Rural Immersion Program - Speech Pathology
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Rural Immersion Program for speech pathology students! The program will give fourth year speech pathology students the opportunity to complete their final year from one of four locations within our footprint. Students can choose from Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Taree.
Successful applicants will begin their year of study in their chosen location from Semester 1 2026.
Spaces are limited at each site and will be allocated as first in best dressed.
Why go rural for your placement?
- Enjoy the flexibility of remote learning with the advantage of continuous mentoring from local academics, access to study centres, and professional guidance throughout the program.
- Opportunity to complete paediatric and adult clinical placements in diverse practice settings including public health, private practice, non-government organisations and the disability sector.
- Attend interdisciplinary education sessions.
- Subsidised accommodation available across all sites.
- Connect with fellow speech pathology students, and other health students completing year long placements at your chosen location. Immerse yourself in the local community through social mixers and activities planned throughout the year.
- Opportunity for employment at the local organisations where you’ll be training.
Program Specifics
Who can participate?
Domestic fourth year speech pathology students.
Application Deadline
Friday, 6th June 2025
Commencing
Trimester 1 2026 (Monday, 9th February 2026)
Year Level
4th year
Location
Choose from one of four regional centres including Tamworth, Taree, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
Mode of Course Work Delivery
Online
Placements
Paediatric and adult clinical placements available at both the local hospital and community organisations organisations within the region.
Year-Long Accommodation
Subsidised accommodation at our University of Newcastle owned units at $100/week. Private living bursary available if eligible.
Academic Support
Support available from local academic mentors and student support officers.
Keen to learn more?
Q&A Webinar Sessions
We are hosting online webinars to give you the opportunity to speak with course coordinators, ask questions and find out if this program is right for you.
Session 1: Tuesday 13th May
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Where? Online via Zoom, or join in Room 326 of the ICT Building where Jo Walters, Practice Education Coordinator for the Speech Pathology (honours) Program will be joining in person.
Session 2: Monday, 19th May
Time: 12-1pm
Where? Online, via Zoom
Register for a session here.
To register your interest in the program, complete our EOI form here.
For more details or any questions, please reach out direct to our Speech Pathology team at uondrh-sp@newcastle.edu.au
Don’t believe us! Find out why our students chose rural for their placements.
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.