Tertiary Health Study Subsidies

About the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program provides subsidies to students studying a health qualification and incentivises them to enter the NSW Health workforce.

The payments can assist students with fees, technology, travel, or other associated personal costs.

What subsidies are available?

NSW Health offers two subsidies:

1. $12,000 subsidy paid over three years to students commencing study in 2024, 2025 and 2026, and intending to work for NSW Health upon completion.
2. $8,000 subsidy paid one-off to students graduating study with employment in NSW Health in a profession resulting from their study in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Each subsidy will see 2,000 students awarded annually for the next three years.

Who is eligible?

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy Program is open to students who:

• are Australian citizens, or Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens, and
• are studying an eligible tertiary health qualification at a recognised educational provider, and
• are not receiving another NSW Health scholarship, grant, or subsidy, and
• for commencing students who are committing to work for NSW Health for a period of 5 years, or
• for graduating students who have accepted employment with NSW Health and stay for a period of 5 years.

Additionally, for nursing, paramedicine, and medicine, preference will be given to:

• commencing students who are willing to work with NSW Health in a regional or rural location
• graduating students have accepted employment with NSW Health in a regional or rural location.

Eligible workforce groups

• Aboriginal Health Practitioners
• Clinical Psychology
• Dentistry
• Environmental Health
• Medical Physics
• Medicine
• Midwifery
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Oral Health Therapy
• Paramedicine
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Podiatry
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiography
• Social Work
• Sonography
• Speech Pathology

Subsidy priorities

There are a limited number of subsidies available, and applications will remain open until all subsidies are awarded.

While all eligible applications will be considered, small but critical workforces will be given preference, and those who intend to work in a regional and rural area.

Applicants who are awarded or who are receiving other NSW Health scholarships or grants for their course will not be considered for these subsidies.

How are the subsidies paid?

For successful applicants commencing study

First-year payments will be made after the census date has passed, and you have provided proof of enrolment.

Second and third-year payments will be made after you provide proof of continued enrolment and the passing of previous year subjects.

For successful applicants graduating study

A one-off payment will be made via NSW Health payroll once you have commenced in your position.

Financial advice

Subsidies may affect your Centrelink payment entitlements and may be subject to income tax. All applicants are strongly advised to follow required Centrelink payment processes and seek independent financial advice regarding your individual circumstances.

Apply now

Don’t miss out your chance to secure up to $12,000 to support your health studies.

Subsidies are awarded annually for three years from 2024 - 2026. Applications open in January each year.

• Commencing study in 2024
• Graduating study in 2023 and have found employment with NSW Health in 2024

Applications will close when all subsidies are awarded, so we encourage you to apply early. 

Apply for a Tertiary Health Study Subsidy

For more information

For further enquiries or information about the Tertiary Health Study Subsidies please email: MOH-THSSP@health.nsw.gov.au.