Online learning is playing an increasingly important role in helping students across regional Victoria overcome barriers to higher education, with flexibility and local support opening pathways to career advancement and lifelong learning.
Students can choose from a wide range of online programs including Business, Accounting, Master of Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Psychological Science, Food and Nutrition, Arts and Criminology.
The online model allows students to remain in their local communities, fitting study around work and family, while gaining qualifications that might otherwise require relocation.
For Master of Business Administration student Lloyd Eldred, studying online made sense.
“It gives me the flexibility to fit study around my work and personal life, rather than the other way around,” he said.
“For me, the biggest benefit is flexibility. You can access high-quality education without having to leave the region or put your career on hold.
“It also removes the need to travel, which can be a real barrier for people in regional areas.”
Backed by on-campus support in Shepparton, online students benefit from personalised guidance, strong community connections and pathways into in-demand careers.
“La Trobe has been really supportive, even as an online student,” Lloyd said.
“There are plenty of opportunities to stay connected and get involved beyond just coursework.”
La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus has more than 30 years supported thousands of graduates to complete university locally, many of whom now live and work in the region across health, education, business, community services and local government.
Lloyd said his MBA would open more doors professionally.
“In my current role as an IT manager, it’s already helping me strengthen my leadership and strategic thinking.”
As Victoria’s only true statewide university, La Trobe has a vital role to play in generating the skilled workforce needed to increase productivity for communities to thrive in regional Victoria and beyond.
La Trobe’s ambition is to reduce the gap between regional and metropolitan participation rates in higher education and drive growth and innovation in regional communities through transformative education, impactful research and vibrant campuses.
