La Trobe backs marginalised students with $7K scholarships

A SET of regional scholarships made available by La Trobe University is targeting regional and rural non-school leavers and other underrepresented student cohorts to help them overcome barriers to starting tertiary study.

The $7000 Regional Achievement, Regional Access and Regional Indigenous scholarships apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

To boost the scheme, La Trobe has committed up to $1 million next year to match philanthropic donations.

Vice-chancellor Professor Theo Farrell called on potential donors to make a contribution.

“We know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not,” he said.

“That’s why La Trobe is investing in scholarships that reach beyond the school leaver to mature-age students, single parents and others who deserve a pathway to university.

“By matching every philanthropic dollar with university funding, we’re doubling the impact.”

Alana Tagliabue, a Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Midwifery student in Bendigo, said her bursary was the difference between “barely surviving to thriving”.

“I have four kids and (I’m) studying a double degree full time,” she said. “It has meant I have some agency over my hectic life.

“For example, this week alone, parking will cost $70.

“I simply cannot afford that cost, but with the scholarship, I haven’t had to worry.

“It (also) helps me pay my rent – it has changed my life.”

Find out more about scholarships on offer for 2026 on the La Trobe University website.