EML Scholarship: Evidence Portfolio Pathway to Pain Titling
In collaboration with Employers Mutual Limited (EML), the APA is proud to launch the EML Scholarship: Evidence Portfolio Pathway to Pain Titling, supported through EML’s Mutual Benefits Program. This initiative represents a shared investment in advancing expert pain management practice and expanding equitable access to professional recognition.
EML is a 100 per cent Australian owned mutual organisation specialising in workers compensation and personal injury claims management. They are not a private health insurer, they operate as a Claims Service Provider within several major schemes. Their role includes managing workers compensation claims and supporting employers and injured workers through safe and sustainable return to work processes. EML delivers these services on behalf of scheme authorities such as icare NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, ReturnToWorkSA and Comcare.
In 2026, up to 10 scholarships will be funded by EML group from their participating business units operating in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, and are available to physiotherapists practising in these states. These scholarships support physiotherapists who are ready to progress toward Pain Titling through the Evidence Portfolio Pathway.
Recent research by WorkSafe Victoria and the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) shows that recovery outcomes for injured workers improve when patient care is provided by a Titled Pain Physiotherapist. In response to this research, EML has committed $45,000 to help reduce financial barriers and strengthen access to mentoring and formal recognition. It represents a significant commitment to growing the number of Titled Pain Physiotherapists and enhancing high-quality pain care.
What does the scholarship include?
Each recipient will receive:
- full coverage of Pain Titling application and examination fees
- support to participate in online, group-based tele-mentoring.
The program is administered by the APA. Recipient selection is overseen by the Australian College of Physiotherapists through an independent Selection Panel.
Eligibility criteria
This scholarship is open to physiotherapists seeking Pain Titling via the Evidence Portfolio Pathway.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- practise in South Australia, Victoria or New South Wales
- meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Titling Credential Evidence Portfolio Pathway Information Handbook (pages 4–5)
- be a current 2026 financial APA member at the time of application
- not have previously received this scholarship
- demonstrate readiness to undertake the Evidence Portfolio Pathway
- show commitment to professional development and mentorship
- explain how achieving Pain Titling will strengthen pain care in their community.
Priority considerations
The APA and EML are committed to ensuring equitable access to advanced professional recognition.
All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply. In addition, the Selection Panel will consider how this scholarship can support physiotherapists who may experience structural, cultural or geographic barriers to progression.
This includes applicants who:
- are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- practise in regional, rural or remote Australia
- have culturally and linguistically diverse lived experience.
These considerations support a diverse physiotherapy workforce and help ensure the Pain Titling pathway remains accessible, strengthening high-quality pain care across all communities.
How do I apply?
To apply, you must submit:
- submit online application form
- a current resume (3 pages max)
- a list of relevant completed professional development activities
- a 400-word statement addressing:
- Portfolio readiness: How your practice demonstrates readiness to provide evidence for Milestone 3 competencies across all seven roles and the Pain Practice Domains.
- Motivation and future impact: Why you are pursuing Pain Titling and how you intend to apply it in your career.
- Impact of support: How the scholarship would assist you to complete the Evidence Portfolio Pathway and clinical examination.
- Mentorship engagement: How you will engage with and benefit from the tele-group mentoring process.
When will I find out if I've been successful?
All applicants will be notified in writing by mid-July 2026. Successful recipients will need to confirm their acceptance within two weeks of receiving their offer. If no response is received by the deadline, the offer may be withdrawn and extended to another candidate.
Key dates
Applications open: 9 March 2026
Applications close: 20 April 2026
Applicants notified: Mid-July 2026
Ready to apply?
Submit your application by 20 April 2026.
Scholarship terms and conditions apply.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
This scholarship is supported through the EML Group, with contributions from business units in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, including the NSW Nominal Insurer, alongside the Mutual Benefits Program.
As a result, eligibility is limited to physiotherapists practising in these jurisdictions. EML’s preference is to strengthen access to Titled Pain Physiotherapists in communities covered by these funding business units, particularly within Managed Fund schemes in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The broader aim is to increase the number of Titled Pain Physiotherapists nationally, with a focus on improving access in regional and remote areas and supporting equity across the workforce.
Recent research by WorkSafe Victoria and the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR) shows that recovery outcomes for injured workers improve when patient care is provided by a Titled Pain Physiotherapist.
In response to this research EML has proposed to the APA, funding a scholarship program valued at $45,000 with the aim of increasing the number of Titled Pain Physiotherapists and improve access to specialised pain care.
Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded in 2026.
Each scholarship includes:
- full coverage of application, portfolio and examination fees for the Evidence Portfolio Pathway to Pain Titling
- support to participate in online, group-based tele-mentoring.
Yes. You must be a current financial APA member at the time of application.
This scholarship supports physiotherapists applying for Pain Titling through the Evidence Portfolio Pathway, including completion of the clinical examination.
The APA and EML are committed to equitable access to advanced professional recognition. In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, the Selection Panel will consider how the scholarship can support physiotherapists who may experience structural, cultural or geographic barriers to progression. These considerations aim to increase access to Titled Pain Physiotherapists in communities where they are most needed and to support a workforce that better reflects and understands the communities it serves.
No. While EML has indicated a preference to strengthen access to Titled Pain Physiotherapists within Managed Fund schemes in NSW, Victoria and South Australia, all eligible physiotherapists practising in these states are encouraged to apply.
All applicants will be notified in writing by mid-July 2026. Successful recipients will need to confirm their acceptance within two weeks of receiving their offer. If no response is received by the deadline, the offer may be withdrawn and extended to another candidate.
No funds will be transferred directly to recipients.
All scholarship payments will be processed in accordance with the contract and the Training and Assessment team’s established procedures.
The 5-person selection panel will be comprised of the following people:
- Chair of the Pain National Group (Chair of the Panel)
- Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee
- Chair of the Rural Advisory Committee
- Specialist Pain College member
- A Culturally and Linguistically diverse background (CALD) representative with experience and demonstrated commitment to advancing Pain care and health equity across diverse populations
Eligible applications are reviewed by the EML Scholarship Selection Panel using a structured scorecard. Each application is assessed across four criteria:
- Portfolio Readiness
- Motivation
- Impact and Benefit
- Mentorship.
Applicants may be invited to an interview to determine their mentoring needs along with the support that they may require for successful completion of the Evidence Portfolio Pathway to Pain Titling and Clinical Examination.
No. All education will be provided via online, group-based tele-mentoring. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 80 per cent of these online sessions, as a condition of the scholarship.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact the APA Titling Team at info@australian.physio.