PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONCESSIONS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
Every other state gives grads a concession fare. Victoria doesn't. Let's change that.
Graduate students in Victoria are not entitled to concession public transport fares, which means they pay twice as much for public transport as undergraduates. Victoria is the only state in Australia that makes graduate students pay full price! It's not fiar, and it's time to change that!
With the price of rent, groceries and bills rising all the time, making life harder for graduate students, affordable public transport is more important than ever.
Despite the Victorian Government's recent initiatives to introduce free public transport for a limited period (April-May 2026) and discounted fares later in the year, the MGA are lobbying the government to extend permanent concession entitlements to all full-time graduate students, both domestic and international.
MGA'S PETITION TO STATE PARLIAMENT
To kick off the campaign, the MGA has launced a petition with the Victorian Parliament. Reaching 10,000 signatures by 3 August 2026 will trigger a formal parliamentary debate on extending concession fares to graduate students.
Hitting this target will show strong community backing for the proposal. And with a state election approaching, securing a debate will help put graduate student concessions firmly on the political agenda.
We need your help to spread the word. The petition is open to anyone living in Victoria - not just graduate students - so share it widely.
SIGN THE PETITION
JOIN OUR PTV CAMPAIGN'S MAILING LIST
CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Seeking support from local government
In May 2026, the MGA met with Frankston City Council and the Mayor of Glen Eira City Council, which are home to Monash's Peninsula and Caulfield campuses. During these meetings, the MGA highlighted key issues impacting graduate students, including the rising cost of public transport.
Mayor of Glen Eira Council, Simone Zmood, with MGA's Campaigns Officer, Jack Kennedy.
Mayor Simone Zmood (pictured above) expressed strong support for the campaign. As a current PhD student at Monash and a parent of two Monash graduates, she brings both personal and professional insight into how transport costs affect students' financial wellbeing.
Collaborating with other universities in Victoria: Campaign Forum
In April 2026, the MGA took part in a roundtable with representatives from six Victorian universities to align on a coordinated campaign for graduate transport concessions. The discussion focused on combining efforts and resources to strengthen our collective voice -- particularly in the lead-up to the November state election.
MGA General Representative, Jingrong Wang, and Campaign Officer, Jack Kennedy, at state-wide PTV roundtable.
Building support and momentum
We are working to build broad support for graduate student concessions, starting within Monash University. Two undergraduate student organisations, MONSU Caulfield and MONSU Peninsula, have already endorsed the campaign and shared our petition with their members. They highlighted the importance of solidarity between undergraduate and graduate students, noting that this issue has wider relevance - particularly as many undergraduates will go on to postgraduate study in the future. Thank you, MONSU Caulfield and MONSU Peninsula!
Beyond the unversity section, we are also strengthening community support by partnering with Friends of the Earth and the Public Transport Users Association. Both organisations advocate for improved public transport and have agreed to circulate our petition among their networks and continue collaborating as the campaign develops.
The research driving the campaign
To strengthen our case for graduate transport concessions, the MGA undertook detailed research and developed a comprehensive policy report. The report identifies key weaknesses in the government's position that graduate students do not require discounted travel, and outlines the inequity of excluding postgraduate students from the same concessions available to undergraduates.
This research was completed prior to launching the campaign to ensure our advocacy is grounded in clear, coherent, and evidence-based arguments when engaging with policymakers and key stakeholders.
If you're facing financial hardship, please know that the MGA offers a Welfare Assistance Program and other support programs to assist you. We also have a range of support guides with lists of resources for financial, mental health, and academic success to support you through your graduate studies journey.
Have questions, contributions, or ideas for lobbying? Get in touch with our Campaigns Officer, Jack Kennedy (jack.kennedy@monash.edu) to get involved in our advocacy efforts.