AUSLARC Training Scholarship Guidelines

1. Purpose

To increase the number and distribution of qualified health professionals able to provide long acting reversible contraception (LARC), contraceptive implant and intrauterine devices (IUD).

2. Objectives

  • Support upskilling of doctors, nurses, and other eligible health professionals in LARC provision.
  • Aim for at least 50% of scholarships being awarded to health professionals working in rural or regional areas (MM2–MM7).
  • Ensure improved access to training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners. 
  • Ensure improved access to LARC training for health practitioners working with priority populations. 

3. Eligibility criteria

Applicants will be asked to declare their eligibility against the criteria below. For those who do not meet all the eligibility criteria, they are still encouraged to apply and are able to add a justification for why they should be considered.

  • Must be a healthcare professional in Australia (General Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nurse, Midwife, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner) who is currently registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
  • Must have adequate indemnity to cover LARC provision (for clinical training).
  • Must be working within a scope of practice that includes or intends to include the provision of contraceptive services, including LARC, such as:
    • General Practice
    • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS)
    • Community health services
    • Rural outreach health services
    • Sexual and reproductive health clinics.
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to incorporating LARC provision into routine clinical practice and improving access to contraception for their patient population.
  • Must be eligible for the chosen training program (as per individual provider's prerequisites). The scholarship applies to recognised training programs in LARC insertion and / or removal. Applicants are expected to undertake training within their own State or Territory. However, exceptions will be considered where local training options are limited due to factors such as distance, travel costs or accessibility.
  • Have not previously received a similar LARC training scholarship.
  • For IUD training, you will need to indicate your readiness to start providing IUDs.
    • Please note: The following questions help us understand your clinical setting and readiness to begin IUD training. You are not required to answer ‘yes’ to every question to be considered for a scholarship. Your responses help tailor support and ensure safe and effective delivery of training.
    • Have you completed at least 1 years’ experience in general practice or obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia?
    • Do you have experience providing contraception counselling as part of routine clinical consultations?
    • Do you have experience conducting speculum examinations?
    • Do you have experience conducting bimanual pelvic examinations?
    • Do you have colleagues trained in IUD insertion who can support or mentor you in incorporating this into your practice?
    • Do you have practice support to provide IUD training?
    • Do you have a staff member (eg nurse) to assist for IUD insertions?
    • Does your practice have resuscitation equipment (eg. oxygen, bag and mask)?
    • Do you understand that training covers hormonal and copper IUDs and insertions for nulliparous patients?
    • Do you understand that IUD insertion is a competency based course? You must be assessed as competent at IUD insertion to receive your certification.
    • Do you have sufficient patients wanting IUD insertion to provide you with at least 10 IUD insertions per year to maintain your skills?
    • Do you have an adjustable examination bed with sufficient space at the end of the bed to perform IUD insertions?

4. Ineligibility criteria

Scholarships may not be granted to:

  • Individuals who have already completed equivalent LARC training
  • Those who are not currently practicing or intending to practice in a clinical setting
  • Individuals applying from outside of Australia
  • Individuals who are unable to start utilising the skill within three months after training is completed.

5. Approved training programs

LARC training must be provided by an approved training provider (see table below).

  1. Contraceptive Implant Training options will include:
    1. Theoretical component and practical simulation session
    2. Clinical placement (limited to certain providers)
  2. IUD Insertion Training will include:
    1. Theoretical component and clinical placements

LARC Training Providers 

Please note: training dates are not listed here. The table below provides the training provider names and websites for each state/territory. You will need to visit the relevant provider’s website (or contact them directly) to view upcoming course dates and select a suitable option before submitting your application.

**Certain training programs are currently unavailable in some states as all allocated spots have been filled.**

Organisation State/Territory Website
Family Planning Australia New South Wales fpnsw.org.au
Sexual Health Victoria Victoria shvic.org.au
TRUE Relationships & Reproductive Health Queensland true.org.au
SHINE SA South Australia shinesa.org.au
Family Planning Tasmania Tasmania fpt.org.au
Sexual Health Quarters Western Australia shq.org.au
Family Planning Welfare Association NT Northern Territory fpwnt.com.au
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT Australian Capital Territory shfpact.org.au

6. Scholarship scope

The AUSLARC scholarship covers:

Training registration

  • Full registration fees for all components of the training, including theory and clinical components.
  • AUSLARC scholarship may also cover the following:

Travel reimbursement

Support is available for participants who must travel more than 100km to attend training. This includes:

  • Economy airfares or public transport costs such as bus or train, or
  • Mileage reimbursement.

Reimbursement is capped based on the participant’s Modified Monash Model classification and state-specific limits in line with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) guidelines.

Travel scholarships will not be offered for participants completing the Implanon theory component, as this is all completed online. Travel scholarship are available for clinical placement if there is a need to travel.

