Update – on 12th May 2015 when the Federal Budget was handed down the government announced that the Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) program was closed to new entrants. At that time there were over 1,300 participants continuing in the scheme. Click here for details of the announcement. This is separate to the Bonded Medical Places scheme, which is continuing.

Information for prospective med students considering a Bonded Medical Place or Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship in 2015….

Bonded Medical Places 2015

The Department of Health has released the Bonded Medical Places Scheme Information Booklet for 2015. One quarter of all first year Commonwealth Supported Places (medical school places) are allocated to be Bonded Medical Places (BMPs).

Students who are awarded these places must commit to working in a district of workforce shortage (DWS) area of their choice for a period of time equal to the length of their medical degree, less any credit obtained through scaling.

An announcement was made recently by the Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash about the DWS data being updated soon, using the latest information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

If you are considering a Bonded Medical Place, the nomination process is the responsibility of the university. Prospective students will need to contact their chosen university to enquire about applying for a BMP place.”

Click here to go to the Department of Health’s BMP Scheme online information.

Medical Rural Bonded Scholarships 2015

My Health Career has had confirmation from the Department of Health that the Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship (MRBS) Scheme will be taking applications for medical students entering first year in 2015.

At this stage, the Department’s website has information from the 2014 scheme. The have advised us that the 2015 information will not be on their website before December 2014.

Further information

1. My Health Career published a guest article by medical practitioner Dr Penny Wilson on what taking a MRBS meant for her years down the track.

2. Click here for a news story by ABC rural giving tips for young rural doctors.