I liked the best. When I knew I wanted to study in Australia, for me, Cairns was perfect. It wasn't too big, the weather is lovely and there is a really relaxed atmosphere.
TNQ TAFE has lots of interesting classes but I knew I wanted to study IT. I am currently studying a Diploma in Information Technology which is a great starting point for me. I plan to continue studying IT at Uni in Australia once I finish at TAFE.
At TNQ TAFE, I have met many classmates who have become my friends. The teachers are patient and very helpful and the technical equipment we are learning on is state-of-the-art.
TAFE is great because it gives people from all over the world opportunity.
Adele, Fashion Design Student, England
I am now finishing my first semester of Certificate IV in Fashion Design at TNQ TAFE, Cairns. I decided on a TAFE course because of the location of the campus and the courses that were available for me to study. Cairns TAFE offers the opportunity for you to obtain a nationally recognised qualification whilst studying in a beautiful city. I love the climate and the amount of tourist attractions within an hour of the city centre.
For my birthday I was lucky enough to be given a helicopter trip over the Barron Gorge and surrounding national park, it was an amazing trip and something I will never forget.
The practical elements of my course and the 'workshop environment' of the classes are very helpful and the course is more in depth than I was expecting with a good variety of topics covered each week. Once I have finished my studies at TNQ TAFE I am planning on completing a Diploma of Business or returning to England to put my fashion skills into practice.
Niti, Bakery Student, Thailand
I am very happy with my studies at TNQ TAFE, Cairns campus. The city is very lovely and the people are friendly. I have met many friends and they are all kind and easy going. I have learnt a lot from them about Australian culture.
In my opinion, TAFE is a good college and there are many courses to study, I have received lots of hands-on training so I get to understand the subject much more. I love learning new things and hopefully after I complete my studies here I will go on to university to study a major and learn many new things.
TAFE is great because it has so many options, there is a course for almost everybody.
Linnea, Hospitality Student, Sweden
I chose to study the Diploma of Hospitality at TNQ TAFE because of positive word of mouth. I know many people from Cairns who have come to TAFE to study and from what they told me, I wanted to study there too.
My course at TAFE offers a variety of different subjects relevant to my main area of study. For example, I want to build career in the hospitality industry and this course gives me the basic knowledge within hospitality as well as human resources within a hospitality setting.
I love living in Cairns! The lifestyle and the diversity; you meet people from different countries and with different cultures. But mostly because of the weather, I love the heat and the ability of the outdoor activities!
My favourite thing about TAFE in Cairns is meeting new, different people, all with different backgrounds. It is the most fun experience I've had, and it happens almost every day!
My plans when I graduate from TAFE are either continuing to study or move to Bali and try to get an internship at a hotel to help boost my career.
TAFE is great because you are chasing your dreams with people from all over the world and you learn so much from each other!
Sang Mi, Nursing Student, South Korea
Way back one year ago, I was on a working holiday in Cairns. I really wanted to stay because of many friends and the weather, but I also thought that I had to do something more with my life.
Growing up in Korea, I was a carer for my grandmother and very close with her as my parents both had to work. My life experiences lead me to thinking about nursing and caring for the elderly and the chronically ill; I thought maybe I should be a nurse, maybe I have a connection with the elderly.
I thought studying the Diploma of Nursing in Cairns would be the right starting point. I really enjoy my course. Naturally, in my case, I really enjoy the aged care placement and training that makes up part of an Enrolled Nurses job. During hospital placements, I get to care for all patients, but really enjoy getting the care for the elderly and chronically ill. Student duties in second semester placements also include toileting, bathing, giving injections (restricted area, only certain kinds), neurological observation, monitoring therapy, etc. in addition to being a carer.
The biggest challenge for me is also becoming my success. The language and cross cultural barriers are challenging. But what I found is that if you are sincere and really enjoy nursing, the Australians really warm up and open up to you. I feel really supported by the International Student Unit and teachers for the bigger barriers. And I am very thankful for this kind support.
I have aspirations for employment in Australia and further education at university to start my career knowing that this will give me more options back home and in Australia, which has become a special place to me also. But for now, I'm focusing on the hard work.
Kridsana, EAP, Cookery and Hospitality Graduate, Thailand
I have been living in Cairns for about 2 years. Cairns is a quiet and fabulous city and it has tropical weather, but there are a lot of beaches up to the North and down South too. So Cairns is suitable for studying and relaxing. I enjoyed the cookery course because I like cooking and in this course I can cook many different types of food.
The EAP course helped me a lot when I was studying the cookery course, but now I'm in the Diploma of Hospitality, it still helps me too and it also helps me in understanding every subject too. The teacher who teaches me in EAP, Cookery and teaching me in Hospitality are very nice. They always help me to get through the hard point of study.
Karen, Horticulture Student, England
About 5 or 6 years ago I went backpacking around Australia, I fell in love with Cairns and its surroundings especially the Daintree. It has a beautiful tropical feel with the greenery and the climate; I decided I wanted to come back to Australia to study.
I had a background in conservation working with the National Trust doing volunteer work and was looking for a course in a similar field. I chose to study the Diploma of Horticulture with Tropical North Queensland TAFE in Cairns because of the location and the cultural diversity in Cairns. I knew the cost of living in Cairns was quite cheap and the availability of fresh local produce at Rustys Market is excellent. I enjoy going to the markers each Friday to get quality fruit and vegetables from the local farmers.
My studies at TAFE have helped develop me computer and writing skills as being a mature age student it was a while since I had done any studies. The teachers at TAFE are all great, easy going and take the time to explain things to all the students. They are very approachable and always make time to see you and you really feel like part of a family.
There are so many activities to do on the Tablelands and you can go snorkelling out on the reef and visit the islands. Everything is easily accessible.
There are plenty of things to do in Cairns and I enjoy going to see shows at the different venues around town. There are a range of different pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit everyone's tastes.
The TAFE facilities are excellent with the new Horticulture building open this year and the easy access to the computers in the Electronic Learning Centre. The Canteen is always stocked with nice food and great coffee with a happy, smiling Barista who knows everyone's coffee orders.
Melita, Cookery Student, Philippines
Choosing to study a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and a Diploma in Hospitality at Tropical North Queensland TAFE was an easy decision for me. I had heard a lot of good things about the school and the staff from my sister who graduated from TAFE with Diploma in Enrolled Nursing.
I like my course because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about the hospitality industry in which I really have a passion for. It also enables us to work with people from different cultures and race.
Living in Cairns is a very wonderful experience for an international student like me. Most of the people here if not all are very warm and friendly. The place is great too! A lot of scenic spots Australia can be proud of are here in Cairns.
My favourite experience in Australia so far is feeding the kangaroos and cuddling the koalas in Wild World!!!
When I gradate from TAFE, I intend to practice all the things that I have learned from my course. I also hope to work at one of the great restaurants or hotels in the hospitality industry in Cairns if given the opportunity.
TAFE is great because... courses that are being offered here are very good and the staff really shows genuine desire to teach, help and share their expertise to people who are dreaming of becoming somebody someday in their chosen field.