Following representations from La Trobe University Postgraduate Association after the introduction of fees for postgraduate coursework programs, a Fees Liaison Group was formed as a working party of the Vice-Chancellor's Advisory Committee. The Fees Liaison Group negotiated with the Student Loan Fund and the Credit Co-operative to develop loans packages. Together the packages will be useful means of enabling current and future permanent resident students to complete postgraduate courses at La Trobe. In brief, the University's own Student Loan Fund can now be utilised for the direct payment of course fees. The Fund is means tested, and is available to enrolled permanent resident students who are deemed to be ineligible for a commercial loan.
Loans are interest-free but require a guarantor.
The Credit Co-Op's loan package is in the form of a direct payment made to the Faculties on behalf of the student. A competitive interest rate applies under the usual conditions of a personal loan, and no guarantor is required. An outline of both schemes is attached.