Better health and ageing for all Australians

Medical Specialists

Specialist Training Program (STP)

The Specialist Training Program provides support to enable medical specialist trainees to rotate through an expanded range of settings beyond traditional public teaching hospitals.

From 1 January 2010 the Specialist Training Program (STP) became the single platform for Commonwealth grants support for specialist training inititatives. The aims and objectives of this program are to:

  • increase the capacity of the health workforce to train specialists;
  • better train specialists with education that matches the nature of demand and reflects the way health services are delivered;
  • develop networked specialist training arrangements, which are:
        • integrated series of accredited training sites focusing on providing health care, through which trainees may rotate in the pursuit of specialist qualification;
        • based on health service delivery requirements of a region with the education potential of training sites being matched to the health service delivery potential inherent in increased availability of a specialist trainee workforce.
The level of funding available for training posts is a salary contribution of $100,000 (ex GST) per FTE. Posts in rural locations may also be provided with rural loadings, of up to $20,000 (ex GST) per FTE.

In addition to establishing specialist training posts, the program also provides funds for a range of support activities, including:

    • clinical supervision of up to $30,000 (ex GST) per annum and training infrastructure of up to $10,000 (ex GST) every three years for all private sector STP training;
    • developing system wide education and infrastructure support projects to enhance training opportunities for eligible trainees; and
    • developing support projects aimed at Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) to assist these doctors gain Fellowship in a timely and efficient manner.

Private sector clinical supervision and training infrastructure allowance

Currently funded STP training posts in the private sector may apply for a private sector clinical supervision and training infrastructure allowance. Only one application per training post may be submitted.

In 2011 the administration of the Private Infrastructure and Clinical Supervision will be undertaken by the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators.

Invitation to Apply:

ITA359/1011 Specialist Training Program (STP) Private Infrastructure and Clinical Supervision Allowance 2011

Application Forms

Application forms must be obtained by registering at our grants and tenders page.

NB: For these applications to be considered for funding, applicants must include a certificate of incorporation and financial statement. Applications must be submitted:

  1. via email to specialist.training@health.gov.au and
  2. one signed hard copy to:
Department of Health and Ageing
Specialist Training Section
MDP 808
GPO Box 9848
Canberra ACT 2601

More information about the Specialist Training Program

Specialist Training Program guidelines
STP priority framework
Application assessment principles

The department's advisory committee for STP is the Enhanced Medical Education Advisory Committee (EMEAC).

For further information about the Specialist Training Program, email specialist.training@health.gov.au.