Turning Education on Its Head: The Upside-Down Advantage
At La Trobe University’s Melbourne campus, there stands an upside-down statue of its namesake,
Charles La Trobe. This isn’t a mistake; it’s a bold visual metaphor for the university’s mission to “turn
education on its head”. Ranked in the top 250 worldwide, La Trobe is focused on providing “different
ways into” higher education.
The Aspire Early Entry Program
La Trobe understands that a student is more than just their ATAR score. Their Aspire program offers early entry based on community contribution and leadership, providing a pathway for those who have already made a difference in their communities. This approach prioritizes well-rounded citizens over standardized test-takers.
Industry-Embedded Health and Business
La Trobe offers unique multidisciplinary degreesthat blend business fundamentals with health sciences. Students gain real-world experience throughwork-integrated learning projects and overseas exchange opportunities. This ensures that whetherthey are digital content producers or historians, they have a solid foundation in modern business.
Seven Campuses, Infinite Paths
With seven campuses across Melbourne, regional Victoria,and Sydney, La Trobe provides local access to a global education. This regional footprint is matchedby an impressive employment outcome: 93.7% of domestic undergraduates are in full-time workwithin three years of graduatings.
Takeaway
If the traditional “name and mark” system of university entry feels backward, isn’t it
time for a university that actually turns the system on its head?