Overview
The RFDS 4th Year Medical Student Scholarship has been made possible through the generous philanthropic support of the Morris Family in honour of the late Gillian Morris.
Gillian was a passionate Tasmanian advocate for healthcare and education and had a deep appreciation for the life-changing impact of medical care. Having benefited from medical interventions that extended and enriched her life for more than 40 years, Gillian's family wished to create opportunities for future medical professionals in recognition of the care she received and the dedication of healthcare practitioners.
Through this scholarship, the Morris Family is investing in the next generation of doctors who are committed to serving rural and remote communities.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to University of Tasmania medical students undertaking their compulsory 4th year elective placement in rural or remote Australia. These placements are often formative experiences that influence future career decisions, yet the costs associated with travel, accommodation and living expenses can create significant barriers. By providing $6,000 per recipient, the scholarship helps remove these barriers and enables students to gain valuable experience in the communities where healthcare professionals are most needed.
4th Year Medical Student Scholarship stands as a lasting tribute to Gillian's life and values, strengthening rural healthcare by supporting aspiring doctors and helping to improve access to medical services in regional communities for generations to come.
Important
All 4th year students are required to undertake an assessable four-week clinical placement, or equivalent, as an elective. The elective period is generally undertaken between mid-November and 30 January each year.
The University of Tasmania requires students to nominate an indicative elective destination by 1 April, with final elective plans submitted by 1 October annually.
No previous RFDS experience required
Eligibility
- Available to students entering 4th year of a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (H3X) in 2027 who is from a remote or rural area and/or has expressed interest in working in remote or rural areas.
- Selection will be determined on:
- demonstrated academic merit;
- high level communication skills;
- interest in and understanding of contemporary rural health issues;
- demonstrated intention to undertake a clinical placement in rural health in a remote or rural area (essential criteria) as their elective placement;
- and an ability and willingness to act as an ambassador promoting the RFDS and the Tasmanian School of Medicine.
- Preference is for a student from Tasmania.
- The recipient must be available for the RFDS Scholarship Presentations held at the beginning of the year following their placement.
- To be eligible for this scholarship, your placement must take place in a location classified as MM5, MM6 or MM7 under the Modified Monash Model (MMM). While the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) uses the term "rural and remote" to broadly describe areas outside Australia's major cities,scholarship eligibility is limited to placements in MM5 to MM7 locations to ensure funding is directed to students undertaking placements in rural, remote and very remote communities, and where RFDS focuses service delivery. Click here
- Placements in locations outside the MM5 to MM7 classification range may be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the RFDS. Eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the location, community need, and alignment with the objectives of the scholarship.
- Visit here for more information about the Modified Monash Model (MMM) and area classifications MM5 - MM7.
On-going Eligibility
- Remain enrolled in a full-time 100% load (4 x 12.5% units or equivalent)
Amount
$6,000 per recipient to assist with; Travel costs, Accommodation expenses, Placement-related costs, and Other approved expenses associated with undertaking a rural or remote clinical placement.
Duration
Four weeks between November 2027 and January 2028.
Opening Date
04 September 2026
Closing Date
26 February 2027
Apply
Apply online prior to closing date. Applications cannot be submitted after closing date.
As applicants will be assessed on the quality of application, all questions should be answered in full. Please ensure care is taken with spelling and grammar.
Application status
Open
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