General News
10 April, 2026
Bursary boosts interest in rural medical careers
HEALTH students are getting the chance to train in rural communities, thanks to the Going Rural North placement bursary, which helps students gain practical experience while easing the financial burden of rural placements.
Delivered by Health Workforce Queensland and funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), the bursary supports nursing, midwifery, allied health and dentistry students undertaking primary healthcare placements across the region.
Eligible students can receive up to $200 per week for placements lasting between 2-10 weeks.
One student who recently benefited from the program was Louis Huynh, a fifth‐year QUT optometry student, who completed his placement at George and Matilda Eyecare for Atherton Optometrist.
As a GROW Rural North Queensland student (another Health Workforce Queensland student program), Louis participated in rural immersion activities over three years, building strong connections with North Queensland communities and local health professionals.
This support has enabled him to return to the region for his clinical placement and is shaping his interest in living and working in a rural community as an early‐career graduate.
Applications for the Going Rural North bursary are now open, with Health Workforce Queensland chief executive officer Stewart Gordon encouraging students to apply.
“The Going Rural North bursary helps students overcome the financial barriers that can make rural placements difficult, while also enabling them to train directly within rural communities,” he said.
“By supporting students to live, work and learn alongside local health services, the program helps build meaningful community connections and encourages graduates to return to rural areas as part of the future workforce.”
NQPHN chief executive officer Ben Tooth said programs like Going Rural North were critical to building a sustainable health workforce for northern Queensland.
“Supporting students to undertake rural placements not only enhances their learning but also helps communities showcase why our region is a great place to live and work,” he said.
Students can find more information about the bursary at www.healthworkforce.com.au/health-students/going-rural/going-rural-north
