Graduate Psychology Internship Program (G-PIP) Expanded: Cairnmillar Secures New Federal Funding for 600 Psychology Internships

The Cairnmillar Institute is pleased to announce the expansion of its government-funded Graduate Psychology Internship Program (G‑PIP), building on the success of its initial rollout and years of experience delivering high-quality psychology training. With renewed support under a new three-year federal grant, the program will now support up to 600 internships nationally, significantly increasing access to training opportunities for provisional psychologists.

This expanded initiative strengthens Cairnmillar’s commitment to growing Australia’s mental health workforce while continuing to address areas of greatest need.

Strengthening Pathways for Provisional Psychologists

Designed for provisional psychologists undertaking the 5+1 internship pathway, the G‑PIP program plays a critical role in supporting the transition from study to professional practice. Building on Cairnmillar’s experience delivering the program, this expanded phase will:

  • Increased 600 number of internships
  • Improve access to structured supervision and training
  • Strengthen workforce pathways into mental health services

By addressing key barriers such as limited placement opportunities and access to supervision, the program is helping more psychologists complete their training and enter the workforce.

Supporting Priority Areas Across Australia: The G‑PIP program continues to prioritise workforce development in communities where mental health support is most needed. Approximately 50% of internships will be allocated to priority areas, including:

  • First Nations communities
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities,
  • Regional, rural, and remote areas (MMM3–7)

The remaining funding will support:

  • Community-funded services (state and federal)
  • Child and family services

This targeted approach ensures that training opportunities contribute directly to improving access to care in underserved communities.

Through this program, both interns and host organisations may be eligible for significant subsidies and incentives, with a total value per intern of $12,614.

Benefits for Provisional Psychologists (Interns)
  • Principal supervision subsidy – up to $6,000 (pro rata)
  • 30 hours of group supervision- provided at no cost by The Cairnmillar Institute.
  • 60 hours of Education and Training Activities (ETA) delivered online and self-paced- provided at no cost by The Cairnmillar Institute.

In addition, interns relocating to regional, rural, or remote areas (MMM3–7) may be eligible for rental relief of up to $14,400 per year, helping reduce financial barriers and support workforce distribution in high-need locations. Cairnmillar Institute also supports interns by assisting them in identifying suitable placement opportunities across its network of host organisations.

Benefits for Host Organisations

Host organisations are central to the success of the program and receive a range of benefits to support their participation.

Organisations can access:

  • Onboarding incentive payments of up to $3,000 per intern (for eligible services and priority areas) (Find out here-Graduate Psychology Internship Program (G‑PIP),) 
  • Direct access to a pool of provisional psychologists seeking internships
  • Assistance with intern onboarding and meeting supervision requirements.  
  • Opportunities to promote internship roles to suitable candidates

Participating organisations retain full control over selecting interns, ensuring alignment with their service delivery needs.

Program Features

G‑PIP is designed as a collaborative model supporting interns, organisations, and supervisors.

For Interns

  • Free 60-hour online ETA (Education Training Activities) 
  • Group and individual supervision (up to 80 hours)
  • Potential rental relief (MMM3–7)
  • Support in identifying placement opportunities

For Organisations

  • ETA (Education Training Activities) provided for interns during the internship
  • Onboarding and supervision support
  • Incentive payments if the intern is supported to work in a priority area.
  • Assistance advertising internship opportunities

For Supervisors

  • Supervisee matching available

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have completed an APAC-accredited fifth-year psychology program
  • Be eligible for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia

Please note:
This program is not available to international students.

Supporting Australia’s Mental Health Workforce

The expansion of the G‑PIP program represents a significant step forward in addressing workforce shortages in the psychology sector. By increasing access to internships and supporting both interns and organisations, Cairnmillar Institute is contributing to a stronger, more accessible mental health system across Australia.

Expressions of Interest Now Open

Expressions of interest are now open for the expanded G‑PIP program. Register your interest here to receive further information and secure your opportunity to participate in this initiative.