Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship
The Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship has been established to equip and support new graduate or early career allied health professionals in NSW Health to work effectively with people in rural and remote communities.
About the scholarship
The Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $12,000 to complete the Level 1 Allied Health Rural Generalist Program through James Cook University (JCU). Scholarship funds can be used for course fees, technology, or other costs associated with completing this training program within your Local Health District (LHD).
This course is currently available for the following allied health professions: Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Radiography, Social Work, or Speech Pathology. It is possible to apply for a partial scholarship if you only intend to complete the modules that suit your professional development needs (payment will be per module).
For more information on the Rural Generalist Program please visit the James Cook University website.
Download Scholarship Guidelines for full application and eligibility criteria
Who is eligible?
Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship applicants must:
- Be within the first three years of rural practice working as one of the following allied health professionals: Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Podiatrist, Psychologist, Radiographer, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Currently reside in a rural or remote area (MM3-MM7) in NSW. Applicants who reside in a border town and work wholly in NSW Health may also be considered.
- Be employed by a NSW Health local health district with a MM3 – MM7 classification (employees from the Ministry and Pillar agencies are excluded).
- Demonstrate evidence of enrolment in the Rural Generalist Program Level 1 course (JCU) for funds to be released
- Declare receipt of another scholarship greater than $3000.
- Demonstrate a desire to contribute to the future of health in rural and regional NSW.
Scholarship priorities
These scholarships are limited and competitive. While all eligible applications will be considered, the following applications will be given priority:
- The applicant lives and works in a rural and remote location. The higher Modified Monash Model Scale score, the higher the priority. MM3 (low) – MM7 (high). Find Modified Monash Model (MMM) classifications on the Health Workforce Locator.
- Priority given to applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. To be eligible for this priority item, the person must be:
- Of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
- Identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and
- Be recognised and accepted by the Aboriginal community in which they live or work.
- Outcome from application assessment.
- Small but critical workforces.
- Demonstrated intention to remain in the rural NSW Health workforce.
How to apply
Complete the online application form by midnight, Friday 5 December 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
- Upload a letter of support from your current manager or supervisor (using the template provided).
- As part of this application, please respond to the following questions and upload your responses in one document:
- Explain why you are interested in this qualification and what you hope to achieve from completion of the course
- Describe how the skills and knowledge you will gain from this study will be applied and benefit your rural community
- Describe how this scholarship will assist you to complete your studies
- As part of this program, you will have the opportunity to complete a service development project. Please describe a service development change that you would like to explore as part of this training.
Scholarship timeframes
Event | Date |
| Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship | |
Allied Health Rural Generalist Program (Level 1) Scholarship opens | 13 October 2025 |
Scholarship closes | 5 December 2025 |
Applications reviewed | December 2025 |
Notification to applicants | January 2026 |
Acceptance of scholarship by applicant | Within 7 days |
Payment | February 2026 |