Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student Grant Program (Australia)

Aims

• 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.

Funding Information

• 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.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the grants under this Program in 2024, 2025 and 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements relating to:

• Residency:
  • An Australian citizen
  • A New Zealand citizen (or hold dual citizenship of either Australia or New Zealand)
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • Holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa, or
  • Holder of another valid visa permitting the applicant to work in their chosen profession in Australia (in either speech pathology or occupational therapy).
• Employment:
  • Employment location;
    • Employment as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist in a Victorian regional or rural location (including cross border communities).
    • The location must be in the 48 regional local government areas (LGAs).
  • Professional registration;
    • For occupational therapists, maintain current professional registration throughout the grant payment period.
  • Employment start;
    • Commence employment by 31 March of the year the grant is delivered.
    • Year 1: Applicants must commence employment by 31 March 2024
    • Year 2: Applicants must commence employment by 31 March 2025
    • Year 3: Applicants must commence employment by 31 March 2026.
  • Employment hours;
    • Full-time or part-time (minimum 0.4 full-time equivalent hours).
    • Employment contract length;
    • The minimum contract length to be eligible for the first payment is six months.
    • The minimum contract length to be eligible for both payments is 12 months.
    • Applicants providing a contract of less than 12 months will be required to provide further documentation to receive the second instalment payment.
• Education (Education completion):
  • Applicants must successfully complete an approved program of study in either speech pathology or occupational therapy, and submit a copy of their official academic transcript, by the application closing date.
  • Applicants must apply in the program year that corresponds with their year of course completion:
    • Applicants who complete or are expected to complete their program of study in 2023, must apply in Year 1.
    • Applicants who complete or are expected to complete their program of study in 2024 must apply in Year 2.
    • Applicants who complete or are expected to complete their program of study in 2025 must apply in Year 3.

Ineligibility criteria

• The following applicants are ineligible for this grant:
  • Students who have completed an approved program of study in occupational therapy or speech pathology before 1 March 2023.
  • Students who complete their final year of an approved program of study after 24 February 2026.
  • Applicants who are not employed as a speech pathologist or occupational therapist in a regional or rural based health or educational setting in Victoria or its border communities as outlined.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must apply online. Applications must be submitted by the Grant Program closure dates published on the program’s website.
  • Applicants must provide the following information and documentation in support of their application:
    • Name of educational institution and program of study.
    • Student ID number from applicant’s educational institution.
    • Unique student identifier number.
    • Copy of official academic transcript showing course completion from applicant’s educational institution.
    • Applicant must attest to having working rights for Australia.
    • Ahpra registration number (for occupational therapists only) if applicable.
    • Signed contract of employment that includes the employer’s name, address and Australian Business Number (ABN), the applicant’s name and full-time equivalent hours as well as the contract duration.
    • Australian bank account details for where the grant payments are to be made.
  • Proof of identity: The applicant must be the person who applies for the grant and must provide on the application form information from one of the following current ‘proof of identity’ documents:
    • Australian passport or New Zealand passport.
    • Medicare card.
    • Victorian driver licence or learner permit.
    • Foreign passport for those issued with an Australian visa.

For more information, visit State Government of Victoria.