Mildura Health has announced a $100,000 scholarship program to support the introduction of a new General Practice Pathway at Monash Rural Health in Mildura, following the allocation of 10 additional Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) by the Federal Government.

The pathway is designed to provide General Practice and Rural Generalist education and training, enabling students to complete a four-year graduate-entry medical degree entirely in Mildura. This initiative will immerse students in primary health care and connect them with experienced GP and Rural Generalist mentors, helping to build a strong pipeline of future medical professionals who will remain and serve the region.

Under the program, 10 scholarships valued at $10,000 each will be offered to students who secure a place in the 2026 intake. The funds will assist with living costs, recognising the importance of supporting students to commit to full-time study.

Mildura Health Chief Executive Gerard Op de Coul said the organisation has long advocated for locally delivered medical education.

“Mildura Health has been a key supporter and advocate for introducing the first year of the medical degree in Mildura and was pleased to see Monash University awarded 10 Commonwealth Supported Places in the latest round of Federal Government funding,” Mr Op de Coul said.

He emphasised the importance of retaining medical talent in the region.

“A locally offered degree will support the growth and retention of well-trained medical practitioners in our region. Providing access to quality health care and skilled medical professionals to our members, patients, and the wider community is a strategic priority for Mildura Health.”

The program will prioritise students from the tri-state areas of Mildura, Riverland in South Australia, and Broken Hill in New South Wales, particularly those who face barriers to higher education.

“Introducing an end-to-end medical training program to our region—prioritising students from our tri-state areas—will support those who traditionally face challenges in pursuing educational opportunities, including first-in-family students, individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations communities, and people with disabilities,” Mr Op de Coul said.

He noted the broader impact on health outcomes.

“Our communities are currently underserviced in higher education for health care and access to health services, with adverse impacts on health outcomes. It is proven that practitioners with rural backgrounds and rural experiences during undergraduate and postgraduate medical education are more likely to enter rural practice. Graduates will be able to pursue postgraduate employment and specialty pathways locally in Mildura, providing much-needed growth and stability to our medical workforce.”

Applications for the scholarships will open to students who are successful in obtaining a place in the 2026 intake, with the degree commencing in February 2026.

For further information about the Mildura Health Scholarship program, please contact Gerard Op de Coul, on (03) 5023 0269