Regional disability worker scholarships

Round 3 applications will open on Tuesday 21 July 2026. 

To get updates on round 3 scholarships, please fill in the mailing list form. 

About the program

The Victorian Government is helping to increase the number of disability workers 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.

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 people studying with an approved Victorian training provider. At the time of applications assessment, the applicants must be a student or recent graduate of:

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

Students doing a dual Ageing and Disability specialisation of the Certificate III in Individual Support may be eligible.

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).

Read the application guidelines for more information on the eligibility criteria.

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

Student data must be up to date in the Skills Victorian Training System (SVTS). This includes data on enrolments and commencements. SVTS data will be used to verify eligibility for scholarships.

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 living interstate. This includes people who are completing a course through distance education.
• a student 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

A link to the application form will be published here on Tuesday 21 July 2026.

Round 3 key dates

• Applications open – Tuesday 21 July 2026
• Applications close – 4 pm Tuesday 15 September 2026
• Application assessments – October 2026
• Notification of application outcomes – December 2026
• Payments – December 2026.

Round 3 is the final round of the Regional Worker Disability Scholarships program.

Application outcome

We will tell you about the outcome of your round 3 application in December 2026.

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
• take a leave of absence.

Guidelines and FAQ

Disability worker registration and code of conduct

We encourage all disability workers to register for the free disability worker registration scheme.

Registration provides extra checks to the NDIS Worker Screening about a worker’s:

• skills and qualifications
• experience
• commitment to doing professional development. 

All disability workers in Victoria must also follow the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct. For more information, please visit the VDWC Disability Worker Code of Conduct page. 

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.