General News
24 April, 2026
Grants to grow mental health workforce
APPLICATIONS are now open for the ‘Pathways to Practice’ incentive grants to encourage students to complete mental health placements in rural and regional Victoria.
The grants are a one-off initiative to encourage students of occupational therapy, social work, nursing and psychology to complete mental health placements across the region.
Students can receive $575 a week, up to a maximum of $7500, for undertaking a mental health placement at an eligible health service.
The grants can be used to pay for travel to and from the region; for accommodation while on placement; for commuting between home and work during shift hours, or for other relocation-related expenses.
Regional and rural health services can also access up to $30,000 to deliver initiatives to enhance student experiences during their placement.
This can include initiatives that help students to feel supported and welcomed in the local community, or initiatives that otherwise add to their placement experience.
By addressing financial and structural barriers, the program aims to increase student interest in and ability to undertake a rural and regional mental health placement and strengthen interest in future employment in these areas.
Grants are being administered by the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV).
Applications are open now until December 2026 or until all grants have been filled.
Grants are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students can apply directly by visiting Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) - Pathways to Practice Incentives.
Health Services interested in applying for the grants can email mentalhealth@rwav.com.au for more information.
