Victorian nursing students undertaking mental health clinical placements in rural and regional Victoria are encouraged to apply for a new weekly grant.
The Allan Government is offering $575 a week, up to a maximum $7500, for students undertaking a mental health placement at an eligible health service.
Bachelor of Nursing Degree, Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and Diploma of Nursing students are eligible to apply.
The pilot program is part of the Allan Government’s response to the rural mental health services workforce shortages identified by mental health royal commission identified as a critical priority.
Students can use the financial assistance 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.
The Pathways to Practice Incentive Grants are a one-off initiative to encourage students of nursing, occupational therapy, social work and psychology to complete mental health placements in rural and regional Victoria and encourage interest in future employment in these areas.
The Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) is administering the 520 available grants. Applications close 31 December 2026, unless the grants are fully allocated earlier.
Students who complete placements from 1 January 2026 may apply retrospectively.
