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Regional disability worker scholarships

Scholarships to help disability support students qualify and start their careers in regional and rural areas.
What's on this page

About the program

The Victorian Government is helping more disability workers to deliver services in regional and rural Victoria. It is doing this by providing financial support to complete a course in disability.

The Regional Disability Worker Scholarships support regional and rural Victorians with the financial cost of their studies. These costs include the unpaid placement part of their disability course. This will allow students to:

  • gain the experience they need to work in the disability sector
  • complete their studies
  • start fulfilling careers in regional and rural disability services.

Eligible students can apply for scholarships of $3,500.

Round 1 applications opened on Monday 25 November 2024 and closed on Friday 20 December 2024.

Who is eligible to apply

This program is available for domestic students living in regional and rural Victoria.

Scholarships of $3,500 will be available to those studying with an approved Victorian training provider. The students must have unpaid placement hours in 2024 and/or 2025 as part of the:

  • Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (CHC33021), or
  • Certificate IV in Disability Support (CHC43121).

A limited number of scholarships will be available. Priority will be given to the following applicants:

  • students from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
  • students with disabilities
  • students in regional areas with high workforce needs
  • students studying the Certificate IV in Disability Support (CHC43121)

Please read the application guidelines for more information on the eligibility criteria.

The program uses student data to assess students’ eligibility. Please make sure your personal and enrolment information is up to date with your training provider before you apply.

Eligibility considerations

You will not be eligible for a scholarship if you are:

  • undertaking a traineeship (as the program’s aim is to support students doing unpaid placement hours).
  • a student who is living interstate. This includes people who are completing a course through distance education.
  • a student who is enrolled with an interstate training provider. This includes people who are living in Victoria.
  • currently deferred or taking a leave of absence.

Students who have previously applied but were unsuccessful may apply in future rounds if they meet eligibility criteria at that time.

How to apply

Applications for round 1 closed on 20 December 2024.

Key dates

  • Notification of round 1 application outcomes - March 2025
  • Round 1 payments - from March 2025

Rounds 2 and 3 are expected to open in 2025 and 2026. More details will be updated on this page as they are confirmed.

Payment information

You will be notified of the outcome of your round 1 application in March 2025.

Payments of $3,500 will be made to successful scholarship recipients from March 2025.

Changes to placements or withdrawal from study

Please note you may not be able to claim the scholarship payment if you:

  • do not undertake your unpaid placement
  • withdraw from your program of study or
  • take a leave of absence

Supporting documents

More information

For student queries please contact RDWS@grants.vic.gov.au.

For training provider or sector enquiries, please contact rdws@dffh.vic.gov.au.

Disability support work courses are available as part of the Victorian Government's Free TAFE program. To find out more visit Free TAFE webpage.