The La Trobe FLEX Scholarship provides tailored support to graduate researchers with disabilities who already hold an RTP or LTGRS stipend. It extends candidature, stipends, and leave of absence while offering a research support allowance. The scholarship aims to maximise opportunities for students with disabilities to complete higher degrees by research at La Trobe University.
La Trobe University is an Australian university with campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura, and Shepparton. It offers this Flexible Research Scholarship to eligible applicants with disabilities who hold or have accepted an RTP or LTGRS stipend. The scholarship is administered through the Graduate Research School and reviewed by the FLEX Advisory Panel.
Benefits of La Trobe FLEX Scholarship 2026
- Stipend valued at $36,000 p.a. (2026 full-time) with up to 18 month extension for doctoral candidates and up to 8 month extension for research masters candidates
- Research support allowance of up to $3,000 per annum for disability-related research costs, such as Auslan interpreters or personal attendant care for conferences
- Candidature extension of up to 12 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates, or up to 6 months (FTE) for Masters by research candidates, subject to visa conditions and approvals for international candidates
- Tuition fee scholarship to cover the period of extended candidature
- RTP or LTGRS stipend extension for up to 18 months (FTE) for doctoral candidates, and up to 8 months (FTE) for Masters by research candidates
- Aggregated total of up to 24 months leave of absence, subject to visa conditions and approvals for international candidates
Eligibility Criteria for the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship 2026
- Currently be receiving a Research Training Program (RTP) stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS) stipend, or have accepted an offer of RTP or LTGRS
- Have a disability attributable to one or more intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairments, or to one or more impairments attributable to a psychiatric condition
- The impairment or impairments are, or are likely to be, permanent
- The impairment or impairments result in substantially reduced functional capacity to undertake, or psychosocial functioning in undertaking, one or more of: communication; social interaction; learning; mobility; self-care; self-management
- Disability may be demonstrated through provision of medical information or evidence that the applicant is a participant in the NDIS
- The candidate’s disability has a demonstrable impact on the pace at which they are able to study that means additional time is required for completion beyond the standard candidature provisions
- Priority is given to applicants who will be undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus
- For doctoral research scholarships, applicants should have completed a Masters by Research or other significant body of research, such as lead authorship of a research thesis or peer-reviewed publication, assessed at a La Trobe Masters by research standard of 70 or above
- For Masters by research scholarships, applicants should have attained the equivalent of at least a high honours 2A grade degree at an Australian university or equivalent from a recognised overseas university
- The FLEX scholarship can only be awarded if the applicant is currently receiving an RTP or LTGRS stipend, or if they are successful in their application for the RTP or LTGRS stipend
How to Apply for La Trobe FLEX
- Download the LTFLEX Scholarship Confidential Statement Form
- Email the completed form and medical evidence of the permanent and ongoing nature of your disability, as discussed in the impact statement in the Form, directly to [email protected] for consideration
- For queries, contact [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
The La Trobe Flexible Research Scholarship (FLEX) supports graduate researchers with disabilities who hold an RTP or La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship stipend. It provides individually tailored support, including extended candidature, stipend extension, leave of absence, and a research support allowance. The scholarship aims to maximise opportunities for students with disabilities to complete higher degrees by research at La Trobe University.
Who can apply for the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
Applicants must currently receive or have accepted an RTP or LTGRS stipend and have a permanent disability attributable to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychiatric impairments. The disability must substantially reduce functional capacity in communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, or self-management, and must demonstrably impact study pace requiring additional time beyond standard candidature.
What funding and benefits does the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship provide?
The scholarship provides a research support allowance of up to $3,000 per annum for disability-related research costs, candidature extension up to 12 months for doctoral candidates or 6 months for Masters by research, tuition fee scholarship for extended candidature, and stipend extension up to 18 months for doctoral or 8 months for Masters by research candidates. It also allows up to 24 months leave of absence.
What is the closing date for the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
The scholarship closes on 31 December 2026. It opened on 1 May 2023 and is currently open. Applicants who are already receiving an RTP or LTGRS stipend, or who have accepted an offer for these stipends, may apply at any time. Applications are considered in the next meeting of the FLEX Advisory Panel.
Do I need to already hold an RTP or LTGRS stipend to apply?
Yes. The FLEX scholarship can only be awarded if you are currently receiving a Research Training Program stipend or a La Trobe University Graduate Research Scholarship stipend, or if you are successful in your application for one of those stipends. New applicants for FLEX will be considered in conjunction with the assessment of a new candidature and scholarship application.
Can international students apply for the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship is open to international students, Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens. However, some supports such as candidature extension and extended leave of absence for international candidates are subject to visa conditions and approvals. International applicants should consider visa requirements when planning their research timeline.
Where is the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship available?
The scholarship is available at La Trobe University’s Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura, and Shepparton campuses. Applicants who will be undertaking their research at a La Trobe University campus are prioritised in selection. The scholarship supports graduate researchers across multiple campus locations.
What does the research support allowance cover?
The research support allowance provides up to $3,000 per annum for research-related costs associated with a disability. Examples include costs for Auslan interpreters or personal attendant care for conferences. The allowance is intended to cover additional expenses that arise because of the candidate’s disability while undertaking research.
How do I apply for the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
Download the LTFLEX Scholarship Confidential Statement Form from the La Trobe University website. Email the completed form and medical evidence of the permanent and ongoing nature of your disability, as discussed in the impact statement in the form, directly to [email protected] for consideration. Your application will be reviewed at the next FLEX Advisory Panel meeting.
Who can I contact for more information about the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship?
For queries about the La Trobe FLEX Scholarship, contact [email protected]. Supporting documentation should be sent directly to [email protected]. These contacts are listed on the official scholarship page, and the Graduate Research School can assist with questions about eligibility, supporting documents, and the application process. The scholarship closes on 31 December 2026.
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