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Funding Guidelines: Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program

Read full details of the Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program.

Victoria’s healthcare workforce faces long-standing pressures that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid increased demand for care, ongoing action is needed to address issues regarding the supply and distribution of the healthcare workforce. The Victorian Government is implementing a range of initiatives to support Victoria’s healthcare workforce including increased support for regional and rural areas.

Speech pathologists and occupational therapists are two important professions that assist those living with a disability. In 2020, only a quarter of these workforces were based in regional and rural areas. As a result, workforce shortages since the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted regional and rural healthcare significantly.

Funding purpose

The Department of Health (the department) is awarding grants to incentivise final year students in speech pathology and occupational therapy to practise in regional and rural Victoria (including Victorian cross border communities).

The grants aim to:

  • Grow the number of speech pathologists and occupational therapists working in regional and rural Victoria, in public or private health and educational settings.
  • Support grant recipients to move, settle and integrate into rural and regional communities.
  • Improve access to speech pathology and occupational therapy for those living in regional and rural areas.

From 2024 to 2026 inclusive, up to 436 grants of $15,000 each are available upon course completion for domestic and international graduates working in regional and rural Victoria.

Program overview

The grants comprise a maximum of $15,000 and will be delivered in two instalment payments paid six months apart. These include:

  • The first instalment payment of $7,500 to support costs associated with relocation and establishment in a regional or rural community.
  • A second instalment payment of $7,500 if still employed in regional or rural health or educational setting at the time of the second payment.

Applicants must apply in the program year that corresponds with their year of course completion. For example, applicants who complete, or are expected to complete, their course in 2024, must apply in Year 2.

This program is funded through the Victorian Government Department of Health and is administered on behalf the State of Victoria by its departments, including the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and the Department of Government Services.

Funding guidelines

Updated