Department of Rural Health
Celebrating 25 years of commitment to rural health, education and community partnerships.
Growing a skilled, connected rural health workforce for regional NSW
We work alongside regional, rural and First Nations communities to nurture and educate students, support local health professionals and improve health access.
Student Placements
Enjoy high-quality clinical placements with greater patient access than in busier urban settings, and find opportunities to get involved in community activities.
Rural Pathways
Whether you’re in high school exploring options, a university student seeking rural placement, or looking for targeted programs to support your learning, we have pathways to help you succeed.
Improving rural health
We support Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health students and professionals through funding from the Australian Government RHMT Program.
Operating across Armidale, Coffs Harbour, Inverell, Moree, Port Macquarie, Tamworth and Taree, we are open to students from all Australian universities.
What we offer
Student placements
Undertake a supported rural placement with accommodation, academic support and real-world experience.
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Pathways
Find your path, including school programs, graduate support and rural careers.
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Interprofessional learning
Learn alongside multiple disciplines in rural settings.
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Community engagement
Work with local organisations and Indigenous communities.
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Research
Explore research that informs policy and improves rural health outcomes.
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Health professional support
Find training, research and workforce development opportunities.
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About our Department of Rural Health 2:45
Discover a life changing placement
A rural placement can widen your learning experiences and give you a competitive edge before graduation. You can also get access to a range of placement support, such as subsidised accommodation.
Resources
Events
Master of Midwifery Studies Webinar
Join Program Convenor Virginia Stulz to learn more about the Master of Midwifery Studies at the University of Newcastle. Gain an understanding of the program and engage in a Q&A.
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The Pivot Showcase
Hear the real stories behind the startups that changed direction and came out stronger.
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2026 HDR Student Festival
Higher Degree by Research students are making breakthrough discoveries and solving the world’s most formidable problems. The HDR Student Festival will feature a range of conference-style activities, as well as University-wide events to showcase the excellence and innovation of our HDR cohort.
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Three Minute Thesis Finals
The 3MT competition final is always a highlight of the HDR calendar. We are delighted that this year our finalists will again be presenting their research in front of a live audience. Come along and be dazzled by the creative talents of our HDR students while enjoying refreshments throughout the evening.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.