Australian citizens and permanent residents undertaking, in Australia, the post-graduate study in medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, optometry or pharmacy are obliged to pay an annual fee, approximately $8000 p.a., under the Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS) scheme.

Non-residents can be admitted as fee-paying international students and 310 fee-paying places in Medicine and 60 in Dentistry, at approximately AU$45,000 p.a., are currently available to non-permanent residents across the post-graduate medical schools.

Contract assistance, tied to the allocation of places
Among the places available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and tied to the allocation of these places are contract-binding places. The recipient agrees to work in a remote, rural or outer-metropolitan area for up to six years, depending on the contract. Details from www.health.gov.au

Contract assistance, not tied to the allocation of places
There are a number of scholarships which are available to candidates who have gained places in the Graduate Medical Program. Nonetheless, you need to be aware that some scholarships have to be applied for well in advance of gaining a place in the program. Candidates may wish to investigate the following:

Australian Defence Force Medical Officer Scholarships. Apply early. Payment according to rank. Details from www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/MedicalOfficer

Most other scholarships and awards are listed on the NSW Rural Doctors Network Site www.nswrdn.com.au


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