10.8 Federal Support Misses the Mark: Student Perspectives on the HELP-Debt Reduction Scheme
Tracks
Botanical 4 room
| Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
| 5:05 PM - 5:35 PM |
| Botanical 4 room |
Details
Format: Academic or scientific verbal presentation (30-minute)
Speaker
Miss Eloise Delaney
2025 Medical Officer
National Rural Health Student Network
Federal Support Misses the Mark: Student Perspectives on the HELP-Debt Reduction Scheme
5:05 PM - 5:35 PMAbstract Overview
Introduction
The National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) is Australia's only multidisciplinary rural health network, with almost 10000 members from 27 Universities. In 2024 NRHSN undertook a pilot study that investigated students’ knowledge of the Federal Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)-Debt Reduction Scheme, designed to decrease Doctors and Nurse Practitioners HELP debt, in return for rural service after qualification. Given NRHSN’s large reach of what could be the future rural health workforce, in 2025 we aim to expand this study to gain a more comprehensive overview of the knowledge of the HELP-Debt Reduction Scheme.
Methods
Data was collected through an online survey distributed to NRHSN members across Australia.
Results
42 students responded to the survey, 88% were medical students. 38% had prior knowledge of the scheme and only 12% understood the eligibility criteria. Upon expanding this survey, we hope to see similar results.
Conclusion
Our pilot study reveals poor communication and understanding of the scheme, underscoring the need for clearer messaging to help medical and nursing students utilise it. By expanding this survey, we hope to capture a broader population of student perspectives and raise awareness of the scheme, whilst highlighting the need for better promotion and clearer eligibility criteria.
The National Rural Health Student Network (NRHSN) is Australia's only multidisciplinary rural health network, with almost 10000 members from 27 Universities. In 2024 NRHSN undertook a pilot study that investigated students’ knowledge of the Federal Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)-Debt Reduction Scheme, designed to decrease Doctors and Nurse Practitioners HELP debt, in return for rural service after qualification. Given NRHSN’s large reach of what could be the future rural health workforce, in 2025 we aim to expand this study to gain a more comprehensive overview of the knowledge of the HELP-Debt Reduction Scheme.
Methods
Data was collected through an online survey distributed to NRHSN members across Australia.
Results
42 students responded to the survey, 88% were medical students. 38% had prior knowledge of the scheme and only 12% understood the eligibility criteria. Upon expanding this survey, we hope to see similar results.
Conclusion
Our pilot study reveals poor communication and understanding of the scheme, underscoring the need for clearer messaging to help medical and nursing students utilise it. By expanding this survey, we hope to capture a broader population of student perspectives and raise awareness of the scheme, whilst highlighting the need for better promotion and clearer eligibility criteria.
Biography
Eloise is a 2nd year medical student from the University of Notre Dame, that has just relocated to Yarwuru country for the new Kimberley Centre for Remote Medical Training Program. Eloise is passionate about rural and remote health, as evidenced in her role as Vice President of SPINRPHEX (Australia’s oldest student run rural health club) and Medical Officer for the National Rural Health Student Network. Eloise hopes that with her passion for research, clinical practise and advocacy, she can help to contribute to lessening the inequities faced by those living in rural and remote parts of WA.
