We know that rising living costs — including fuel — may be making it harder for some students to get to campus or manage day-to-day expenses. We know this is a challenging time for many students, and we want to reassure you that La Trobe is actively responding.
We are expanding our existing services to support you with your studies. For students who are currently on, or about to begin placement for your studies, we are increasing our support as we recognise that placements for students can add pressure and uncertainty at this time.
Financial and academic support
Depending on your circumstances and course there are several supports available. If you’re feeling the impact, we may be able to support you with financial bursaries and scholarships to ease financial pressures.
If you’re unsure where to start, Student Advising or Wellbeing Services can help point you in the right direction and provide advice about your study options as you approach Census date.
Financial support and advice
You can access free financial counselling through the University’s Wellbeing Services. Financial counsellors can help you explore options, manage short-term financial stress, and connect you with relevant assistance. Our Counsellors are available virtually, by phone or in person.
Industry Placement Bursary – $1,100
For domestic and international students who have a confirmed placement in InPlace (minimum 70-hour placement).
- Placement starting between 1 Jan – 30 Apr 2026
- Applications assessed early May 2026
- Information on how to apply
Placement Travel Bursary – $680–$1,365
For domestic and international students who have a confirmed placement in InPlace (minimum 10 placement days) and travel more than 120km one way from their term address.
- Placement starting between 1 Jan – 30 Apr 2026
- Applications assessed early May 2026
- Information on how to apply
Placement Financial Support Bursary (NEW)
For domestic and international students required to travel for a placement. $50 payments are available for students facing increased fuel costs and who do not have reasonable access to public transport.
- Available during April 2026.
- Applications assessed daily. Payments paid Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Information on how to apply
Access Bursary – $1,000
For domestic students experiencing financial hardship, difficult circumstances or a medical condition.
- Applications open May 2026, paid after Semester 2 Census date
- Information on how to apply
Disaster Relief Bursary – $500
For any students affected by a currently recognised disaster (e.g. floods, bushfires).
- Same-day assessment, next-day payment
- Information on how to apply
Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) – $338.60 per week
For domestic students in Education, Nursing, Midwifery or Social Work who have mandatory placement averaging more than 30 hours per week; are receiving Income support; or are meeting the ‘Need to Work’ test.
- Applications should be submitted close to placement start date
- Information on how to apply
Academic and practical help
Student Advising can help connect you with financial counselling, guide you to scholarships or bursaries, and support you with academic or personal concerns that may be affected by travel or financial pressures.
Suburban or regional university study hubs
Reminder that you can always study at one of our suburban or regional university study hubs if you are struggling to travel to campus.
Wellbeing and mental health support
A range of free mental health and wellbeing services are available to support you during challenging times.
After hours mental health and wellbeing support
If you need support outside business hours, the La Trobe University Crisis Line is available: Call: 1300 146 307 or Text: 0488 884 100
The service is available 5pm–9am on weekdays and 24/7 on weekends, public holidays and university closure dates.
Public transport is free across the state from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 30 April. This includes Melbourne trains, trams and buses; and regional trains, coaches and buses (including intertown and regional town bus services). For more information visit Transport Victoria.
While the Victorian Government has made public transport free during April, we understand this does not help everyone—particularly students living in areas with limited access to public transport.
La Trobe offers support to students who are experiencing hardship and may require food aid, and referral to services in local communities. Food relief services are available to you on campus or in your local community.
The Victorian Government has announced additional funding for food relief organisations including Foodbank Victoria and regional food shares. Use the Foodbank Find Food tool to search using your postcode and find food relief near you.
La Trobe is continuing to monitor the rising cost of living and may make additional services available.
This is a difficult period, and you are not expected to manage it on your own. Please reach out and make use of the support available to you—we are here to help.