The rising cost of living is being felt by communities all over the country. For our students, it is reaching a boiling point. Not only are they worried about their futures, but many are struggling to afford essentials like groceries and fuel right now. They’re rent-stressed, skipping meals, and living below the poverty line.
For students from underrepresented communities and low-income families, this pressure is even more profound. These students are already balancing the demands of university with part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and the emotional strain of being away from home.
For the increasing number of students who are supporting themselves through university, without a safety net, these financial hurdles are becoming impassable barriers. But together, we can make an impact—by supporting initiatives that ease their financial burdens, we’re giving the lifelong gift of education, empowering students to focus on building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Student support services see increased demand
La Trobe’s Financial Counsellors are noticing a growing number of students struggling to cover essential living expenses like rent, food, gas, and electricity, often going without to make ends meet.
According to one financial counsellor, ‘Students grappling with these rising costs are at a much higher risk of dropping out or underperforming academically, as the toll of poor nutrition and lack of sleep severely impacts their overall well-being.’
Our Scholarships team are also seeing more students seek financial aid. In 2023, they received a total of 250 applications. In 2024, they received over 600 applications for Semester 2 alone. That’s a 140 percent increase in just one year. Financial stress is growing, and fast.
Financial hardship in the tertiary sector disproportionately affects students who have historically been underrepresented in higher education. Findings from a recent Student Experience Survey highlight the growing urgency of this issue.
Across all campuses, students identified financial hardship as a key factor influencing their decision to drop out. In 2021, between 20-40 percent of students across campuses reported financial difficulty as a reason for contemplating leaving. Over the last year, this has increased to almost 40-80 percent.
Even basic needs a concern for students
The needs of our students right now are simple. They need a roof over their heads. They need enough food to survive. La Trobe Student Union’s food bank, Feed La Trobe, has also experienced a significant increase in demand this year. Initially supporting around 80 students, Feed La Trobe now assists up to 250 students daily. Maddison Federico, the Student Engagement Manager at La Trobe Student Union, explains the growing pressure on the service:
‘Feed La Trobe sees upwards of 200 students per day who require food support. Students need staple items like rice, pasta, cereal, meat, milk, fruit, vegetables, and snacks. Frozen meals are also very popular as it takes the stress out of trying to cook a full meal with limited ingredients. Due to budget constraints, as well as item limitations from Food Bank Victoria, we can’t keep up with demand.’
Donations big and small can transform our students’ lives
La Trobe takes great pride in being a university that opens its doors to those who have traditionally been locked out. First Nations people. Those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Those from regional, rural and remote areas. These are the communities who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Who have fought hard to get here.
And it’s these students who are the most disproportionately affected by financial hardship.
To address this crisis, La Trobe is increasing the value of bursaries, and making more money available to students through initiatives like the La Trobe Student Hardship Support Fund.
The La Trobe Student Hardship Support Fund will provide $1,000 payments to students undertaking a degree and who meet the criteria for financial or educational disadvantage.
All donations go directly to La Trobe students. These funds ensure that no matter their circumstances, students have the financial support to ease their stress and continue their education. As one bursary recipient shared in a heartfelt note:
‘I don’t think you could understand the impact this bursary will have on my life and my ability to continue my studies. The financial burden of studying has really intensified this year, and this will make all the difference.’
How La Trobe is helping
To ensure students feel supported throughout their studies, La Trobe enables a range of other services and supports:
- Financial counselling La Trobe offers free financial counselling to students experiencing financial difficulties. Their services are non-judgmental, independent and confidential.
- Feed La Trobe: La Trobe’s Student Union led food bank. Feed La Trobe helps students lower their weekly grocery cost. Everything at Feed La Trobe is free!
- Emergency Aid: Emergency Aid is a one-off payment of AUD$250 to support students in crisis, or for unexpected emergencies that will have a negative effect on a student’s wellbeing.
- Applications for scholarships and bursaries: Our access scholarships and bursaries support students who may experience financial difficulties, personal hardships or come from underrepresented backgrounds.
You can support students to cover the cost of basic costs like travel, rent and meals by giving to the Student Hardship Support Fund.
