From lockdown in Kuwait to a fast-tracked business degree: Tarek’s story
When COVID-19 closed borders, Australian professional Tarek found himself confined to his room in Kuwait. Returning to Australia meant a mandatory 14-day isolation, so he decided to use the time to move his career forward instead of watching football replays.
A Clear Goal
Tarek had long planned to complete a Bachelor of Business at Griffith University. To get there, he wanted an online pathway he could start immediately—something recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), with responsive mentor support and the freedom to study at his own pace
Finding the right fit
He found it at Edmund Barton College of Business Education. The fully online delivery, real access to Trainer/Assessor/Mentor support, and start-anytime, self-paced model meant he could accelerate when life allowed and keep momentum from overseas.
Learning that felt real
Tarek began with the Diploma of Leadership & Management. He describes the work as challenging and substantial - practical learning he could apply to his role straight away. On completion, he built on that foundation with the Diploma of Business. By crediting relevant units from his first diploma, he reduced both the workload and the overall fee for his second - graduating with two AQF-recognised qualifications- a Dual Diploma of Business & Leadership and Management.
The clever part: stacking into university
“I got accepted in Griffith University with 5 units credit (taken from his Diplomas), and I'm trying with other universities to get more credit so I can speed up my Bachelor Degree.”
By completing two diplomas online from Kuwait, Tarek didn’t just gain new skills—he earned recognised credentials that opened doors. The university credit he received reduces the time and cost to finish his bachelor’s degree and helps him step into his dream career sooner. (Credit decisions are always at the discretion of each university.)
Confidence, regained
Above all, the experience reignited his confidence and love of learning.
“I got my confidence back after leaving my studies for a very long time, so I'm very happy and proud to be back on the right path toward pursuing my dream.”
What Tarek’s journey shows
- Flexibility matters: Self-paced, start-anytime study helped him keep moving from overseas.
- Recognition counts: AQF-accredited diplomas can create valuable pathways to university.
- Support makes the difference: Access to mentors kept him progressing through substantial, practical coursework.
Tarek turned an unexpected lockdown into a launchpad—earning two diplomas, securing university credit, and setting a faster course toward his Bachelor of Business
