International Students Thriving At La Trobe University

La Trobe University is a diverse and inclusive university with a varied student population. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the university has a strong international student presence, with approximately 9,000 international students enrolled, making up about a quarter of its student body. La Trobe's main Melbourne campus covers 660 acres and offers a vibrant and multicultural environment, with students speaking over 100 different languages. The university has a total of seven campuses spread across Victoria and New South Wales, providing a range of academic programmes and support services for its diverse student community.

International student support services

La Trobe University in Australia has a diverse student population, with students speaking over 100 different languages. The university has a strong sense of community, with international students making up about a quarter of the student population. La Trobe offers a wide range of support services for international students to ensure they have a positive and successful university experience.

ASK La Trobe:

ASK La Trobe is the first point of contact for international students seeking general support and advice. They provide assistance with a range of issues, including enrolment, navigating university systems, academic expectations, financial matters, accommodation, cultural and personal issues, and study-related queries. They also offer referrals to appropriate university services and can organise appointments with specialist International Student Advisors.

24-Hour Student Support Hotline:

La Trobe provides a special after-hours telephone hotline for international students, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students can call this number anytime they need urgent help or have concerns they want to discuss. The hotline is accessible from both within Australia and internationally.

Transition Support for Commencing International Students:

The university offers tailored online and face-to-face orientation activities to help new international students transition smoothly into university life. This includes webinar videos, pre-departure Zoom sessions, international student meet-and-greet events, and a dedicated Welcome website with resources. There is also a Transition@La Trobe Facebook Group where students can connect with each other and e-Friend student volunteers.

Student Advising Team:

La Trobe provides a Student Advising Team to offer individualised support to international students. This includes personalised advice from course-specific Student Advisors on study plans and course structure. The team also includes specialist International Student Advisors who can provide confidential appointments to discuss any issues, including academic, financial, accommodation, cultural, and personal matters.

Career Support:

The Career Ready team assists international students with career development and employment opportunities. They offer one-on-one career counselling, industry mentoring, careers events, and resources. They provide advice on finding jobs, choosing career paths, and developing employability skills. The team also offers dedicated support for international students seeking work in Australia or considering returning to their home country after graduation.

Student Health and Wellbeing:

La Trobe prioritises the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of its students. Student Health and Wellbeing services include individual counselling (face-to-face, phone, or online), group programs, workshops, and self-help resources. They also provide support for students at risk of violent and threatening behaviour through their Safer Community program.

International Student Lounge:

The university hosts an online community called the International Student Lounge, where international students can connect, share experiences, and access resources. The lounge offers tips and tricks for studying, adjusting to life in Australia, and maintaining health and wellbeing.

La Trobe University is committed to supporting its international students and ensuring they have a positive and rewarding university experience. With a range of support services, the university helps students navigate academic, personal, cultural, and practical aspects of their lives. These services contribute to a sense of community and help international students succeed in their studies and future careers.

International student scholarships

La Trobe University in Australia is a diverse and welcoming community of students from all backgrounds. The university has seven campuses across Victoria and New South Wales, with over 9,000 international students enrolled, making up about a quarter of its student population.

La Trobe University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options to support international students. These scholarships are designed to recognise students' achievements, reward their commitment to their future, and reduce their tuition fees. Here are some of the scholarships available for international students:

La Trobe International Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students, offering a reduction of up to 25% on selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The scholarship amount is based on academic merit and overall eligibility for the course.

Early Bird Acceptance Grant

International students (excluding those from Australia and New Zealand) who apply for full-time study at La Trobe are automatically considered for this grant, which covers 5% of their first-year tuition fees.

Destination Australia Scheme

This scheme supports new international students studying in regional Australia, including at La Trobe's campuses outside of Melbourne. The scholarship is valued at up to AUD 15,000 per year and can be awarded for up to four years.

La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship

International students with an excellent academic record are eligible for this scholarship, which offers a 10% tuition fee reduction for postgraduate coursework.

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

La Trobe offers a range of scholarships for students undertaking postgraduate research, including Doctoral (PhD) programs.

External Scholarships

La Trobe also provides information and support for international students to access external scholarships, such as the Australia Awards Scholarships for students from developing countries, the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) scholarship for Indonesian students, and the USA to Australia Fellowships for US citizens.

The university's website offers detailed information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and other available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.

