AusAID students

AusAID scholarship handbook

The AusAID Scholarship Handbook is the primary reference tool for AusAID scholarship holders in relation to your obligations as an AusAID student, the rules and regulations governing your scholarship, and the various entitlements available to you as an AusAID scholar. You should retain a copy of the Scholarships Handbook for the duration of your studies and use this as your first point of reference for all queries about your scholarship. 

The AusAID Scholarships Handbook is also the primary reference tool for La Trobe as your host institution, your in-country AusAID Post or Managing Contractor, and AusAID Canberra for policy and procedure relating to the administration of your award.

AusAID student Contact Officers at La Trobe University

AusAID students are encouraged to keep in regular contact with their AusAID Student Contact Officers at La Trobe, Tina Huynh and Janine Campbell.  Tina and Janine will assist you with a range of issues including but not limited to: 

  • airport pick up and short-term accommodation on arrival
  • establishment of your bank account and Contribution to Living (CLE) payments
  • Introductory Academic Program details
  • Supplementary Academic Support – accessing funds
  • suspending your scholarship
  • travel arrangements (fieldwork, reunion, returning home)
  • changes to enrolment
  • academic progress issues
  • extension of scholarship
  • extension of visa
  • personal issues you need some help with.

Ms Tina Huynh
Senior Sponsored Programs Officer
E: t.huynh@latrobe.edu.au
T: +61 3 9479 3439
La Trobe International (Melbourne campus)
Level 2, Peribolos East Building     

Ms Janine Campbell
International Sponsored Programs and Scholarships Coordinator
E: j.campbell@latrobe.edu.au
T: +61 3 9479 3622
La Trobe International (Melbourne campus)
Level 2, Peribolos East Building

Pre-departure

You must attend the pre-departure briefing organised by your in-country Post, and we request that you read the My Life at La Trobe guide prior to departing your home country. My Life at La Trobe provides lots of useful information regarding settling into life at the University, including details about the cost of living, finding accommodation on arrival, and other useful information.

Your La Trobe AusAID Student Contact Officers will provide you with information regarding short-term accommodation options in the Welcome Pack sent to your Post prior to your departure. Please note that some short-term accommodation options will require you to pay a deposit to secure your booking, and that the full cost of accommodation rests with you.

Arrival and registration

AusAID students should report to La Trobe International promptly on arrival to register and receive important details regarding their bank account and commencement of the Introductory Academic Program. La Trobe International is open during standard business hours, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, and is closed for University Holidays. If you are scheduled to arrive on a weekend or public holiday please ensure you download a copy of La Trobe’s Weekend Survival Guide (PDF 1MB).

Introductory Academic Program (IAP)

It is compulsory that all students attend the Introductory Academic Program upon arrival at La Trobe. The program runs twice annually, and dates for your IAP program in the Welcome Pack will be sent to your Post before your departure from your home country. Contact you AusAID Student Contact Officers if you have any queries regarding IAP.

La Trobe encourages you to arrive at least one week prior to IAP commencement, so you can settle into your new environment before the IAP starts. New AusAID scholars can commence receipt of your Contribution to Living Allowance up to two weeks prior to your IAP start date, so early travel to Australia is strongly encouraged.

Your AusAID entitlements

Please refer to your Scholarship Handbook for details regarding your scholarship entitlements, and liaise with your Student Contact Officers regarding accessing these entitlements. 

Bringing family to Australia

Prior to bringing your family to Australia, there are a range of issues you must consider first, including how your family will settle into life in Australia, the associated cost of bringing them to Australia and supporting them whilst here, and the impact that having your family here may have on your studies. You will also relinquish any reunion entitlement you have at your disposal if your family join you in Australia. Please make an appointment with your Student Contact Officers to discuss further. It is strongly recommended that you spend at least three months studying in Australia to familiarise yourself with the demands of study, the local environment and cost of living prior to having your family join you.

If you proceed with applying for a family visa, the Australian Consulate or Embassy in your home country may request a Letter of No Objection to bring your family to Australia. This letter will be provided by your in-country Post if you are seeking a family visa prior to travelling to Australia, or by your Student Contact Officers if you are already in Australia.

Completing your studies on AusAID scholarship

It is very important that you finish your studies within the scholarship timeframe stipulated by AusAID. You should meet with your Student Contact Officers immediately if you see any impediment to a timely completion, so they can work with your Faculty to get you back on track. AusAID have strict requirements that students return to their home country within 30 days of completing your studies. The La Trobe student Contact Officers will assist you with booking your flight home.