Frequently asked questions
No, grants are not awarded based on academic performance.
The number of available grants is capped at 436 from 2024 to 2026. Where demand for grants exceeds the number available, the Victorian Government reserves the right to issue a prioritisation criteria. Priority may be given to applicants employed in locations by rurality as defined by the Modified Monash Model.
Yes, if you provide appropriate evidence of employment as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist in regional or rural Victoria or any of the cross-border communities listed (as specified in the eligibility criteria) for the duration of the program, you are eligible for this grant program.
Yes, if you meet the residency requirements to work as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist in Australia, you are eligible for this grant.
Yes, but you must already have obtained the residency or VISA requirements to work in Australia and provide a signed employment contract in an eligible employment location.
An eligible employer is an employer of speech pathologists or occupational therapists where the the employment location is in a regional or rural area of Victoria including cross border communities.
If your employment date with an eligible employer commences on or later than 31 March 2024, 2025, or 2026, you will not be eligible to receive payments for that round of grants. Please contact the Department of Government Services by sending an email to spots@grants.vic.gov.au if you would like your case to be considered as a special circumstance.
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is the number assigned to all students enrolled at an academic institution in Australia. A USI can be obtained at usi.gov.au.
The Department of Government Services may contact you to provide evidence of your enrolment or course completion at an international education provider.
We recommend that you consider taking a regional or rural placement as a student, research the area and use this opportunity to engage in social activities in the community and workplace.
- Mentoring and professional development in-services provided by your workplace
- Professional mentoring and courses through the professional associations Speech Pathology Australia and Occupational Therapy Australia.
- Rural workforce agency Victoria offers a range of grants to support allied health professionals and students in regional and rural Victoria. Please see the website for further information.
If you are enrolled in any accredited program of study in occupational therapy or speech pathology (including undergraduate courses, graduate entry to practice courses and other post graduate courses listed above) you are eligible for this grant.
You must notify the Department of Government Services if there are any changes to your circumstances during the grant period. If you submit a claim for the second payment, you will be required to provide an updated employment contract that reflects your current employment for a further six months.
You can contact the Department of Government Services by sending an email to spots@grants.vic.gov.au.
You must submit a signed employment contract to be eligible for a grant. A letter of offer that meets the employment contract requirements as outlined in the Funding Guidelines may be accepted as evidence of secured employment.
You can contact the Department of Government Services by sending an email to spots@grants.vic.gov.au.
You can contact the Department of Government Services by sending an email to spots@grants.vic.gov.au.
Yes, provided you fulfil a minimum 0.4 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) at a regional/rural location.
Yes, eligibility is based on employment location not residency in a regional or rural area in Victoria or border community
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