“Peer review and interactive learning, the ability to ask questions and watch is a powerful learning tool. It is not commonly appreciated for those in the large hospitals where contacts is present daily.”

Support for Rural Specialists in Australia
A continuing professional development grants program
We give up to $10K to help you complete CPD
Because rural health depends on rural specialists
You must work in rural Australia (Modified Monash 2-7) and be part of a (non-GP) specialist medical college as:
CPD activities must be completed in Australia or New Zealand within the grant round timeframe.
Selection is done by initial ranking then review by a selection panel, which preferences:
Apply by completing our online application form (February to April).
We will notify all applicants of their outcome via email (June).
If successful you will receive your grant and complete your CPD activity between July and December.
“Peer review and interactive learning, the ability to ask questions and watch is a powerful learning tool. It is not commonly appreciated for those in the large hospitals where contacts is present daily.”
“Lots of hands on and mentored case reading means I feel more confident to tackle live cases on a daily basis on return to the practice. This has been a very easy and gratifying process and I am very grateful for the opportunity this funding process has afforded me.”
“I think that this is an essential part of rural and regional practice support as due to geographic and practical difficulties it is much more difficult for rural practitioners to get to appropriate continuing professional educational events.”
“I have expertise in my subspecialty area of civil forensic assessments that I did not previously have; this is an internationally certified expert status. I feel highly supported professionally and engaged in an isolated major regional area with little opportunities for professional development.”
“This program provides excellent support and encouragement for maintaining/enhancing abilities and skills for rural specialists. Some components of the course (cadaveric workshop/veterinary laboratory) would never be available in my regional place of practice and significantly enhanced my learning at the workshop.”
The maximum is $10,000 per activity, per round. You can apply for up to three activities, but can only receive funding for one.
Yes, although you will only be awarded a grant for one activity. If you are applying for multiple activities, it is a good idea to rank them in order of your preference.
From Grant Round 7 onwards, CPD activities can be completed in Australia and (if they are college events) New Zealand.
For all previous rounds, CPD activities can only be completed in Australia.
Unfortunately, no.
All CPD activities must be requested prospectively and completed within the Grant Round activity window (15 months).
To increase your chances:
Often applications exceed available grant funds. If you miss out, please re-apply during the next round.
The Assessment Panel may consider requests to complete components of individual university level study e.g. courses and workshops. The proposed course(s) must be completed within the designated Grant Round activity window.
Once you have completed your activity, we will ask you to send us your receipts and complete a short evaluation survey. Once this is done, we will reimburse you for your expenses into your nominated bank account.
If you have any difficulties attending your CPD activity please contact us.
You may be able to attend an alternative activity but will need to get permission in writing. To apply for a change, simply send us details of why you were unable to attend your approved activity along with the proposed replacement activity.
Your total grant amount won’t change and you will have to complete the new activity within the grant round timeframe.