La Trobe University > Study with us > Aspire > Am I eligible?

Am I eligible?

If you go above and beyond for your community, we want to do the same for you.

Perhaps you’re the coach of a sports team or volunteer regularly at your local nursing home. Maybe you’re the leader of a fundraising group or even go above and beyond to help your family.

What are your passions and hobbies? And how do they help the people around you? Your community spirit can shine in many ways.

Here are some more examples of Aspire students’ community work:

  • fundraising for charity
  • helping to run a school or community club
  • coaching a sports team
  • volunteering at a nursing home
  • mentoring younger students
  • leading as a school or house captain.

A COVID-19 update

The world is looking a little different in 2020. Year 12 is usually a time of uncertainty, but never has that been more true. Aspire is one way you can lock in your future plans now.

Past experience counts towards your Aspire application — just like it always has. You can tell us about anything and everything you’ve done in previous years. But if you’re looking for ways to top up your volunteering experience while self-isolating, or you just want to help, we’ve put together a quick look at seven ways to volunteer from home.

View volunteering ideas

Eligibility criteria

Year 12 students

To join the Aspire Program as a Year 12 student, you must:

  • apply to La Trobe’s Aspire Program
  • apply to VTAC/UAC
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident domestic student, or onshore international student, currently studying Year 12 in Australia
  • have volunteered or held a leadership role in your community during the past few years.

Even if you stopped volunteering to focus on your Year 12 studies, you’re still eligible.

If you’re not sure you’re eligible for Aspire, please get in touch. You can ask us via live chat, call us on 1300 135 045 or attend an Aspire webinar.

Discover how to apply and key dates

Non-Year 12 students

To join the Aspire Program as a Non-Year 12 student, you must:

  • apply to La Trobe’s Aspire Program
  • submit and application for the course either through VTAC/UAC or direct application (eligible applicants only, see course pages for advice)
  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or permanent resident of Australia
  • not be eligible for one year or more of credit from previous study
  • have volunteered in your community during the past few years.

If you’re not sure you’re eligible for Aspire, please get in touch. You can ask us via live chat, call us on 1300 135 045 or attend an Aspire webinar.

Discover how to apply and key dates

What if I’m an Indigenous student?

If you’re an Indigenous student and you’re passionate about supporting your community, you’re also eligible for our I-Aspire Program. Learn more about I-Aspire.

Meet Harry, an Aspire student

Read how his love of breakdancing helps his community

Photo of Harry Pham

Over the past four years, I’ve been participating in our school’s breakdancing club. Our club recognises the need to promote hip-hop culture and keep vulnerable teenage boys away from unsafe activities. As club president, I train for many hours, develop music mixes and performance outlines and take the time to ensure the club’s development. I’ve learnt how to lead and inspire a large group of adolescent boys, as well as give back to the school and general community through breakdance.

Harry Pham
Aspire student

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