Have you wondered what it would be like to teach, live, and explore a regional community in Queensland (or want to go back!)? Now is your chance! If you're eligible, this grant will assist with placement-related expenses for you to complete your professional experience placement in a regional Queensland state school during Semester 1 2026.
The grant
The Grant Is To Assist With Placement-related Expenses (i.e., Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Incidentals) For Eligible Placements In Term 1 (28 January To 4 April) Or Term 2 (22 April To 27 June) Of The 2026 State School Calendar
$2,250 - minimum consecutive 15-days
$3,000 - 20 days
$3,200 - 25-35 days
$3,400 - 40+ days
Please keep receipts and seek financial advice regarding potential implications for tax/income/benefits. If you are a current employee of the department, your grant will be taxed.
Eligibility
To Be Eligible, You Must Be
enrolled in your 3rd/4th year of an undergraduate or 1st/2nd year of a postgraduate initial teacher education program (teaching degree)
hold a 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 TR2-3 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 QLD, North QLD and select schools in the North Coast and Metro South.
Eligible state schools are highlighted blue or orange in the maps below. Private schools are not eligible for the grant.
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.
Step 2. Apply for the grant
When The Placement Is Confirmed In Sonia Online Or InPlace, Apply For The Grant Using The ‘Apply Online' Button (create An Account If Needed) And
in the ‘ upload resume or other documents ' section, upload your current unofficial academic transcript, enrolment, blue card, placement confirmation, resume, and placement reports, and
respond to all the questions in the online questionnaire.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted less than 6 weeks before the placement start date may result in receiving the grant while on placement. If you have trouble uploading your documents, email them to
[email protected]
Selection process
You will be advised of the outcome within 3 weeks of applying for the grant to seek further information or to provide an offer. Regularly check your email bin/junk/spam/trash folders.
Payment of the grant
A condition for payment is to notify the department of any changes to the approved placement particulars.
The grant will be provided in a lump sum by EFT or with your fortnightly pay (employees).
Occupational group Education & Training
See less description
