LA TROBE announced a new set of regional scholarships for non-school leavers and other underrepresented student cohorts to support regional and rural Australians who may face barriers to university study.
While traditional scholarships mainly focus on high-achieving school leavers, the Regional Achievement, Regional Access and Regional Indigenous scholarships deliberately expand the reach.
The $7000 scholarships support undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with the first intake expected next year. To amplify the impact, La Trobe has committed up to $1 million in 2026 to match philanthropic donations dollar for dollar.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell promoted these scholarships during a visit to the Albury-Wodonga campus on 24 October, using the occasion to call on donors to help transform lives through education.
“We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why La Trobe is investing in scholarships that reach beyond the school leaver to mature-age students, single parents and others who deserve a pathway to university,” Professor Farrell said
The $7,000 scholarships will be delivered across two payments for the duration of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with the first intake expected next year. The scholarships will be consolidated under a new framework, along with existing regional scholarships, to simplify the process for all students and ensure offerings are clearer and more accessible.
Local, Amanda Skipper graduated with a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus in May this year, but getting to this point was no easy feat as she
juggled full-time work, supported a family member through cancer treatment and took on the care of three nieces and nephews during the pandemic, and her own household.
Receiving the Sali Scholarship in April 2023 provided not only financial relief but a powerful boost to Amanda’s mental wellbeing, reigniting motivation and affirming her hard work.
“This scholarship made me feel so empowered and proud of myself. It reignited the fire within me to continue to strive to do my best,” Amanda said.
“It felt like a thank you for all the hard work you have already done and an incentive to continue working hard.”
