Building my future in health: How practical learning helped me grow at QUT

Hi, my name is Corinna and I’m from Vietnam. I chose to study at QUT because of its emphasis on industry connections and practical experience. QUT also has strong partnerships with healthcare providers, government agencies, and research organisations, which really appealed to me. One of the best aspects of studying at QUT is the focus on real-world experience. The modern simulation labs, digital health tools, and research centres make a big difference in the learning experience.

The importance of real-world learning

To me, ‘real world’ means learning that prepares students for actual career environments, combining practical experience, industry connections, and problem-solving skills. A real-world education equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and adaptability needed to succeed. My course at QUT includes assessments that focus on solving real-life problems, encouraging us to think and act like professionals. This approach has helped me develop decision-making skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in teams—essential for any career.

Studying at QUT

I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and practical the Diploma in Health Science (Nursing) course is. Before starting, I expected it to be theory-heavy, but I found the learning experience to be much more hands-on, with real-world applications and interactive activities. The course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and applying knowledge in practical scenarios. The lecturers and tutors are approachable and genuinely care about students’ progress, offering valuable academic and career guidance. Although I haven’t participated in a formal placement yet, my course at QUT has been incredibly enriching. The hands-on learning, industry-focused education, and excellent support system have been key to my personal and professional growth. With access to well-equipped libraries, online tools, and helpful academic advisors, QUT has provided all the resources I need to succeed.

Why I chose to study health

I chose to study nursing because I’ve always wanted to work in a career where I can directly help people and make a positive difference in their lives. What I like most is learning how to combine medical knowledge with compassionate care. My dream job is to work as a registered nurse in a hospital, ideally in emergency or intensive care. In the long term, I’d also like to specialise or continue into advanced practice.

Student life

Studying can be quite overwhelming, but QUT offers many opportunities to meet people. I joined clubs related to my interests, which allowed me to meet like-minded individuals. I also made friends through group assignments and study sessions. Working together on projects, reviewing notes, and preparing for exams naturally helped me form strong connections.

Feeling supported

The teaching staff are always supportive, whether it’s explaining difficult concepts, giving feedback on assignments, or offering career advice. QUT also offers a variety of support services to help students maintain a healthy balance between study and personal life, like free counselling, mental health workshops, and well-being resources.

I’ve used QUT’s mental health services and administration support at HiQ, both of which have been incredibly helpful. University life can be stressful, but I was impressed by how accessible and supportive the mental health services are. I received counselling and well-being support, and the process was seamless. The HiQ staff were also fantastic—friendly, efficient, and always available to help with any university-related questions, making my student experience much easier.

Living in Brisbane

I chose Brisbane because it offers the perfect balance of education, lifestyle, and opportunities. It’s a student-friendly city with great universities like QUT, a welcoming community, and a lower cost of living compared to other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food markets, and I love the wide range of Asian food spots, especially Vietnamese cuisine, and bubble tea shops, which remind me of home.

Final advice

I would definitely recommend QUT to others because of its practical learning approach, supportive environment, and strong industry connections. My experience here has been fantastic, and I believe it’s an excellent choice for students who want a real-world education and career opportunities.

Study Diploma in Health Science (Nursing) like Corinna