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How to apply for STP funding

Application rounds for STP funding, or Reserve List Process (RLP), are managed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC).

Applications are currently closed.

You can only apply via the RACP STP Online Portal on the DoHAC website. The portal is only visible when applications are open.

If you'd like to be notified when application rounds open, contact stp@racp.edu.au

Prepare for a RLP

stp-image-27

We recommend you start this process well in advance of an application round as it's timely and involves a range of stakeholders.

  1. Review the STP Operational Framework to understand the DoHAC essential criteria requirements.*

  2. Document relevant details for the new training position, including all questions asked in the RACP Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form (DOC).

  3. Check the position is accredited or accreditation is in process. STP funds can’t be paid to unaccredited training settings.

  4. Ensure your organisation’s executive unit know you’re applying. They’re required to meet salary costs and on-costs of the position.

  5. Discuss the new position with your state or territory DoHAC. They assess all RLP applications for workforce need.

  6. Check the position meets curriculum requirements for the relevant specialty. This will be assessed by the RACP Assessment Forum.

* Applications are assessed against the STP Operational Framework. Positions must meet the STP requirements and criteria. For example, posts are required to have a minimum of 50% training time in a rural or private training setting to be eligible.

Note: we may set additional requirements to achieve DoHAC-set private or rural targets.

Apply

When an application round is open, go to the DoHAC website and access the ‘live’ or 'open' RLP portal. Follow the instructions there to submit your application and all relevant documentation.

Applications must include the RACP Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form (DOC) to be considered complete.

Assessment process

The assessment process can take a few months to complete.

  1. State or Territory health departments assess each application for workforce need. We do not assess applications they do not support.

  2. The RACP Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form (DOC) submitted as part of your application is assessed by the RACP Assessment Forum.*

  3. DoH review the assessment data and make the final decision on successful applications.

  4. A successful application is then approved to go onto the Reserve List.**

  5. RACP notifies all applicants of outcomes.

* The RACP Assessment Forum is a group of RACP education staff and Fellows.
** The Reserve List contains applications that fulfil all criteria.

Outcomes and reserve lists

female physician in a hospital smiling

The Reserve List Process is held annually by DoHAC where colleges can opt in or out of the process. Successful applicants are placed on our STP IRTP Reserve List to await funding offers.

Typically, funding becomes available because another position has been defunded or the DoH injects new funds into the program.

Definitions

DoH | Australian Government Department of Health

Expression of interest | Funding application rounds are referred to as expressions of interest (EOIs). When applications are open, you can submit your application via the Department of Health.

RACP Assessment Forum | A group of RACP education staff and Fellows tasked with assessing applications according to criteria set out in the Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form.

RACP Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form | RACP STP selection criteria used to determine the educational merit of the new position. This form must be completed and submitted as part of the online EOI submission.

Reserve List | The list of successful EOI applications. These applications fulfill all qualifying criteria as determined by the DoH, State or Territory health departments and the RACP STP Assessment Forum.

STP Operational Framework | DoH guidelines for the STP program.

Recruitment FAQs

What type of trainee is suitable for an STP post?

Basic trainees can only be placed in posts approved as Basic Training positions.

Advanced Trainees can should be placed in posts approved as Advanced Training positions.

Suitable trainees:

  • dual training trainees if they’re still training for that specialty*
  • overseas trained physicians completing peer review training or top-up training

Unsuitable trainees:

  • overseas trainees looking to complete a rotation in Australia before returning to their country of origin
  • individuals on short term training not registered with us
  • trainees registered with other colleges**
  • RACP post-Fellowship Trainees

* For example, a dual training trainee in neurology and cardiology can be placed in a cardiology position if they’re still completing Advanced Training in Cardiology, even if they completed neurology training and are a Fellow.

**We do allow CICM and ACEM trainees for certain specialty training positions. Contact us for more information.

Can I recruit a Basic Trainee instead of an Advanced Trainee?

A Basic Trainee (BT) can be recruited only if the original funding agreement is for that training level.

If the STP funding is for an Advanced Training (AT) position and there are difficulties recruiting an Advanced Trainee, in some cases the RACP may give approval to place a BT in an AT post.

To be considered, the site must be accredited for Basic Training and the position cannot be for more than 1 year. This request will need to be made to the STP team before the start of the semester. Contact us to learn more.

What happens if I can’t recruit a trainee?

If you’re unable to recruit a trainee for an upcoming rotation, advise us immediately.

We’re required to manage vacant posts and ensure they’re filled at all times. Where posts are vacant for more than 6 months, the STP Vacant Post Policy applies.

Do I need to recruit a replacement for a trainee going on maternity/personal leave?

Yes, STP does not fund maternity or other long-term leave.

The DoHAC advises that if a post is to be unfilled for more than 6 months, another trainee should be recruited to the post.

Resources

Private Infrastructure Clinical Supervision Guidelines (PDF)
Rural Support Loading Guidelines (PDF)
Educational Imperative Selection Criteria Form (DOC)
Australian Government Department of Health
STP Operational Framework
DoctorConnect

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