Reduced Inequalities
From the research we generate to the policies we implement, La Trobe University is contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Our research has promoted LGBTI inclusive aged care services and led to innovations in accessible transport.
We are committed to equal opportunity and inclusion, from our employment policies to our targeted support services.
LOCAL AND GLOBAL IMPACT - OUR RESEARCH CONTRIBUTING TO SDG 10: REDUCED INEQUALITIES
See below for measurable, demonstrable, and beneficial change occurring beyond the university as a result of our research
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Identifying VET initial teacher education pathways for industry experts
Identifying VET initial teacher education pathways for industry experts
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Improving multilingual crisis communication
Improving multilingual crisis communication
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New approach for identifying cultural heritage sites
New approach for identifying cultural heritage sites
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The Yirrkala Bark Petitions
The Yirrkala Bark Petitions
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BBV and STI stigma reduction toolkit
BBV and STI stigma reduction toolkit
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Accountability Ecosystems in the Pacific
Accountability Ecosystems in the Pacific
Reducing inequalities across our operations
La Trobe University supports equitable and non-discriminatory admissions through its Admissions Policy, Admissions Procedure and Admissions Schedule.
Transparent and equitable admissions
La Trobe’s admissions processes are required to be transparent, equitable and clearly communicated. Entry requirements, pathways and other admission information are publicly available, while additional access arrangements support applicants who have experienced disadvantage or are underrepresented in higher education.
These include special-entry schemes, alternative pathways, targeted admission arrangements for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and support for applicants with disability or ongoing health conditions.
Equity-based admission adjustments
La Trobe’s Admissions Procedure provides Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) adjustments for eligible applicants who meet relevant minimum course requirements but whose educational opportunities may have been affected by:
- membership of groups underrepresented in higher education
- difficult family or life circumstances
- financial disadvantage
- disability or medical conditions.
The categories and maximum adjustments are reviewed annually and published in the Admissions Schedule. Current arrangements include support for Indigenous Australian applicants, people from low socioeconomic or regional backgrounds, applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds, people with disability or medical conditions, those experiencing financial disadvantage or difficult circumstances, and first-in-family applicants.
Applicants can find information about eligibility, adjustment categories and how to apply through La Trobe’s VTAC equity schemes and scholarships and La Trobe special access schemes.
La Trobe University measures and tracks applications and participation among women and underrepresented groups, helping the University monitor patterns in access to higher education and identify changes over time.
La Trobe tracks applicant data across several equity cohorts, including women, students from low socio-economic status (LowSES) backgrounds, students reporting disability and Indigenous students.
In 2025, 63% of applicants identified as female, 15% were from LowSES backgrounds, 12% reported disability and 1% were Indigenous.
Figure 1. La Trobe's applicant rate for female and underrepresented groups 2021-2025
La Trobe also tracks representation among commencing students, providing a further measure of progression from application into university study.
In 2025, 63% of commencing students identified as female, 17% were from LowSES backgrounds, 14% reported disability and 2% were Indigenous.
Figure 2. La Trobe commencing rate by female and underrepresented groups, 2021–2025
La Trobe University takes planned action to recruit students and staff from under-represented groups through inclusive recruitment practices, targeted entry pathways and programs designed to reduce barriers to higher education and employment.
Staff Recruitment: Inclusive Policies and Practices
La Trobe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (Staff) Policy commits the University to promoting equal opportunity for people from under-represented and marginalised groups, including through targeted initiatives and inclusive practices across recruitment, development, advancement and retention. The current policy also commits La Trobe to identifying and removing systemic barriers and bias from employment processes.
La Trobe’s recruitment practices further support equitable and inclusive hiring, with applications actively encouraged from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+ people and people with disability.
Student recruitment and access pathways
La Trobe provides targeted pathways and admissions measures designed to increase access for students from groups traditionally under-represented in higher education.
- The Access and Equity Schools Program provides additional ATAR adjustment factors for students attending schools identified as under-represented. Eligible schools are assessed using factors including socioeconomic disadvantage, regional or remote location and patterns of participation in higher education, and eligibility is reviewed annually. Eligible students may receive up to 15 aggregate adjustment points towards their application to La Trobe.
- The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) provides a free, flexible and fully online alternative pathway into university for people who do not have an ATAR, did not complete Year 12, or completed school some time ago. The program serves a highly diverse cohort: 31% of participants are from low socioeconomic status backgrounds, 20% are from regional backgrounds, 48% are the first in their family to attend university and 3% are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- RISE with La Trobe provides a dedicated pathway for Indigenous students, combining academic preparation, mentoring, cultural activities and transition support. Successful completion can lead to a conditional offer to study at La Trobe, with further academic and mentoring support available as students transition into university.
La Trobe also provides equity-based entry adjustments and scholarships for students experiencing educational disadvantage, including financial disadvantage, disability or medical conditions, difficult circumstances and other barriers to participation.
La Trobe University maintains anti-discrimination policies and protections for both staff and students, supporting equal opportunity and a safe, respectful and inclusive University environment.
Staff protections
The Workplace Behaviours Policy commits La Trobe to providing a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, victimisation, vilification, violence and other unacceptable behaviour.
The policy recognises both direct and indirect discrimination and provides protections across a broad range of attributes, including age, disability, gender identity, parental or carer status, pregnancy, race, religious belief or activity, sex and sexual orientation.
Staff are entitled to recruitment and selection decisions based on merit and not affected by discrimination, as well as access to processes for raising concerns or making complaints without victimisation.
La Trobe’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (Staff) Policy further reinforces this commitment, explicitly condemning discrimination and harassment and linking the University’s approach to relevant state and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation.
Student protections
The Student Behaviours Policy applies to La Trobe students and establishes their right to an environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying or hazing, vilification, victimisation, violence and other unacceptable behaviour. Students also have the right to raise concerns or make complaints without being victimised.
The policy explicitly recognises direct and indirect discrimination and prohibits unacceptable behaviour including discrimination, harassment, sexual harm, bullying or hazing, violence, vilification and victimisation.
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.
From June to September 2024, as part of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, a comprehensive consultation engaged staff and students across La Trobe. A project reference group was established with representatives from across the University to provide regular input, advice and feedback on the consultation approach and strategy development.
Members included academic and professional staff, people with lived experience, people in student-facing roles, functional area representatives and members of our EDI Advisory Groups.
The EDI Committee provided overall strategic oversight and governance and was consulted during the development process.
La Trobe offers a broad range of programs and resources including mentoring, counselling and peer support for students and staff from underrepresented groups, including:
- GBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing provides dedicated Queer Counsellors offering free and confidential specialist counselling for students with diverse sexualities, sex and gender identities. The Finding Pride program provides free therapeutic peer support for LGBTIQA+ students, supporting connection, resilience and wellbeing.
- 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
La Trobe University provides accessible facilities for people with disability across its campuses, supported by Accessibility and Inclusion services.
Accessible parking is available on all campuses, and students with specific access requirements can work with the Accessibility team to ensure classes are held in accessible teaching venues. La Trobe also provides campus-specific physical access and mobility maps, with information on accessible routes, lifts and toilets.
The University’s libraries provide additional accessible facilities, including accessibility and Inclusion rooms, accessible computer equipment, height-adjustable desks, electronic magnification and wheelchair-accessible library spaces.
La Trobe’s Universal Design and Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2023–2030 further commits the University to ensuring its built and digital environments are inclusive and accessible, with campus planning responsive to the needs of people with disability.
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 (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 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.