Growing up in Tibet, Tashi always wanted to be an engineer, but didn’t have the opportunity to complete school, or consider further study at university.

After coming to Australia as a refugee in 2019, Tashi has been able to complete Open Foundation and subsequently enrol in the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering.

“Even though I am now ‘old’, I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to return to academic learning by doing Open Foundation and then having the chance to go university and follow my childhood dream,” Tashi said.

Initially, Tashi was nervous to undertake Open Foundation as English was not his first language and it had been a long time since he had been at school.

“But I was also really excited to have the opportunity to start following my dream, it felt like my life was going to change!

“It’s good to challenge yourself and learn new things, especially since it turned out to be such a supportive program,” Tashi said.

Tashi found the program to be very supportive, with lecturers and university staff coming across as approachable, always available to answer questions, and providing support where required.

“Open Foundation gave me a good introduction to academic study and gave me confidence that even though it’s sometimes a challenge and hard work, I can get a degree!

“Without the pathway like Open Foundation, I think it would have been very difficult for me to be able to study at university.

“The pathways offered by the University of Newcastle means that people from different backgrounds and experiences have opportunities and I think this is important to have diversity and provide the opportunity for everyone to succeed,” Tashi said.

Now studying a Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering, Tashi has also been announced as a 2022 Ma and Morley Scholar.

“I was at home with family when I got the phone call to tell me I was awarded the scholarship.

“I told my wife first, she was so happy for me, Tashi said.

For Tashi, this scholarship provides extra support during his studies.

“The scholarship program provides a human support network, and for me this is very important.

“This support encourages me and gives me confidence in my abilities, as well as allowing me to learn and develop.

“It also means that as a mature aged student, I won’t have student loan debt when I finish uni, and can focus and invest more on building my future,” Tashi said.

Tashi is also grateful for the opportunity to make connections with other scholars.

“By learning together and sharing experiences and ideas with my new connections, it provides important support throughout my studies, and also gives chance to gain more life experience.

“I hope that by building connections with other scholars, I will improve my communication and understanding of diverse ideas and perspectives on some of the big issues and challenges we are facing, like human rights and climate change,” Tashi said.

Through this program, Tashi also hopes to forge stronger leadership skills and become more employable.

“When I graduate, I will not only have a degree, but I will also have developed strong leadership skills, which will be very valuable in my career and life.

“I hope this will enhance my employment opportunities and make me a better engineer and employee,” Tashi said.

Looking to the future, Tashi hopes to work as an engineer in the area of renewable energy technology.

“I hope to contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change by helping develop, improve and provide sustainable and accessible renewable energy to people across the world,” Tashi said.

For those considering undertaking tertiary study, but are unsure if they would be accepted, Tashi’s advice is simple: “Just ask!”.

“Everyone at the University of Newcastle is so supportive and can advise you of your options.

Before Open Foundation, I had no qualifications and hadn’t finished school, but it gave me so many opportunities – I got into university and also received a scholarship for my degree!

Tashi also explained that Open Foundation provides a great introduction to academic study for those that may not feel prepared for undergraduate programs.

“The lecturers and staff are so supportive and encouraging in Open Foundation and they really want you to do well.

“Just give it a go, there is no harm in trying!” Tashi said.

Study a Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering

Tashi Tsetan `

Tashi Tsetan

After coming to Australia as a refugee, Tashi has been able to complete Open Foundation and subsequently enrol in the Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering.

Before Open Foundation, I had no qualifications and hadn’t finished school, but it gave me so many opportunities – I got into university and also received a scholarship for my degree!