Regional Pathways program
Regional students deserve the same opportunities as their city peers – but the education gap between these two groups continues to widen. Approximately 33% of adults in Melbourne hold a university degree, but the numbers drop sharply in regional areas. Without targeted support, talented students miss out on opportunities, and regional communities miss out on the skilled professionals they urgently need.
Putting regional students on the path to success
La Trobe's Regional Pathways Program, made possible by a community of visionary donors, is a proven solution to this challenge.
The program helps students build confidence and assists in their transition from secondary school into higher education. Most importantly, it helps more students believe that university is within reach. Almost 1000 secondary school students have completed the program
Since 2019, the program has operated across Victoria in regional communities surrounding our campuses of Shepparton, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura and Bendigo. The program achieves a high success rate with 70% of participants on the path to university.
With donor support, we will
- Expand the program threefold to support 3000 students over the next 5 years
- Extend to new schools in Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton, and Albury-Wodonga, opening access to more high-need students
- Strengthen the program’s impact through continuous improvement and long-term evaluation
See the impact
Learn how La Trobe's Regional Pathways Program is making an impact in our regional communities across Victoria.
Pathways program doubles reach in regional schools
La Trobe’s Pathways program in Bendigo has more than doubled since it was established in mid-2024, now operating in seven regional schools with 135 current high school students.
Pathways breaks new ground in Bendigo
La Trobe University's successful Regional Pathways Program is breaking new ground in Central Victoria, in a bold move to reshape regional education.
Pathways program expands to Mildura
A successful La Trobe University program will continue its mission to bridge the higher education gap between Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria after funding was secured to expand further into the state.
Successful regional program to expand
Students enrolled in the philanthropy-backed program over four times more likely to attend tertiary education.
Indie's story
Regional student Indie received the support and skills she needed to pave her path to university. Today, she’s on her way to a medical career.
Regional education pathway launched
La Trobe has received $250,000 from the Gillespie Family Foundation to improve educational pathways and life opportunities for young people in the Shepparton region.
How you can make a difference
Donors have already given hundreds of regional students a real chance at a brighter future – this program would not exist without it. But with continued investment, we can scale a proven model to reach more schools, support more students, and strengthen the long-term social and economic future of regional Victoria.