Medical Rural Bonded (MRB) Scholarship

The Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship Scheme provides 100 scholarships of more than $23,000 a year, indexed annually and currently tax free, to new medical students prepared to commit to at least six years of rural practice once they complete their basic medical and postgraduate training. 

The Scheme has operated since 2001 and aims to increase the number of doctors practising in rural and remote communities. It is part of a long-term strategy by the Australian Government to boost and strengthen the nation's rural medical workforce. 

Australian Government contacts

To apply or to make further enquiries on the Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship Scheme please contact the Australian Department of Health and Ageing in Canberra on:

Free Call:    1800 248 720
Email:         MRBscholarshipshealth [dot] gov [dot] au
Write to:      Medical Rural Bonded Scholarships
                   Department of Health and Ageing
                   MDP 50, GPO Box 9848, Canberra  ACT  2601
Website:      http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/work-st-mrb-summ

ACRRM and the MRB Support Program

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is the peak organisation for rural medical education and training in Australia. ACRRM has been appointed by the Australian Government to provide support to MRB Scholars by developing communications networks and networking opportunities through:

• A rural medical mentorship program
• A support network of rural and remote medical practitioners and communities
• Access to the ACRRM’s Rural and Remote Medical Education Online (RRMEO) web platform (www.rrmeo.com)
• Funding to attend medical conferences and events
• Newsletters and the MRB Support website

What is RRMEO?

RRMEO is ACRRM's online education web platform that provides MRB scholars with education and training opportunities, discussion forums, information on rural placements, information on career pathways to rural generalist and specialist medical practice, information on support schemes, and rural medical education resources. RRMEO also acts as a virtual community for rural medical practitioners. Visit the RRMEO page for more information.

 Download RRMEO User Guide

Conferences

MRB Scholars can attend national medical and health conferences, such as the annual National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) conference and the ACRRM Biennial Scientific Forum.

Newsletters

Regular newsletters are prepared and sent to MRB Scholars to update them on program news, and to share interesting stories and articles written by fellow participants in the program. Visit the MRB Support Newsletter page to see previous editions.

Links

Visit the MRB Support Links page to view interesting websites from medical organiations, students groups and training bodies.

Want more info on ACRRM?

Visit the What is ACRRM page for more information on the College.

Partner groups

The MRB Support program has been developed by ACRRM in consultation with the Rural Clinical Schools, Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges, and the National Rural Health Network.

Other scholarships / student programs

Rural Medical Programs

John Flynn Placement Program (JFPP)
Medical Rural Bonded Scholarship Scheme (MRBSS)
Rural Australia Medical Undergraduate Scholarships Scheme (RAMUS)

NSW Rural Doctor's Network Scholarships Database

Search Scholarships - provides details of universities offering health scholarships in NSW/ACT and of the agencies administering the scholarships.

The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship

The Scheme provides undergraduate scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in medicine, nursing, allied health and Aboriginal health worker courses.

MRB Support Contact

For more information on the MRB Support program, contact:

Sean Hipkins
Program Co-ordintor Bonded Support Programs
Phone: 07 3105 8200 / Fax: 07 3105 8299
Email:  mrbsupportacrrm [dot] org [dot] au
Postal Address: GPO Box 2507, BRISBANE  QLD  4001
Web: www.acrrm.org.au / www.rrmeo.com

MRB Support Fact Sheet

 Download MRB Support Fact Sheet

Please note, MRB Scholars from the 2001-2005 university cohorts, who wish to access the MRB Scholarship Support Scheme, must register with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Please see their contact details above.