By Deanne Jeffers
MAKING a five per cent surge in popularity, La Trobe University has again proven to be a popular choice for students across the state. The latest data has revealed a significant uptick in first preference applications from VTAC applicants, with over 1,300 students eagerly anticipating offers in the January round from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
In a resounding success, La Trobe’s total offers, spanning November and December, now stand at 6,602. Professor Susan Dodds, the interim vice-chancellor, extended congratulations to the incoming students.
“This is a very exciting time for these students and their families. We are delighted to see that along with degree programs, students are also opting for diplomas and graduate certificates which are providing pathways into new and exciting careers for people at all stages of life,” Professor Dodds said.
Notably, interest in La Trobe’s regional campuses is on the rise, particularly in vital sectors like health and education. Head of campus, Shepparton, Elizabeth Capp, welcomed this news and said many of these skilled graduates will stay in the regions and contribute to their communities.
“La Trobe has a proud reputation of ensuring better equity and access to higher education and works closely with regional communities to pro-actively address critical workforce needs and undertake vital research,” Ms Capp said.
As part of La Trobe offers to students via VTAC in the November to January period:
The largest number of offers made were in nursing, health sciences, business, arts, and sport and exercise science. Other popular courses this year include psychological science, biomedicine, education and science.
Diploma and associate degree courses including teacher education, arts, health sciences, business and information technology have once again proven popular.
Amongst school leavers, La Trobe continues to be the most popular institution of choice for dentistry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech pathology.
