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NRHA & HESTA Rural Health Conference Student Stipend

A stipend to help rural health students attend the conference and bring a solution-focused idea to the table.

Applications closed

Invest in your rural health future

Six student stipends of up to $2,000 are available for nursing, midwifery and allied health students studying in rural Australia to attend the 18th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide/Tarntanya from 14–16 September 2026.

The National Rural Health Alliance and HESTA are partnering to support emerging rural health professionals to connect with national leaders, learn from practical solutions, and contribute their ideas to a stronger, more sustainable rural health workforce.

Applications close at midnight on 9th August 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be assessed.

What the stipend provides

A total contribution of up to $2,000 per recipient, for support towards conference registration, travel and accommodation.
Access to three days of presentations, workshops, networking and rural health leadership (view the conference program here).
An opportunity to share a practical idea for strengthening the rural health workforce.
Recognition through NRHA and HESTA communications, subject to consent.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

are currently studying nursing, midwifery, medicine, or an allied health discipline;
are studying at an institution or through a training pathway located in rural Australia;
can attend the 18th National Rural Health Conference in Adelaide from 14–16 September 2026;
are willing to confirm registration, travel and leave arrangements within two weeks of being notified; and
agree to the application and promotion consent requirements.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are strongly encouraged to apply. A minimum of two stipends are reserved for Indigenous applicants. Applications are encouraged by students whose lived experience, study pathway or career goals reflect the diversity of rural, regional and remote communities.

How applications will be assessed

Applications will be assessed by a panel convened by the NRHA, including a HESTA representative. Assessment will focus on the following weighted:

Criterion	What assessors will consider	Weight
Commitment to rural health	Evidence of intent to work in, contribute to or advocate for rural, regional or remote communities.	25%
Written submission	Clarity, impact, authenticity and a compelling reason to attend.	20%
Video idea	Innovation, practicality, relevance and potential to support a sustainable rural health workforce.	30%
Equity consideration	Rural disadvantage, under-representation, lived experience and contribution to diversity and inclusion.	15%
Alignment with NRHA and HESTA	Alignment with equity, workforce sustainability, community impact and sector values.	10%

Milestone	Timeline
Applications open	23^rd July 2026
Applications close	Midnight, 9^th August 2026
Applicants notified	14^th August 2026
Recipient confirmation	Within a week of notification; key accommodation and travel details to be confirmed within two weeks of notification.
Conference	14–16 September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stipends are available?

Six stipends are available, valued at up to $2,000 each.

What costs can the stipend cover?

The stipend is intended to contribute to conference registration, travel and accommodation. Recipients should retain relevant booking and payment records.

Do I have to be a HESTA member?

No. Applicants will be asked to provide their superannuation provider, but HESTA membership is not an eligibility requirement.

What counts as allied health?

A non-exhaustive list of Allied Health Professions can be viewed here. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners will be considered.

Can I apply if I study online?

Yes, but your course must be predominantly online, and you must live/work in a rural area. The application form will capture your residential location and institution to determine eligibility. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please reach out to us.

Can I apply if I am studying a research degree?

No, unfortunately this stipend is only for undergraduate or postgraduate coursework students studying nursing, midwifery, allied health, or medicine.

Does my video need professional production?

No. Assessment is based on the quality, practicality and relevance of the idea, not production quality. A clear mobile phone recording is sufficient.

Can my idea involve government policy?

Yes. Ideas may be no-cost, low-cost or policy-based, provided they are solution-focused and relevant to rural workforce sustainability.

How will Indigenous stipends be allocated?

At least two stipends will be awarded to eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. All applicants will still be assessed against the published criteria.

When will I know the outcome?

Applicants can expect to be notified by 14^th August 2026.

What happens if I am selected?

Recipients must confirm conference registration, travel and leave arrangements within two weeks of notification, by providing receipts, after which reimbursement will be provided. More information will be provided post-selection.