Studying Healthcare in NSW? You Can Apply for $12K Financial Support

But wait, there’s a catch 🫠

As of 15 January 2024, students enrolled in healthcare degrees in New South Wales can apply for up to $12,000 in subsidies to help them while they study.

Dubbed the Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program (whoa that’s a mouthful), it aims to encourage students to join the NSW health workforce.

But before you apply, it’s worth educating yourself on who the subsidy will help, what you could gain, but also what you have to do.

We break down what you need to know below.

Why has this happened?

The NSW government is trying to ensure healthcare students continue to work in the state after graduating. 

“In recent years, we’ve seen hard working NSW healthcare workers leave for other states, and the competition for graduates is just as tough,” Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said.

“We are coming from a long way behind after twelve years of neglect of our healthcare system and essential workers.

“There’s a long way to go rebuilding our healthcare system, but we’re committed and we’re making progress.”

How much are the different subsidies?

The NSW government are offering two different subsidies.

One is a $12,000 subsidy paid over three years to students commencing study and intending to work for NSW Health upon completion of their studies.

The other is a $8000 one-off payment for students graduating with employment already solidified with NSW Health.

From 2024 onwards, the program will support 12,000 students for five years. Students can use the payments however they choose to.

Which students qualify?

The program is available to students who are:

• Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents, and
• Studying an eligible tertiary health qualification at a recognized education provider

Students studying degrees like paramedicine, Aboriginal health, dentistry and oral health therapy, psychology, pharmacy, physiotherapy and medical physics, will qualify. However, a full list of eligible degrees/jobs can be found here.

But, here’s the catch.

Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as it looks.

Students must be willing to make a five-year commitment to working in the NSW public health system.

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, commencing students must intend to commit to working for NSW Health. While graduating students must have already found employment with NSW Health to qualify for the subsidy program.

For some health workforce groups (like nursing, paramedicine, podiatrists and medical interns), you must intend to commit to working in a rural and regional area, or studying in a rural area.

So what happens if you accept the subsidy and don't fulfill a five-year working commitment to NSW Health? 

A spokesperson for NSW Health told Student Edge that “students who do not meet this requirement, or who leave employment prior to five years, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.”

If you’re a healthcare student in NSW and you’re keen on looking into the subsidy before applying, you can head here.