Through the 2026-27 State Budget, $15.1 million over 4 years has been allocated to support non-government providers to implement Victoria's medication administration reforms by building nursing capability and increasing nursing supply across the sector. Funding is available through an expression of interest process with two grant streams.
Graduate nurse opportunities
Funding contribution of $48,000 per position is available to support graduate registered nurse opportunities in residential aged care.
Funding can be used for:
- Graduate registered nurse positions
- Clinical educator, preceptor or supervising nurse positions to support graduate nurses
- Clinical educator positions (or equivalent) to establish or strengthen graduate nurse programs.
Grant applications will be assessed on the quality of proposed clinical support and supervision arrangements, learning and development opportunities, and approaches to supporting graduate wellbeing and retention.
While not a requirement, providers will be encouraged to consider opportunities for graduates to gain experience across a range of care settings (such as rotations involving acute, primary or community care).
Care worker-to-nurse pathways
Funding contribution of $25,000 per care worker is available to support personal care workers and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers already employed in residential aged care to undertake nursing studies.
Funding can be used for:
- Additional paid study leave (including for exams, clinical placements, study)
- Study-related resources and consumables.
Grant applications will be assessed on how funding will support care workers to successfully complete nursing studies and the provider's intention to support participants to transition into nursing roles on completion of their qualification.
Program expectations
Successful providers will be expected to create supportive learning environments for participants and report on grant outcomes.
For graduate nurse opportunities, this includes providing structured learning, supervision, mentoring and professional development opportunities that support nurses to build capability and confidence in aged care.
For care worker-to-nurse pathways, this includes providing practical workplace support, such as study leave, mentoring and support for employees undertaking nursing studies.
Expression of Interest
An EOI is expected to open in late October/early November 2026 and will be open for 4 weeks.
Further information, including application requirements and key dates, will be published when the EOI opens.
Victorian public sector residential aged care services (PSRACS)
PSRACS are receiving separate 2025-26 State Budget funding to support implementation of the medication administration reforms in regional and rural areas.
Definitions
Non-government providers refer to non-Victorian Government funded providers including private, community, charity, religious and local government organisations. In addition, non-government providers include standalone Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services run by non-government organisations.
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