International student fees

La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, is a diverse and welcoming university with students from all backgrounds and nationalities. The university has a strong international student population, with approximately 9,000 international students out of a total of 36,000 undergraduates and graduates enrolled.

International students at La Trobe University are required to pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the chosen course. The fees are based on an annual load of 120 credit points and can be found on the course page for the specific programme. It is important to note that fees may change yearly, and the university reserves the right to adjust fees annually, typically with a maximum increase of seven percent per year.

Payment Methods

The university provides several payment options for international students to pay their tuition fees:

• International Online Application System: This is the primary method, where students can use the online payment portal or methods such as Flywire, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), or AliPay (for payments from China).
• International Bank Transfer: Students can use this method with the specified bank details provided by the university.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

La Trobe University offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students with their tuition fees:

• Early Bird Acceptance Grant: International students who apply and complete the admission process early are automatically considered for this grant, which covers five per cent of their first-year tuition fees.
• La Trobe International Scholarships: These scholarships recognise high-achieving international students and can reduce their course fees by up to 25 per cent.
• International Student Aid Bursaries: These bursaries provide financial support to international students based on their circumstances, with amounts ranging from AUD 50 to AUD 750.
• Destination Australia scheme: This scheme supports international students studying in regional Australia, including La Trobe's campuses outside of Melbourne, with scholarships of up to AUD 15,000 per year for up to four years.

International student accommodation

La Trobe University offers a range of comfortable, accessible, and friendly accommodation options for international students. The university has seven campuses across Victoria and New South Wales, Australia, and each campus has a unique atmosphere and a welcoming feel.

International students can choose between on-campus and off-campus accommodation. On-campus accommodation is available at the Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, and Melbourne (Bundoora) campuses. To be eligible for on-campus accommodation, students must book their accommodation before arriving in Australia. International students can apply for the International Student Accommodation Grant, which offers two weeks of free accommodation for those who sign a 44-week contract to live on campus. The Melbourne Campus is particularly popular among international students, with 44% of residents living in on-campus accommodation coming from other countries. The Melbourne Campus offers four accommodation options: the modern North and South Apartments, Glenn College, Menzies College, and Chisholm College, which overlooks native bushland and the La Trobe lake.

The Bendigo Campus offers a range of accommodation options, including the Hillside Apartments, The Terraces, which are furnished student houses, The Units community, and the furnished Villas.

For those who prefer to live off-campus, there are also a variety of options near the Melbourne (Bundoora) and Bendigo campuses. Some of the off-campus accommodation options near the Melbourne Campus include Mantra Bell City Preston and Quest Apartments Preston. Near the Bendigo Campus, there is The Graduate House Bendigo and Edwards Road Accommodation. It is important to note that La Trobe University is not affiliated with off-campus accommodation providers and does not inspect or assess the suitability of these accommodations.

La Trobe University is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for international students, ensuring they feel at home during their studies.

International student safety

La Trobe University in Australia is home to 9,000 international students, who make up about a quarter of its student population. The university prioritises the safety and security of its international students and offers a variety of on-campus safety services.

Secure Campus Living

International students at La Trobe University can enjoy secure on-campus living with 24/7 security and dedicated hotlines for support. The university's sports facilities and stores are also conveniently located within walking distance.

Security Escort Service

The Uni-Safe service provides free, on-demand escorts by security officers to help students travel safely around the Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, and Albury-Wodonga campuses. This service is available during the day and after hours, ensuring safe travel to buildings, car parks, residences, and local transport.

Free Campus Bus Service

The La Trobe Glider bus service offers a free pick-up and drop-off facility at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus, operating during the week and outside of University-wide holidays. This service ensures students can get around the campus and the surrounding areas safely and with ease.

Emergency Guidelines and Support Services

The university encourages students to be aware of support services and emergency guidelines to prepare for any events that may impact their safety. The Security and Safety Operations Centre is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to report any incidents or concerns. In case of emergencies requiring immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance, students can call University Security on the dedicated hotline or the Australian emergency phone number, 000.

Additional Safety Tips

La Trobe University provides safety tips for international students, including advice on travelling at night, personal security, road safety, and scam awareness. Students are advised to be cautious when walking alone at night, avoid displaying valuable possessions in public, follow road safety practices, and be vigilant against scams targeting students.

The university also emphasises the importance of complying with student visa conditions and maintaining open communication with the university regarding any circumstances that may affect enrolment. This mutual responsibility helps ensure the safety and well-being of international students throughout their studies.

Frequently asked questions