Richmond and Clarence Valley healthcare students should consider applying for new grants of up to $12,000 to support them with their tertiary studies, according to Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson.

“The Tertiary Health Study Subsidies program will support 12,000 students and is all about helping young people into tertiary healthcare education and increasing the NSW Health workforce” Mr Williamson said.

“The Nationals have secured dedicated regional NSW grants for nursing, medicine and paramedicine.”

Applications are also open for those studying other healthcare degrees at NSW universities state-wide including psychology, dentistry, pharmacy, radiography, Aboriginal health and more.

For university students who have already commenced their studies, applications for a one-off payment of $8,000 after acceptance of employment within NSW Health are available.

Mr Williamson said that as part of the program, applicants must make a five-year commitment to working within the NSW public health system.

“This is the beginning of the academic year and I want to see as many possible students from the Richmond and Clarence Valleys apply for this support,” Mr Williamson said.

“Students from regional and rural communities often face financial barriers with the associated costs of studying away from home. This initiative goes a long way towards levelling the playing field”.

Program eligibility requirements and application information is available by searching the NSW Health web site, www.health.nsw.gov.au