The Victorian Government has launched a new round of grants through the Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy Student (SPOTS) Grant Program, offering up to $15,000 for students moving to regional Victoria. This initiative aims to make critical allied health services more accessible by supporting speech pathology and occupational therapy students who relocate to areas outside Melbourne.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas highlighted the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare across the state.
“All Victorians should be able to access the care and support they need, no matter where they live – this program is playing an important role in delivering more specialist health services in our regional towns,” Minister Thomas said.
The SPOTS program provides domestic and international students with financial aid to cover accommodation and moving expenses, easing the transition into rural communities. Last year, the initiative awarded over $1.5 million to 108 students, part of a larger $7.5 million commitment that will provide more than 430 grants until 2026.
Early beneficiaries like Claudia, now an Occupational Therapist at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton, attest to the program’s impact.
“Thanks to the grant, the move from Melbourne to Shepparton after completing my studies was made much easier. It meant I could settle into my new surroundings and focus on starting my new role,” she shared.
Part of the government’s broader $270 million investment to expand Victoria’s healthcare workforce, the SPOTS program aligns with efforts to make nursing and midwifery studies free, with a goal of training and recruiting 17,000 nurses and midwives across the state.
Applications for the SPOTS program are open and can be submitted at health.vic.gov.au/speech-pathology-and-occupational-therapy-student-grant-program.
Minister Thomas encouraged students to seize this opportunity to build fulfilling careers in regional Victoria.
“This program is not only helping to grow our regional health workforce but also kickstarting the careers of young, talented speech pathologists and occupational therapists,” Minister Thomas said.