A new initiative launched in 2025, the Student Hardship Fund has been designed and created by La Trobe Sport to lower the barriers to sport participation faced by La Trobe University students who are balancing their academic, social and sporting pursuits.
As part of the initiative, La Trobe students who face financial hardship or stress (which may impact their ability to join a sporting club) will have an opportunity to apply for a one-time bursary towards their club affiliation expenses.
A $150 grant is available to La Trobe students who are joining a La Trobe-affiliated sporting club, while a $100 grant is available to students who are joining a non-La Trobe affiliated club. Applications for the Student Hardship Fund are restricted to one application per La Trobe University student, and funds will be available until exhausted.
La Trobe Sport’s Representative Sport Officer, Hayden Atherton, said the Student Hardship Fund was a commitment by La Trobe Sport to ensure sport participation remained a viable and accessible option for all students despite the financial stresses they may face.
“We know that playing sport and being part of a sporting club provides many positive physical, mental and social benefits that enhance a student’s experience during their time at university,” Atherton said.
“There are many types of financial hardship situations that may arise during a student’s time at university, and the Student Hardship Fund ensures that playing sport and being active on campus remains an outlet that can be pursued by all students no matter their financial status.”
First round applications for the 2025 Student Hardship Fund are open from Monday 17 February to Monday 7 April, while a second round of applications will be available from Monday 14 July to Monday 1 September.
For more information on the Student Hardship Fund and details on how to apply, click here.
