Why We’re Offering Placement Travel Support
Our new Placement Travel Support offers $50 in petrol, or public transport vouchers so you can focus on your professional learning – not your wallet. La Trobe Student Union believes no student should have to choose between finishing their degree and paying for fuel or a train ticket. Until bigger systemic changes are made, we’re stepping in with practical help.
Many La Trobe students told us that unpaid placements are creating real financial stress. Our Student Placement Poverty research revealed that students often struggle to cover basic needs – rent, food, and transport – while completing compulsory placements. Some even delay or abandon their studies because the cost of simply getting to placement is too high.
While the federal government’s new Commonwealth Prac Payment helps students in teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work, many courses with mandatory placements – like allied health – receive no support at all. Because of this, we’re starting this support by focusing on those La Trobe Bundoora students who don’t receive the Commonwealth Prac Payments. That’s anyone doing a placement not in teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work.
How to Apply for Placement Travel Support
Check You’re Eligible
- You are currently enrolled as a La Trobe University Melbourne Bundoora campus student.
- You are completing a mandatory placement as part of your course.
- Your placement is NOT part of a La Trobe teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work (These placements get Commonwealth Prac Payments).
- You have not already applied for travel support this semester. (Only one application per semester is allowed.)
Gather Your Details
Before you start the form, have this ready:
- Student number
- Course name (e.g., Bachelor of Nursing)
- Placement details: placement address, start and end dates
Choose Your Voucher Type
Select one option worth $50 (must be used during your placement):
- 🚗 Petrol vouchers
- 🚆 Public transport vouchers (e.g., Myki)
Submit Your Application
Wait for Confirmation
- You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is reviewed.
- Vouchers will be emailed or posted to you before or during your placement so you can use them right away.
Tips
- Apply early, processing can take up to 7 business days.
- Make sure your details are correct. Incomplete applications can delay support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply?
Any current La Trobe University Melbourne Bundoora campus student who is completing a mandatory course placement NOT part of a La Trobe teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work (These placements get Commonwealth Prac Payments). The student union only represents students on this campus.
- How many times can I apply for a travel voucher?
One application only per semester
- How much support can I get?
You can choose one voucher worth $50 per semester. You can pick petrol or public transport vouchers.
- Can I combine voucher types or apply for more than one?
No. You must choose one type of voucher for each semester and can only apply once per semester.
- What details do I need to provide?
You must give us your student number, course name, and your placement details, including the address and placement dates.
- When should I apply?
Apply as soon as you know your placement details so your vouchers arrive before or during your placement.
- How long does approval take?
Applications are usually processed within 7 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your vouchers are ready.
- How will I receive my vouchers?
You’ll get an email with instructions or a collection location for your digital or physical vouchers, depending on the type you selected.
- What if my placement changes?
If your placement address or dates change, email LTSU.Reception(@)latrobe.edu.au immediately with your updated details.
- I’m a Bendigo, Sydney, Shepperton, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, online or City campus student. Can I apply?
No. This program is currently only for Melbourne Bundoora campus students represented by La Trobe Student Union.
- Can I re-apply next semester?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and have not already received support for that semester.
- Why is the Student Union offering travel vouchers?
Because placement poverty is real. Our research shows many students struggle to afford travel, rent, and food while completing unpaid placements. By helping with transport costs, we want to make sure money is less of a barrier to finishing your degree.
- Isn’t the government already paying students on placement?
The Commonwealth Prac Payment gives weekly support to some students in teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work, but many La Trobe students, especially in allied health and other courses, don’t qualify. Our vouchers help fill that gap.
- Shouldn’t the university cover these costs?
Yes – we believe it should. The Student Union has been calling on La Trobe to fully support students on placements, but until the university steps up, we’re providing practical help now.
- Is this a long-term program?
We hope so! We’ll keep running it as long as we have funding and as long as students need it. We’re also pushing for bigger systemic changes so that eventually all placements are fully funded.
- How does this fit with the Placement Poverty Report?
Our 2023 and 2025 reports revealed that students often have to choose between basic living costs and completing their placement. This travel support is one of the key actions we’re taking to address those findings and advocate for broader reform.
LTSU Placement Travel Support – Terms and Conditions
1. About Placement Travel Support
LTSU Placement Travel Support is a financial assistance initiative provided by La Trobe Student Union (LTSU).
It offers a $50 petrol or public transport voucher to help eligible students cover travel costs associated with mandatory course placements.
This support is intended to reduce financial barriers to completing placements and is not ongoing financial assistance.
2. Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Placement Travel Support, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Be a currently enrolled La Trobe University student
- Be studying at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
- Be completing a mandatory placement as part of your course
- Your placement must NOT be part of teaching, nursing, midwifery, or social work programs that receive Commonwealth Prac Payments
- Have not received Placement Travel Support in the current semester
Not eligible:
- La Trobe College students
- Students from other campuses (Bendigo, Sydney, Shepparton, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, City, or online-only students)
- Students undertaking placements eligible for Commonwealth Prac Payments
- La Trobe Student Union Office Bearers
LTSU reserves the right to verify enrolment and placement status.
3. Nature of the Support
- The program provides one voucher valued at $50 per semester
- Students must choose either a petrol voucher or a public transport voucher (e.g., Myki)
- The voucher must be used in relation to placement travel
This support is limited and subject to available funding.
4. How the Support Can Be Used
The Placement Travel Support voucher is intended for travel costs related to placements, including:
- Fuel for personal vehicles
- Public transport costs (e.g. trains, trams, buses)
LTSU may decline or adjust support if the requested use does not align with the purpose of the program.
5. Application Process
To apply, you must:
- Complete the official application form
- Provide accurate personal, course, and placement details (including address and dates)
- Select your preferred voucher type
- Submit any requested supporting documents (e.g. placement confirmation)
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
6. Assessment and Approval
- Applications are assessed by LTSU staff only
- Office bearers (student representatives) do not access applications
- Decisions are based on:
- Eligibility
- Verification of placement requirements
- Available funding
Applications are typically processed within 7 business days.
All decisions made by LTSU are final.
7. Payment and Delivery
- Approved students will receive one $50 voucher
- Vouchers may be delivered digitally or physically
- Delivery details will be provided via email
- Vouchers cannot be:
- Transferred to another person
- Exchanged for cash
- Reissued if lost
8. Limits and Fair Use
- Students may receive one Placement Travel Support voucher per semester
- Multiple applications within the same semester will be declined
- Providing false or misleading information may result in:
- Rejection of the application
- Ineligibility for future support
9. Confidentiality and Privacy
- All applications are confidential
- Information is only accessed by authorised LTSU staff
- Your data is:
- Stored securely
- Used only for assessing your application
- Managed in line with LTSU privacy policies
10. Program Availability
- LTSU Placement Travel Support is subject to funding availability
- The program may be:
- Changed
- Paused
- Ended at any time without notice
11. Additional Support
If you need further assistance, LTSU may refer you to:
- University support services
- Community organisations
- Financial or wellbeing services
12. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting an application, you confirm that:
- The information you provided is true and correct
- You understand and agree to these Terms and Conditions