Reduced Inequalities

La Trobe University has an admissions policy that is both non-discriminatory and supportive of equitable access, including transparent provisions that explain and justify positive discrimination (i.e., equity-based admission adjustments) where appropriate.

1. Admissions Policy: Transparent and Non-Discriminatory

• Offers of admission are based on merit, with places contingent on a “reasonable expectation of success” in the chosen course
• Admission processes are transparent, equitable, and clearly communicated to applicants.
• Entry requirements are consistent across domestic and international applicants, regardless of campus or mode of delivery, and information on entry criteria, pathways, credit arrangements, and participation requirements is accessible and regularly updated.

2. Equity-Focused Access & Positive Discrimination Measures

Encouraging Access for Underrepresented Groups

• La Trobe encourages participation from individuals who have experienced disadvantage or are from groups under-represented in higher education

Entry Adjustment Schemes

• Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) through VTAC allows students facing personal, socio-economic, or educational disadvantage to receive additional points (up to a specified cap) towards their selection rank.(
• La Trobe operates special access schemes (e.g., for regional students, carers, or other circumstances), where eligible applicants may receive up to 20 aggregate adjustment points to their ATAR-based selection rank.

3. Fairness, Documentation, and Oversight

• The Admissions Procedure requires that any waiver of minimum entry requirements be documented — including rationale—and records maintained by the relevant academic authority.
• The university also monitors and reviews outcomes for student cohorts based on their admission basis (e.g., whether admitted via equity adjustments or credit), as part of its commitment to assess the effectiveness and fairness of its admissions processes

La Trobe measures, tracks and publishes data on applications from under-represented groups. See our Annual Report Page 38: Key Student Statistics. The terms ‘under-represented’ and ‘marginalised’ students are groups that record relatively low access and participation rates in higher education. These groups include Indigenous students; those from regional and rural, and low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds; and students with a disability.

La Trobe University takes planned actions to recruit students and staff from under-represented groups.

Staff Recruitment: Inclusive Policies and Practices

• The Diversity and Inclusion (Staff) Policy mandates proactive and flexible recruitment practices to enhance the diversity of La Trobe’s workforce and remove systemic barriers.
• The Recruitment Policy ensures hiring is transparent, equitable, and aligned with organizational values.
• The Recruitment Process web page states that ‘La Trobe is committed to workplace inclusion and we value people bringing diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to our organisation. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people with a disability.’

Student Recruitment & Access Initiatives

• Under its Equity and Access framework, La Trobe runs multiple initiatives for under-represented student groups:
  • Scholarships for domestic students facing financial hardship, caring responsibilities, or other access barriers.
  • Dedicated support programs for Indigenous students, students from refugee backgrounds, students with disabilities, care leavers, and LGBTIQA+ students.
• The University’s Tertiary Preparation Program is an award-winning university pathway and access program, giving self-paced support to students who have experienced educational disadvantage. The TPP serves a highly diverse student cohort. Thirty-one per cent are from a low SES background, 20 per cent are from regional backgrounds and almost half of TPP students (48 per cent) are first in their family to attend university. Three per cent of TPP students are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
• RISE with La Trobe Indigenous pathways program supports and prepares indigenous students for future university study.

4. Institutional Governance & Accountability

• An Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, oversees EDI governance. It advocates, audits performance measures, and ensures initiatives are translated into sustained action.
• The Universal Design and Inclusion Action Plan (UDIAP) focuses on students and staff with disabilities. It includes affirmative actions to:
  • Actively recruit and support staff with disabilities
  • Make campuses and systems more accessible
  • Monitor progress and report to senior leadership and governance bodies.

The University is committed to equal opportunity and appropriate professional behaviour in the workplace. The Workplace Behaviours Policy specifically covers discrimination (direct/indirect and legal protections), harassment (general, sexual and racial), bullying (direct/indirect and intentional/unintentional), vilification and victimisation, occupational violence, and personal relationships.

The EDI Committee was established in 2022 and guides organisational change to help the University to be a global leader in higher education for equality, diversity, and inclusion.  The University’s Senior Executive Group (SEG) play a key role in driving institutional change and fostering equitable access, and a fair, inclusive, and safe environment for all staff and students as part of the University’s strategic vision.  The committee is chaired by the Vice Chancellor and is primarily made up of SEG members and CALD, LGBTIA+, Disability and Gender Equity working group representatives.  The purpose of the EDI Committee is to identify the University priorities and objectives to advance La Trobe’s diversity and inclusion agenda for staff and students and ensure that these objectives are translated into programmes of work.

