Online enrolments at La Trobe's Shepparton campus have more than doubled, reflecting the success of flexible course delivery and the University's commitment to making higher education more accessible for regional students.
Since 2024, Shepparton saw a 134 per cent increase in online students, equating to just over a third of the entire campus cohort.
Flexible courses along with pathways and career-ready learning will be key themes of this year's Open Day, which will be held at the Shepparton campus on Sunday, 9 August between 9am and 2pm.
Laura Baker, Head of Campus, said students were increasingly seeking flexible pathways into higher education that combined academic study with practical industry experience.
"Students want to know that their degree will lead to meaningful career opportunities, so Open Day is a great opportunity for future students to meet our staff and students and learn how they can gain valuable industry experience as part of their degree," Laura said.
"La Trobe graduates are among the most employable in Victoria, and through placements, internships and work-integrated learning opportunities, we're helping students build the skills, confidence and industry connections they need to succeed in the workforce."
Expanding flexible learning opportunities is a key pillar of La Trobe's Regional Growth and Innovation Strategy 2030, helping more regional students access university education without leaving their local communities.
For Lloyd Eldred, an IT leader in healthcare, La Trobe was an obvious choice to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), specialising in AI, analytics and cybersecurity.
"I looked at a number of universities before making my decision. La Trobe stood out because it offered exactly what I was looking for," Lloyd said.
"Studying online meant that I could continue working full-time, while living in regional Victoria. Having a local campus in Shepparton gave me the reassurance that support was always close by if I needed it."
Lloyd said Open Day wasn't just for school leavers, with the event helping people at all stages of life and their careers explore new study and professional opportunities.
"I've attended several La Trobe Open Days over the past seven years in Bendigo and Bundoora, originally to help my children explore their university options," Lloyd said.
"Ironically, it was during a conversation with staff at the Shepparton campus Open Day that the focus shifted from my children to me. They took the time to understand my career goals, explained the study options available and helped me realise that returning to university was achievable.
"That conversation ultimately led me to enrol in my MBA and I haven't looked back."
Open Day will feature a dedicated pathways hub showcasing La Trobe's strong partnerships with GOTAFE and the University of Melbourne, helping future students navigate study options and career pathways at every stage of their education journey.
It was through these partnerships that proud Noongar and Gunditjmara woman Jayde Couzens was able to navigate a supported pathway from school to vocational education and university, and into a rewarding career in healthcare.
After leaving school before VCE following the birth of her son Allakai, Jayde moved to Shepparton and later returned to education through the Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE), where she completed her Year 12 studies.
Keen to explore a career in healthcare, Jayde participated in a gap year program with ASHE and GV Health while completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through GOTAFE. She then progressed to a Diploma of Nursing at GOTAFE before beginning her graduate year as an Enrolled Nurse at GV Health.
Over the next three years, Jayde gained hands-on experience across medical, rehabilitation and surgical wards before taking the next step in her career by enrolling in a Bachelor of Nursing at La Trobe University.
"I really loved starting as an enrolled nurse because it gave me a strong foundation and helped build my confidence before studying at university," Jayde said.
Jayde graduated in May and has commenced her graduate year at GV Health as a registered nurse.
But she's determined this won't be the end of her tertiary journey, with aspirations of becoming a nurse practitioner and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal women.
"I've always loved learning. Knowledge is power, and it gives you the confidence to believe in yourself and take the next step," Jayde said.
- Register to Open Day here.
