Have you wondered what it would be like to teach, live, and explore a rural or remote community in Queensland (or you want to go back)? Now is your chance If you're eligible, the grant will assist with placement-related expenses for you to complete your professional experience placement in a rural or remote Queensland state school during Semester
The grant
The grant is designed to assist with placement-related expenses* (i.e. transport, accommodation, meals, incidentals) for eligible placements in Semester Jan - 26 Jun)
$3,375 - minimum consecutive 15 days
$4, days
$4, days
$5, days
Eligibility
To Be Eligible, You Must Be
enrolled in your 3rd/4th year of an undergraduate or 1st/2nd year of a postgraduate accredited initial teacher education program (teaching degree)
hold a valid QLD Working with Children Blue Card
are a person who resides in Australia and has permission under a Commonwealth Law, to study in Australia
The placement must be undertaken in a QLD state school that has a transfer rating between TR4-7 and is located:
at least 2 hours (each way) from where you currently live to the state school and
within Central QLD, Darling Downs-South West, Far North or North QLD, and selected schools in the North Coast
Eligible state schools are highlighted green or orange in the maps attached below. Agnes Water, Lowmead and Wartburg in the North Coast are not eligible for the grant nor are private schools.
If you're on a PTT, you may be eligible if the eligibility criteria (above) are met.
How To Apply
Step 1. Organise your placement
Select a state school for the placement ensuring it meets the eligibility criteria (above)
Organise the placement with the university
Ensure all required documents are ready before applying
Step 2. Apply for the grant
Once your placement is confirmed in Sonia Online or InPlace:
Click the 'Apply Online' button below (create an account if needed)
In the 'upload resume or other documents' section, attach the following
current unofficial academic transcript/enrolment
current blue card
placement confirmation
resume
placement reports
Step 3. Complete all the questions in the online questionnaire
Important information
Do not submit your application until all required documentation is ready
Applications missing essential documents cannot proceed to verification and will remain pending until complete, which may result in significant delays
Incomplete applications or applications submitted less than 6 weeks before the placement start date may result receiving the grant while on placement
Semester 2 Placements
If your placement in a QLD Gov state school is scheduled for Semester Jul - 11 Dec) applications will open in mid‑2026. Please register your interest to receive a notification when applications become available.
Selection process
You'll be advised of the outcome within 10 weeks of submitting your grant application (please allow longer during peak times). This may include a request for further information or acceptance of an offer from you. Please remember to regularly check your emails including the bin/junk/spam/trash folders for updates
Payment of the grant
Please read the conditions of the grant that is listed below before applying.
Payment can take up to 4 weeks and is initiated upon receipt and verification of all required documents. Payment will be provided in a lump sum via EFT or with your fortnightly pay if you're an employee of the department.
You are required to notify the department of any changes to the approved placement particulars. Please keep the receipts for placement-related expenses and seek financial advice (i.e., an advisor, ATO and/or Centrelink) regarding potential implications to income and/or benefits received/to be paid. If you're an employee of the Department of Education during your placement, the grant will be provided to you with your fortnightly pay and will be taxed as per the ATO requirements External link .
Occupational group Education & Training