Funding your postgraduate studies
There are different ways to reduce or manage the cost of postgraduate study. Depending on your course and circumstances, you may be eligible for La Trobe’s postgraduate fee support, government fee support like a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or FEE-HELP loan, a scholarship or other financial support.
This page includes information relevant to domestic students only. If you're an international student, see International fees and scholarships.
Get up to 25% postgraduate fee support
La Trobe offers postgraduate fee support. If you're an eligible domestic student commencing a selected full-fee postgraduate award course in 2026 or Semester 1, 2027, you may receive 20% postgraduate fee support. Eligible La Trobe alumni may receive an additional 5% fee reduction, bringing the total support to 25%.
You don't need to submit a separate application. We will assess your eligibility when you enrol in an eligible course, and your fee support will apply from your first teaching period for the duration of your course, subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.
Understand your postgraduate course fees
The fees you pay for postgraduate study depend on your course and the type of place you're offered. You may receive a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), receive La Trobe’s postgraduate fee support or study in a full-fee place
Commonwealth supported places (CSPs)
Some postgraduate courses have CSPs available. If you receive a CSP, the Australian Government subsidises part of your course fees and you pay the remaining student contribution. If you’re eligible, you may be able to defer your student contribution through a HECS-HELP loan from the Australian Government.
Full fee places
If a CSP isn’t available, you may study in a full-fee place and pay the full tuition fee. If you’re eligible, you may be able to defer your tuition fees through a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government. You may also be eligible for postgraduate fee support if you’re commencing a selected full-fee postgraduate course.
Defer your fees with HELP
If you're eligible, an Australian Government HELP loan can allow you to defer some or all of the study fees you would otherwise need to pay upfront. The type of HELP loan available to you depends on whether you have a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full-fee place.
HECS-HELP
If you have a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer your student contribution. You don't need to repay your loan until your income reaches the relevant repayment threshold, and repayments are made through the Australian tax system.
HECS-HELP does not charge interest, but your HELP debt is indexed on 1 June each year. Indexation is based on the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Wage Price Index (WPI).
FEE-HELP
If you're studying in a full-fee place, or receiving La Trobe’s postgraduate fee support, you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer some or all of your tuition fees. You don’t need to repay your loan until your income reaches the relevant repayment threshold, and repayments are made through the Australian tax system.
FEE-HELP does not charge interest, but your HELP debt is indexed on 1 June each year. Indexation is based on the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Wage Price Index (WPI).
Scholarships and other financial support
You may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, government income support or other financial benefits that can help with the cost of postgraduate study.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer scholarships and bursaries for a range of circumstances, including academic achievement, where you live, access and equity, and support for Indigenous Australians. Depending on the scholarship, this support could help you with your study fees or other costs.
Alumni fee support
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may receive a 10% fee reduction when you apply for eligible postgraduate courses and short course programs. Your eligibility for the support will be automatically assessed when you apply.
Learn more about alumni benefits
Income support for Master’s students (domestic)
If you’re enrolled in an approved Master’s by coursework program, you may be eligible to receive income support such as Youth Allowance, Austudy or the Pensioner Education Supplement. These supports are available for specific approved courses that meet the eligibility criteria set by the government. This type of income support is available to domestic students only. International students are not eligible to apply.