Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package (VARP)

​​​​​​​​​​​The Veterinary Board of Tasmania has launched Tasmania's Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package. The primary objective of the Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package is to increase the number of practising veterinarians in Tasmania. 

The package will be made up of three phases over the next four years:

  • Phase 1 - Family Care Subsidy - Open to applications

  • Phase 2 - Veterinary Student Travel Subsidy - Open to applications

  • Phase 3 - Attrition Rate Program​ - Under development

Veterinarians and veterinary students can contact VARP@ve​tboardtas.org.au for more information ab​out the packages.

Phase 1. Family Ca​​re Subsidy

This str​ategy provides a $1500 subsidy to support child-care or family-care needs. 

Applicants need to meet the following criteria:

  • ​Currently not working, or working part-time or casually as a veterinary surgeon in Tasmania

  • Tasmania is your primary place of residence

  • You commit to working an average of 5 additional hours per fortnight​ as a veterinary surgeon for 12 months

  • ​You have dependents who require your care while you work

​Please note: Funding is subject to an approval process and availability. The Veterinary Board of Tasmania may update any Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package​ strategy, or approval process, as needed in order to satisfy the intent of the grant.​

How to apply​​

  1. Download and complete the application form: 

     VARP Strategy 1 Application Form - Family Care (PDF 880Kb)

  2. Send the completed application form, employer letter and statutory declaration to VARP@vetboardtas.org.au

Phase 2. S​tudent Travel Subsidy

​The Student Travel Subsidy is all about getting Australia's future vets to say hello to Tasmania and to make meaningful and lasting connections with its veterinary profession.

The Student Travel Subsidy reduces the extra costs associated for veterinary students completing clinical placements in Tasmania. It’s a simple idea with a big impact.

Veterinary students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply for a $1,500 subsidy to support their travel and accommodation needs:

  • Currently a fifth or final year vet student at an Australian veterinary school; AND

  • Can commit to completing 2 of their clinical work placements in Tasmania.

Please note: Funding is subject to an approval process and availability. The Veterinary Board of Tasmania may update any Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package​ strategy, or approval process, as needed in order to satisfy the intent of the grant.

​How to apply​​

  1. ​Download and complete the application form:​

     VARP Strategy 2 Application Form - Student Travel Subsidy (PDF 148Kb)

  2. Send your application form together with your proof of veterinary school enrolment and your clinical placement vertification to VARP@vetboardtas.org.au​ ​

"Supporting students is building our profession"​