About
Connecting Queensland’s talent through global opportunity
For more than 50 years, the Queensland Overseas Foundation has supported apprentices, tradespeople, VET students and educators through international scholarship and professional development opportunities that strengthen skills, industries and communities across Queensland.
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Empowering Queensland Talent Through Global Opportunity
The Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) supports Queensland apprentices, tradespeople, VET students and educators through international scholarship and bursary opportunities that build skills, industry knowledge and global perspectives.
For more than five decades, QOF has helped Queenslanders expand their careers, strengthen industry capability, and bring valuable international experience back to local communities and workplaces.
Supporting The Future Of Queensland Industry
QOF exists to create life-changing international learning opportunities for Queenslanders working across vocational education, trades and industry.
Through scholarships and professional development bursaries, we support individuals to gain global experience, explore innovation and return with new knowledge that benefits Queensland industries, workplaces and communities.
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Encourage skills development
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Strengthen industry capability
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Support workforce growth
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Build international connections
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Inspire future leaders within the VET and trade sectors
Our mission
We believe global experience creates stronger industries, more capable professionals and greater opportunities for Queensland’s future workforce.
Expanding
Opportunities
Supporting apprentices, tradespeople, students and educators to access international learning experiences.
Building
Industry Capability
Encouraging knowledge-sharing, innovation and global best practice across Queensland industries.
Supporting
Future Leaders
Helping recipients grow professionally, personally and culturally through International exposure.
Strengthening
QLD Communities
Creating long-term impact by bringing new ideas, skills and perspectives back home.
Creating Impact Since 1976
For more than 50 years, QOF has supported Queenslanders to broaden their skills, experiences and career opportunities through international learning and industry engagement.
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Encourage skills development
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20+ Countries explored
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50+ Years supporting Queensland industry
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Multiple trades, industries & education sectors represented
Every scholarship represents more than travel – it represents knowledge exchange, professional growth and long-term investment in Queensland’s workforce and future industries.
Our Story
The Queensland Overseas Foundation was established to provide vocational education and trade-focused international opportunities for Queenslanders seeking to expand their industry knowledge and professional experience.
Over the years, QOF has evolved to support a broad range of recipients across trades, vocational education, industry and workforce development sectors.
What remains unchanged is our commitment to investing in people, encouraging innovation and strengthening Queensland through global learning experiences.
1976 – Queensland Overseas Foundation Established
The Queensland Overseas Foundation was established to create international learning and employment opportunities for Queensland apprentices, trainees and vocational graduates.
1979 – Supporting Queensland Talent Through Global Experience
QOF began building a legacy of helping skilled Queenslanders gain international industry experience and return with new knowledge, skills and perspectives.
1990s – Expanding Opportunities Across Industries
Scholarships expanded beyond traditional trades to include a broader range of vocational and professional industries, strengthening workforce capability across Queensland.
2000s – Growing Industry and Government Partnerships
QOF strengthened its collaboration with industry organisations and the Queensland Government, increasing opportunities for scholarship recipients and supporting workforce development initiatives.
2016 – New Generation of Leadership
QOF continued to evolve through new board appointments and stronger connections with Queensland’s vocational education and training sector.
2020 – Adapting Through Global Challenges
Despite worldwide travel disruptions, QOF remained committed to supporting international learning and preparing future recipients for overseas opportunities.
2023 – Expanding Industry Representation
QOF welcomed additional industry leaders and workforce development specialists to its Board, strengthening connections across education, training and industry sectors.
Today – 110+ Scholarship Recipients and Growing
More than 110 Queenslanders have undertaken international scholarship experiences across industries including automotive, construction, hospitality, fashion, engineering and professional services. QOF now also supports educators through the Global Connections Bursary program.
A Network Of Global Experiences And Local Impact
QOF recipients come from diverse backgrounds, industries and regions across Queensland, united by a shared passion for learning, growth and industry advancement.
Our community includes:
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Apprentices and tradespeople
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Vocational educators
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Industry professionals
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Employers and mentors
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Partners and supporters
Together, they contribute to stronger industries, more connected communities and a more globally informed Queensland workforce.
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Governance & Transparency
As a long-standing charitable foundation, QOF is committed to transparency, accountability and responsible management.
We are proud to support Queenslanders through programs that create meaningful educational and industry outcomes while maintaining strong governance and ethical practices.