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Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program

Grants for speech pathology and occupational therapy graduates working in rural and regional Victoria.

The Victorian Government is offering grants to incentivise final year students in speech pathology and occupational therapy to work in regional and rural Victoria upon their course completion, as part of our commitment to improving access to essential allied health services. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply below.

Program overview

Final year students in speech pathology and occupational therapy who will work in regional and rural Victoria can apply for a grant, upon course completion. Up to 436 grants of $15,000 each, are available from 2024 to 2026 inclusive.

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

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

Funding is provided by the Department of Health and delivered in partnership with the Department of Government Services.

Next Steps

The application period for second instalment payments commenced in September 2025.

Before applying please read the Funding Guidelines for details and the Frequently asked questions (FAQ) which aim to assist prospective applicants with interpreting the guidelines.

Contact spots@grants.vic.gov.au with any questions.

Round 3 applications

Key Dates - Year 3 (2025-26)

  • Applications open for year 3 applicants

    28 October 2025

  • Applications close for year 3 applicants

    24 February 2026

  • First instalment payment administered for year 3 applicants

    May 2026

  • Application period for second instalment payment for year 3 applicants

    September 2026

  • Second instalment payment administered for year 3 applicants

    November 2026

  • Program closes

    December 2026

Key Dates - Year 2 (2024-25)

  • Application period for second instalment payment for year 2 applicants

    September 2025

  • Second instalment payment administered for year 2 applicants

    November 2025

  • Application period for second instalment payment for year 3 applicants

    September 2026

  • Program closes

    December 2026

Updated