Frequently asked questions

Contents

Eligibility

Can I apply for an Honours Year Grant?

Yes, if you expect to get an invitation to enrol in Honours and are in financial need see information on eligibility criteria.

Can I apply if I enrolled in a Graduate Diploma or other postgraduate course?

No.

Current scholarship holders

If I get this grant, can I still get a start-up or relocation scholarships through Centrelink?

Yes.

If I hold a Commonwealth Scholarship (CAS/CECS/NPS/NAS), can I apply for this grant?

Yes

Applying

How do I apply for a grant?

Read the grant guidelines (PDF 89KB) then fill in an application form (PDF 207KB) . Post or deliver it in person. Applications for 2013 close on Friday, 25 January 2013 at 5 pm.

How is my application assessed?

We score your application using:

  • your academic record
  • information you provide about low income, financial or educational disadvantage, caring for others, non-English speaking background, disability, or other hardship or disadvantage affecting your study.

What must I include with my application to show financial, educational or social disadvantage?

Examples include:

  • a copy of your Health Care Card
  • Centrelink information, including income statements for Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy or other means-tested benefits
  • income statements such as tax returns, payslips and bank statements
  • letters or doctor's certificates in support of a medical condition
  • letters of support from our disability or counselling services staff
  • letters of support from relevant professionals that prove your social disadvantage (low-income status, disrupted schooling or other family circumstances).

If I have a really good reason for a late application, will you accept it?

We may. You must include a signed formal request explaining your reason (serious illness, personal crisis).

Can I apply for a grant in mid year?

No.

What if I do not have all the information you need or cannot answer all the questions on the application form?

It will disadvantage your chances of receiving a grant.

Application outcome

When will I know if I have been successful?

We will contact you in early March 2013. We may make a few more offers in April 2013.

Deferring your course

If I defer my course can I keep my grant?

Yes, if you defer for only 1 semester.

Centrelink benefits

Do I have to tell Centrelink about my grant? Will it affect my benefits?

Yes. It may affect your benefits.

Do I have to be on a Centrelink benefit to get a grant?

No.

Part-time students

Can I accept a grant and enrol part-time?

Yes. Payments will be 50% of the full-time amount.

Can I change to part-time after I have started my course, and keep my grant?

Yes. Your payments will be changed to 50% of the full-time amount.

Transferring a course or campus, or from another university

Can I transfer to another La Trobe campus and keep my grant?

Yes.

If I transfer to another university can I keep my grant?

No.

Payments

Why do I have to wait until April or September to get my grant payment?

We can only pay you after the semester 1 and 2 subject census dates.

What if I really need money before then?

Apply for a student loan [students/fees/assistance/loans] Loans take 2-4 weeks to be approved. Tell the Loans Officer about your grant.