La Trobe University has welcomed the Commonwealth Government's announcement in last night's Budget of funding for additional university places and short courses, as well as funding for research and for industry and community engagement projects.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said the Government's investment recognises the importance of universities in educating the workforce and in conducting pioneering research to drive innovation.
"As COVID-19 continues to have a profound impact on Australia, now more than ever universities like La Trobe play a crucial role in offering wide-ranging, flexible degrees that lead to jobs, as well as re-skilling those whose careers may been impacted by the pandemic," Professor Dewar said.
"As we are seeing a significant increase in demand for both our undergraduate and short courses - such as our popular Graduate Certificate in Mental Health - these additional student places and short courses are welcomed."
Professor Dewar said research and industry engagement will be pivotal in helping Australia's recovery.
"La Trobe's ambitious University City of the Future plan for Melbourne's north is the perfect synergy between our world-leading research, our highly employable graduates and our enduring community and industry partnerships - leading to innovation and economic growth.
"This dynamic model is replicated across our campuses in regional Victoria, where we enable greater access to higher education leading to jobs, where we conduct research to address critical local and national issues, and where our engagement with community is essential."