  • Mileage will be reimbursed based on ATO rate (as of 2025–2026): $0.88 per km.
  • Any travel costs exceeding the capped amount will be the responsibility of the trainee, unless prior approval is granted under exceptional circumstances.
MMM Category Area Type Flight/Travel Reimbursement Cap (AUD)
MMM 1 Major Cities Not Eligible
MMM 2 Regional Centers Up to $300
MMM 3 Large Rural Towns Up to $500
MMM 4 Medium Rural Towns Up to $750
MMM 5 Small Rural Towns Up to $1,000
MMM 6 Remote Communities Up to $1,250
MMM 7 Very Remote Communities Up to $1,500
Milage reimbursement limits
MMM Category Max Round Trip Distance (km) Max Reimbursement (AUD)
MMM 1 Not Eligible Not Eligible
MMM 2 600 km $528
MMM 3 700 km $616
MMM 4 800 km $704
MMM 5 1200 km $1,056
MMM 6-7 Up to 1500 km Up to $1,320
Milage claim requirements

Completed mileage log with:

  • Dates of travel
  • Start/end locations
  • Total kms travelled

Tolls and parking fees are not reimbursed unless pre-approved.

Accommodation and travel related reimbursement

Accommodation and travel-related costs will be reimbursed up to a combined maximum of $250 per day. This daily cap is intended to cover reasonable expenses for:

  • Accommodation (e.g. hotel or motel stays)
  • Local transfers such as taxi fares, rideshare services, or public transport to and from airports
  • Airport parking

This daily rate applies for the required duration of a theory course and/or clinical placement and may include one night before and one night after the course or placement if required due to travel timing.

In scope:

  • Accommodation
  • Airport car parking
  • Local transport to/from accommodation and training location
  • Taxis, rideshare, or public transport to and from airports Out of scope:
  • Meals, beverages and incidentals (e.g. minibar, laundry, entertainment)
  • Companion or family member expenses
  • Any costs exceeding the $250 daily cap will be the responsibility of the trainee unless prior written approval is granted for exceptional circumstances (e.g. limited accommodation availability during peak periods or in remote areas).
    Receipts must be provided for all expenses.

7. Full application process

Applications will be managed by each State/Territory partner, using these national guidelines.

  1. Apply for an AUSLARC scholarship through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia (SRHA) portal.
  2. Application sent to your relevant state Sexual and Reproductive Health Organisation (SRHO) for assessment.
  3. Outcome: you will be notified by your SRHO within 6 weeks.
  4. If successful:
  • Book into LARC training directly with your state SRHO. LARC training is run at various times throughout the year.
  • Complete the fully funded LARC training (theory, simulation, and clinical placement as applicable).
  • Receive confirmation and certification from training provider. 
  • If eligible, submit travel and accommodation receipts for reimbursement within the capped allowance.

8. Weighting for scholarship applications:

Applications will be assessed using a weighted score out of 100. The weighting is used to give a ranking for the relative need for training and will be used for prioritising scholarships. The score weighting is according to:

  • Need and service context (35%):
    • Applicant's demonstration of need for LARC training and the relevance of their current role. This includes working in underserved areas (e.g., rural, remote, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities)
  • Readiness and commitment to provide LARC Services (25%)
    • How clearly the applicant articulates their intention to incorporate LARC services into their clinical practice and their long-term commitment to improving access to contraception.
  • Impact on Community Health (15%)
    • The applicant's potential to positively impact the health of their patients and community through LARC services, including the number of people served, reducing barriers to access, or improving health equity.
  • Equity and Diversity (25%)
    • Extra consideration given to applicants who contribute to workforce diversity or serve populations with significant reproductive health needs.

9. Selection, notification and agreement

  • Review panel convened by each State/Territory Sexual and Reproductive Health Organisation.
  • All applicants will be notified by email from their Sexual and Reproductive Health Organisation about the outcome of their application (successful or unsuccessful) within six weeks of submission.
  • All information provided in scholarship applications will be deidentified and used for aggregated reporting and evaluation purposes.

10. Successful applicants

  • Will be notified via email by Sexual and Reproductive Health Organisations.  
  • Sign a Scholarship terms and conditions agreement confirming:
  • Use of funds for eligible costs only 
  • Completion of training within a defined time frame 
  • Your interest in being contacted to complete pre- and post-training evaluation activities.  

11. Post training requirements

  • Provide LARC services for at least 12 months.
  • Complete short follow-up surveys for evaluation purposes.
  • Participate in peer support if applicable.
  • Recipients must complete the full training program, including any:
    • Online modules or theoretical components
    • Hands-on workshops or simulation-based skills sessions
    • Clinical placement or supervised practice (if applicable)
  • Reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses is only provided after the course has been attended/completed. If this will cause a barrier to undertaking training, participants are advised to contact their Sexual and Reproductive Health Organisation to discuss alterative options. Scholarship recipients will not have to pay for course registration up front.
Integration into clinical practice
  • Begin providing LARC services (IUD and/or implant insertion/removal) within their current scope of practice, within 3 months of completing training.
Commitment to service delivery
  • Where possible, recipients should commit to providing LARC services in their current or future role for a minimum period (e.g. 12 months).
  • In rural/remote or transient workforce settings, emphasis should be on maximising service delivery while in post.
  • Be available for knowledge sharing or mentorship within their region where appropriate.

12. Contact and support

Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia Program contact:
AUSLARC Project Officer
Email: auslarc@srha.org.au