Specialist Training Program

The Specialist Training Program (STP) is an initiative by the Australian Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Aged Care (the Department). It supports the training of specialist registrars in public and private hospitals, particularly in non-traditional settings such as rural, regional, and remote areas. As part of the National Medical Workforce Strategy, STP funding aims to enhance the quality and distribution of the future specialist workforce.

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Funding Support

RACS manages the allocation of STP funds across training posts on behalf of the Department. The support includes:

    • Salary Support: A salary contribution for Trainees.
    • Rural Support Loading (RSL): Additional financial support for trainees in regional, rural and remote settings.
    • Private Infrastructure and Clinical Supervision (PICS): Funding for infrastructure and supervision in private facilities.
    STP Funding Amount   Funding Description 
    Trainee salary support   $112,333.84

    Annual salary contribution per FTE.
    Rural Support Loading $25,000 Annual allowance per FTE for additional training costs in regional, rural and remote settings (MMM 2 - 7).
    Private Infrastructure and Clinical Supervision  $30,000 Annual allowance per FTE for program delivery and clinical supervision in private facilities.

    Placements in STP Training Posts

    The core initiative of the program is the placement of specialist medical trainees in accredited training posts. STP participants, such as hospitals, host these trainees in both urban and rural (MMM 2 - 7) locations. In 2026, RACS will support 61 FTE across nine surgical specialties. We collaborate with Specialty Training Committees and Boards to identify suitable surgical training posts that meet program criteria.

    How to get STP Funding

    The Department is continuing to accept applications for new posts through an ad hoc Reserve List process. For any potential new posts that may be interested in participating in the STP, please contact or direct the enquiry to the STP Team.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Before applying, check your eligibility to be an STP participant:

    • Non-traditional Training Setting: At least 0.5 FTE of the training post must be in an MMM 2 - 7 location or private setting. 

    • RACS Training Post Accreditation: The new training post must be eligible for accreditation by the relevant RACS Specialty Training Committee or Board.
    • Expansion of Training: The new training post must represent a genuine expansion of training in the RACS Surgical and Education Training (SET) Program.

    Each application must demonstrate how the proposed post supports community needs and addresses the maldistribution of the surgical medical workforce. Supporting documentation from the Local Health Network, Director of Surgery, and Hospital/Group CEO is encouraged.

     

    What is not funded by STP?

    The following are not eligible for STP Funding:

    • Public metropolitan training positions (MM1 Classification)
    • Post-Fellowship training and posts for Fellows/Consultants
    • General Practice training
    • Direct costs associated with accreditation of training posts
    • Training posts occupied by overseas Trainees
    • Training posts not considered new
    • Individual Trainees

    Training More Doctors in Tasmania

    The Training More Specialist Doctors in Tasmania activity aims to build and support the surgical workforce in Tasmania. This initiative provides funding to train specialist doctors and strengthen the skills of trainees’ supervisors. RACS currently supports 8.4 FTE across the Royal Hobart Hospital and the Launceston General Hospital.

    More Information

    For more information on the STP, please see visit the Department of Health's STP website.

    Guidelines, Forms and Resources

    Contact

    For any enquiries about the STP Program, email us at [email protected] or call +61 3 9249 1283.

    STP Support Projects and Initiatives

    RACS design, develop and deliver education and training Support Projects for the purpose of supporting the success and sustainability of delivering specialty training in expanded health care settings. Priority is given to projects that support rural and private posts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees, and cultural safety training in Indigenous healthcare delivery.