Incentive Programs
HECS Reimbursement Scheme
The HECS Reimbursement Scheme aims to promote careers in rural medicine and increase the number of doctors in rural and regional Australia in the longer term.
The HECS Reimbursement Scheme reimburses standard HECS debts of medical students should they choose to train and work in rural and remote communities. Communities gain improved access to health services as more doctors move to work in these areas.
Under the Scheme, doctors are able to reduce the period for reimbursement of the cost of their medical studies from five years to two years, depending on the classification of their training or practice location according to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area (ASGC-RA).
Further Information
More information including guidelines is available on: Rural and Regional Health Australia (external) website or by contacting Medicare Australia on 1800 010 550.
Page last reviewed: 13 February 2013