La Trobe offers a broad range of programs and resources including mentoring, counselling and peer support for students and staff from underrepresented groups, including:

• The Indigenous Student Services team who offer the Indigenous Academic Enrichment Program, financial support, academic advice and advocacy and scholarships
• Support programs and pathways for students from a refugee background
• Support for students studying with a disability, medical or mental health condition
• The Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Plan aims for La Trobe to be the University of choice for students and staff
• SAGE Athena Swan aims to remove barriers to the career progression of women, transgender and gender non-binary staff, and increasing gender diversity in senior roles.
• STEM Sisters – Women of Colour in STEM is a structured, 12-week mentoring program connecting women of colour in STEM with experienced professionals and allies to empower them academically and professionally.
• RISE with La Trobe – is designed for Indigenous students, and includes mentoring, academic support, tutoring, cultural activities, and a conditional offer to the university on successful completion
• Neurodiversity Networks support staff and student neurominority (neurodivergent) individuals through peer mentoring, workshops, sensory-friendly environments, academic guidance, and advocacy.
• Counselling and Wellbeing Support services specifically recognize the needs of Indigenous, LGBTIQ, mature-age, refugee-background, and disabled students, offering inclusive wellbeing programs and tailored resources.
• The Academic Promotions Peer Support Program is designed to support women and gender-diverse staff in applying for promotions through workshops, group mentoring, and dedicated resources

Accessibility and Inclusion provides information and assistance for access to parking, classes and campus facilities.

Accessibility and Inclusion provide support in the form of equipment, technology, resources and other support.

La Trobe University offers a range of targeted support services for students with disabilities, including mentoring, adjustments, adaptive technologies, peer networks, and additional tailored assistance designed to ensure equitable access and participation.

Equity Entry Schemes (VTAC SEAS)

• Through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), La Trobe participates in the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). Under Category 3: Disability or Medical Condition, applicants can receive ATAR adjustments (up to 10 points for severe disadvantage) to improve their selection rank.

Accessibility Advisors & Learning Access Plans (LAPs)

• Students who register with Accessibility and Inclusion are supported by Accessibility Advisors, who help develop Learning Access Plans (LAPs) tailored to individual needs (e.g. adjusted assessment, exam arrangements, extensions, placement coordination, assistive tech guidance). (La Trobe University, La Trobe Current)
• Advisors also guide students in selecting suitable assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, or text-to-speech tools, available across campuses.

CANDID Peer Support Group

• CANDID (Chronically ill, NeuroDivergent, Impaired, and Disabled students) is a student-led community offering:
  • Social connections and catch-ups (e.g. lunch meet-ups)
  • Structured study sessions (“Shut Up And Study” using Pomodoro method)
  • A welcoming space for mutual peer support and belonging (La Trobe University).

Neurodiversity Network & Programs

• Through the Neurodiversity Project, La Trobe offers:
  • A Neurodiversity Network for students and staff to connect, access seminars on study/career skills, advocacy, sensory-friendly resources, and community support.
  • Inclusive initiatives addressing autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and similar conditions.

GradWISE Program

• GradWISE supports students and graduates with disability, illness, or injury through a customized career coaching and mentoring pathway that includes:
  • One-on-one career coaching
  • Internship opportunities
  • Mentoring
  • Peer networking
  • Graduate job application support
  • Long-term assistance tailored to individual needs (La Trobe University)

The Disability Policy articulates La Trobe University’s commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion and providing staff, students and visitors to the University who have a disability with an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination and which recognises they have the same fundamental rights as the rest of the University community

La Trobe University maintains comprehensive anti-harassment policies that apply across its operations, covering students, staff, and visitors.

1. Student Anti-Harassment & Conduct Policies

• Student Behaviours Policy: This policy guarantees that all students have the right to learn and live in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, sexual harm, vilification, victimisation, violence, and other forms of unacceptable behavior.

2. Staff & Workplace Harassment Policies

• Workplace Behaviours Policy: Applies to all University staff and affiliated individuals. It ensures that the workplace remains free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, violence, and vilification. It also safeguards employees’ rights to raise concerns and ensures fair, merit-based decisions in employment.
• The Code of Conduct: Reinforces the University’s commitment to ethical, respectful, and inclusive workplace behavior, with clear expectations of accountability and integrity.

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