Back to Grants
Reference: NCSSUpdated 3/24/2026

Professional Capability Grant (PCG) — Sabbatical Leave Scheme

Salary support of up to $15,000 for 10 weeks of paid leave

The Sabbatical Leave Scheme offers social service professionals 10 weeks of paid leave with salary support of up to $15,000. Available for Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, and EIPIC teachers. After completing the sabbatical, recipients may be asked to mentor junior professionals and must conduct a sharing session and submit a written report.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 01

    Must be registered with relevant professional body (SASW for social workers, AHPC for allied health, SPS for psychologists, SAC for counsellors)

  • 02

    Minimum 5 years of direct work experience in the sector

  • 03

    Must be employed at an NCSS member or MSF-funded organisation

  • 04

    Must not currently be serving any bonds

  • 05

    Discuss proposed sabbatical plans with employer before applying

Frequently Asked Questions

It provides 10 weeks of paid leave with salary support of up to $15,000 for social service professionals to rejuvenate. Available for social workers, OTs, PTs, speech therapists, psychologists, counsellors, and EIPIC teachers.

Quarterly: 31 March (outcome by 15 June), 31 July (outcome by 15 October), 30 September (outcome by 15 December), 30 November (outcome by 15 February).

Conduct a sharing session within your organisation, submit a written report to your employer and NCSS, and you may be asked to mentor junior professionals.