University of Newcastle welcomes additional Commonwealth Supported Places to strengthen regional medical workforce
The University of Newcastle has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of 50 additional Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for medical students nationally. The CSPs will be shared across eight universities, including the University of Newcastle, and begin from 2028.
The additional CSP places will be on top of the approximately 130 domestic places currently offered at the University of Newcastle, adding to the pipeline of doctors that will help address critical workforce shortages across our regions and strengthening the University’s successful Joint Medical Program (JMP) delivered in partnership with the University of New England (UNE).
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the funding recognised the strength of the University’s regional medical education model and its proven record of producing doctors who serve our regional and remote communities.
“Through our Joint Medical Program with the University of New England, we have helped train generations of doctors who have gone on to practice in regional and rural communities where they are needed most,” said Professor Zelinsky.
“Our university welcomes the Government’s investment. These additional places will strengthen our contribution, creating more opportunities for students to study medicine close to home and increasing the number of graduates who can help meet healthcare needs across our region and beyond.”
The University’s successful proposal includes the creation of a new medical pathway for rural health professionals to help address rural medical workforce shortages. The pathway allows eligible students to commence medical studies while they remain in their communities.
University of Newcastle PVC College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Professor Lisa Wood said the initiative is designed to support students with strong ties to regional communities.
“We know that students who train and spend significant time in regional and rural communities are more likely to build their careers there,” said Professor Wood.
“By creating pathways tailored to rural health professionals and expanding opportunities through the Joint Medical Program, we are investing in a sustainable medical workforce that will deliver lasting benefits for regional communities for decades to come.”
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