Supports and subsidies
From relocation to emergency course subsidies to ongoing annual incentive payments, there are a number of supports and financial subsidies for rural GP registrars as outlined below.
Important notice
The following information applies to the 2022 training year. Please contact the RACGP and/or ACRRM for information about supports available in 2023 and beyond.
Rural support team
GP Synergy has a dedicated rural support team providing relocation advice and assistance, pastoral support and information about the subsidies available through GP Synergy and other organisations. You can email the team on rural_support@gpsynergy.com.au
Registrars on rural rotation also receive additional medical educator support from a local, rural educator who understands how to maximise the learning opportunities offered in rural general practice.
Relocation subsidies
GP Synergy offers between $1,900 and $9,500 per six months* for relocation costs for registrars training in MMM3-7 locations including:
- moving fees, end of lease cleaning, connection and disconnection fees
- travel and accommodation for pre-placement interviews or accommodation site visits
- travel to commence the placement
Registrars training in MMM5-7 locations can also apply for reimbursement of two return trips (flights/mileage) to their originating destination within their rural support cap each term.
GP Synergy rural support caps by term and location*
| MMM3 | MMM4 | MMM5 (& Broken Hill) | MMM6 | MMM7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,930 | $3,186 | $4,228 | $6,188 | $9,497 |
*The rural support cap varies according to the MMM classification of your placement and is subject to change. Please see Registrar Support Guidelines for full terms and conditions.
Looking for the MMM classification for a town?
Visit the town profile page to find out!
Education/course subsidies
GP Synergy provides:
- Up to $3000 towards an accredited ALS/REST course for if registrars:
- undertake Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) work as part of your rural placement in an MMM 3-7 location
- are an ACRRM or FARGP registrar
- are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrar
- Up to $2500 towards an accredited ALS/REST course for if registrars are not undertaking VMO work as part of their placement in an MMM 3-7 location.
- Up to $1000 per StAMPS exam to participate in ACRRM study groups.
In addition, registrars are supported to attend ACRRM REST course if they participate in the Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) roster. More info can be found in the VMO FAQs.
Registrars training in MMM5-7 locations can also apply for reimbursement for education courses relevant to rural general practice within their funding cap (see table above).
Rural generalist/procedural course subsidies
GP Synergy provides:
- Up to $8,000 for pre-approved curriculum related course fees (excluding core qualification fees) not eligible for funding under any other program for registrars undertaking Advanced Skills and Advanced Specialised Training terms.
Other non-GP Synergy subsidies also exist:
- $40,000 Commonwealth subsidy under the GP Procedural Training Support Program to enable GPs to gain the Advanced Diploma of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRANZCOG Advanced).
- $40,000 Commonwealth subsidy under the GP Procedural Training Support Program to support rural GPs to attain procedural skills by providing funding to gain the Advanced Rural Skills and Advanced Specialised Training in Anaesthesia
Workforce Incentive Program (WIP)
The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) (formerly General Practice Rural Incentives Program - GPRIP) aims to encourage medical practitioners to practise in regional and remote communities and to promote careers in rural medicine through the provision of financial incentives. Explore the Doctor Connect map for specific location boundaries.
| Location (MM) | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MM3 | $0 | $4,500 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| MM4 | $0 | $8,000 | $13,000 | $13,000 | $18,000 |
| MM5 | $0 | $12,000 | $17,000 | $17,000 | $23,000 |
| MM6 | $16,000 | $16,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| MM7 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 |
Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP)
An initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health, administered in New South Wales by NSW Rural Doctors Network (RDN), the Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP) provides scholarships and bursaries to help health professionals in rural and remote Australia retain and enhance their skills, capacity and scope of practice.
The HWSP is available to medical, nursing, midwifery, allied health, dental and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals providing primary health care in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector, non-government organisations and private practice.
There are two types of funding under the program:
- Bursaries: A payment up to $10,000 (maximum of $10,000 in total in one year) for professional development and upskilling course fees and associated accommodation and travel-related expenses
- Scholarships: A payment up to $10,000 per year, for up to two years, toward the cost of completing a postgraduate course leading to a postgraduate qualification
For full details on the program and how to apply, visit the NSW Rural Doctors Network website.
HELP debt reduction for rural doctors
In January 2022, a new scheme was announced to encourage doctors to work and/or train in a regional, rural or remote MMM 3-7 location. Under this scheme, doctors can have their HELP fees eliminated if they work in an MMM 3-5 location for the full length of their degree, or work in an MMM 6-7 location for half of the length of their degree.
For further information, including FAQs and a registrar case study example, see here.
Having grown up, studied and worked in Sydney, GP registrar, Dr Matthew Chan found himself in New England/Northwest for his GP training; he's enjoyed it so much he’s in no hurry to get back to the city.
He shares his experience of moving to the country town of Gunnedah - his relocation, his practice choice, his training experience and tips for other doctors thinking of making the move.
