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:
- The first instalment payment of $7,500 to support costs associated with relocation and establishment in a regional or rural community.
- 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