Student Experience Grants
Student Experience Grants support student-led projects and initiatives that improve student experience at La Trobe University.
Grants are open to commencing and continuing students. Students working in partnership with staff on co-designing a project are encouraged to apply as a group.
Successful applications must demonstrate:
- a targeted and genuine need for students
- an impactful project that reaches many students
- tangible benefits that contribute to an improved student experience at La Trobe
- a clear and achievable project plan
The grants are funded by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All applications must comply with the Australian Government’s criteria for SSAF-compliant activities
Funding between $500 and $5,000 is available, with up to 10 projects selected for funding. All funded projects must be completed and reported on by 1 December.
Applications open on 1 November 2025 and close on 31 March 2026.
View the full Application Guidelines [PDF 224KB] and Terms and Conditions [PDF 319KB].
Grant recipients' projects
Application process and timeline
To ensure your application has the best chance of success, we recommend you follow these four simple steps.
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Read the Application Guidelines
Read through the Application Guidelines paying careful attention to the eligibility and assessment criteria.
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Discuss your idea
We know that grant applications are not everyone’s expertise, so we recommend you book in with the Student Voice and Partnerships team to discuss and refine your project idea. Not only does this boost your chances but it’s an opportunity to master your grant writing skills.
Contact the team by emailing studentgrants@latrobe.edu.au.
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Prepare a project plan
It's time to prepare your project plan. Please ensure it is detailed, as you will need to upload it along with your budget and any other supporting documentation when you submit your application.
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Submit your application
Submit your application via the online application form. Emailed or printed applications will not be accepted.
Currently enrolled students at La Trobe University are eligible to apply.
You may apply as an individual or part of a group, provided your project aligns with the eligibility and assessment criteria. Students working in partnership with staff on co-designing a project are encouraged to apply as a group.
Applicants are welcome to submit multiple applications for different projects.
All applications must comply with the Australian Government’s criteria for the use of SSAF. For a full list, visit the SSAF website.
In addition to aligning with one or more of SSAF eligible activities, projects must also:
- not duplicate or replicate a current La Trobe University service or resource
- not be currently funded under another funding source or agreement (e.g. sponsored by another grant program)
Applicants must be in satisfactory academic standing and must not have breached or be in breach of La Trobe's Student Charter, Student Behaviours Policy or Student Academic Misconduct Policy
| Important dates | Dates |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 November 2025 |
| Applications close | 31 March 2026 |
| Application review period | 1 April - 16 April |
| Notification of outcomes | 28 April 2026 |
| Final report submission | 13 November 2026 |
A selection panel, consisting of both students and staff, will assess applications and make recommendations for final approval. The selection panel will consider the breadth of proposed projects and how well each meets the assessment criteria.
The following criteria will be used to assess applications.
| Criteria | Example of project proposal that meets or exceeds criteria |
|---|---|
| Reach and impact Demonstrated benefit to a broad section of students | Project proposal provides an approximate number of students that will be reached, outlines how they will be impacted by the project, and how this will be measured. The number of students reached is a significant amount of the student community |
Responsive to student needs | Project proposal explicitly states what student need the project is fulfilling and how that need was determined. |
Diversity | Project proposal clearly outlines how the project will benefit a diverse group of students or how the project benefits/supports a priority cohort. |
Applicants will be notified of their outcome via email;
a) unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback on their applications.
b) successful applications will be announced on 28 April 2026.
Successful grant recipients will then receive instructions on accessing funding, details on available support and information about reporting requirements.
For more information, visit the Application Guidelines [PDF 224KB].
Contact
For more information about Student Experience Grants, contact the team by emailing studentgrants@latrobe.edu.au