La Trobe University is welcoming thousands of students to its campuses this week, including hundreds of newly arrived international students who are about to commence their studies in Australia.
Exceeding the University's expectations, more than 2000 international students are on track to enrol in a wide range of courses, including business, nursing, allied health, dentistry, pharmacy, computer science and engineering.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said it was wonderful to welcome a new cohort to the University and see students enjoying campus life.
"Each year our campuses become increasingly vibrant and full of life, with students enjoying our cafes and study spaces, picturesque grounds, and events designed to connect them with teaching staff and fellow students," Professor Dewar said.
"We know how hard our students have worked to get here - particularly those whose final years of school were disrupted by the pandemic. It's fantastic to see people at all stages of life gaining new knowledge and skills for their future careers."
Professor Dewar said although subjects that are normally delivered in-person have all returned to campus, students still have the option of completing many subjects online.
"As became apparent during COVID, many of our students value the flexibility of choice between online and on-campus studies. For some students, this can be a critical factor in whether they are able to attend university," Professor Dewar said.
"We are therefore continuing to offer online or hybrid options, in addition to on-campus, for many of our subjects, making study accessible for everyone. Some international students also remain offshore and we are providing those students with online classes until they can arrive on campus."
La Trobe University's Pro Vice-Chancellor (Regional) Associate Professor Melanie Bish said that flexibility extends to regional students who are studying online, who live near one of the University's four regional campuses.
"Through our Regional Connect program, students studying fully or partly online, or on-campus, have access to a range of exciting services and events - such as introductions to local businesses and industries, social activities and special lectures," Associate Professor Bish said.
"This means that, regardless of where they do most of their study, students feel part of our campus community and can make the most of their time at La Trobe."
Orientation Week activities run across all campuses from 20 February, including workshops on study skills and academic writing, opportunities to meet with staff and other students, markets, live music and club activities, before semester one begins on Monday 27 February.
