STP Funding
The DoHAC periodically opens funding application rounds, known as Reserve List Process (RLP).
Successful RLP applications will be placed on the STP Reserve List unless DoHAC releases more funded positions.
STP funds significantly contribute to, but don't fully cover the costs of a Trainee STP position. They're broadly divided into 3 categories:
- Salary support
- Rural Support Loading (RSL)
- Private Infrastructure Clinical Supervision (PICS)
We recommend viewing the decision to apply for funding as part of a mid-to-long term workforce plan.
Apply for funding
STP RLP applications are currently closed. If you'd like to be added to the list to be notified when application rounds open, contact stp@racp.edu.au
Learn about how to prepare and apply for the next round of funding.
Funding amounts
STP Salary support | Up to $110,000 per annum (indexed annually)
The training facility is responsible for salary expenses beyond this, including costs such as leave and superannuation.
STP salary support can only be used as a salary contribution for trainees in or rotating through a post. Funding is paid to the legal entity. In some cases, this will be a public teaching hospital, while the trainee rotates to the private hospital or other expanded training setting.
RSL | Up to $25,000 (ex GST) per post per annum
A supplement for additional costs associated with being in a rural area. Read the RSL Guidelines (PDF).
PICS | Up to $30,000 per annum
Supports delivery of the STP in private sector settings for the costs associated with clinical supervision. This is pro-rata for the percentage of training in a rural or private setting. Read the PICS allowance guidelines (PDF).
IRTP Salary support | Up to $150,000 per annum (indexed annually)
The training facility is responsible for salary expenses beyond this, including costs such as leave and superannuation.
IRTP salary support funds can be used for IRTP-STP salary support, RSL and PICS (if eligible).
The TAS Project | The College funds and administers 14.0 FTE training positions and a 2.73 FTE supervisory positions under this stream. This funding supports specialist fellowship training and retention of specialist doctors in the Tasmanian health system.
Salary support cannot be used for:
- post-Fellowship training where a Fellow returns to train in another specialty
- general practice training
- direct costs associated with accreditation of posts
- overseas trainees employed by hospitals in other countries seeking a rotation through expanded settings within Australia
- existing, non-STP funded training positions — training positions must be newly created (see the STP Operational Framework)*
* Existing STP positions continue to receive funding if they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
“The big advantage of STP positions is giving you exposure to medicine you don’t otherwise get. These positions don’t actually exist without STP funding.”
— Dr Caroline Stewart
Bega Hospital
Defunding a position
A position can be defunded. We’re required to monitor all STP positions and ensure they continue to comply with the DoH eligibility criteria.
Reasons for defunding a position include:
- position vacant for 2 consecutive 6-monthly reporting periods (12 months)
- training occurring at non-accredited settings
- failure to consistently meet minimum period requirements for training in rural and remote areas
Definitions
DoHAC | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
New Specialist Training Position | A new training position that doesn't receive any other source of funding.
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 applications that fulfil all qualifying criteria as determined by the DoHAC, State or Territory health departments and the RACP STP Assessment Forum.
Reserve List Process (RLP) | Funding application rounds. When applications are open, you can submit your application via the Department of Health and Aged Care.
STP Operational Framework | DoHAC 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.