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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 | $110,619 |
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 proram 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 2025, RACS will support 64 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
Hospitals wishing to receive STP funding must join the Department’s Reserve List by applying through their online portal. Approved posts are added to the Department’s Reserve List. RACS then checks for eligibility and adds approved posts to the RACS STP Reserve List, which is used to select and fund eligible training posts in case of vacancies.
Reserve List Post Process - 2025
The Department has advised that the Reserve List application is on hold for 2025. RACS will update information about future application processes when confirmed for 2026.
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.
- Expansion of Training: The new training post must represent a genuine expansion of training in the RACS Surgical and Education Training (SET) Program.
- RACS Training Post Accreditation: The new training post must be eligible for accreditation by the relevant RACS Specialty Training Committee or Board.
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 about the program, please see visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Guidelines, Forms and Resources
- STP Eligibility Checker (PDF 59.22KB)
- RACS STP Consent Form (PDF 457.01KB)
- Rural Support Loading (RSL) Guidelines
- RSL Claim Form (DOCX 72.85KB)
- Private Infrastructure and Clinical Supervision (PICS) Guidelines
- PICS Claim Form (DOCX 72.38KB)
- Progress Report Form (DOCX 102.72KB)
- The Department of Health, 2022 - 2025 STP Operational Framework
Contact
For any enquiries about the STP Program, email us at [email protected] or call +61 3 9249 1283.