The Rural Placement Grant is an Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) initiative designed to encourage and support chiropractic students to undertake clinical placements in regional, rural, and remote communities.
We want more students to experience the richness of rural healthcare delivery, develop a broad range of clinical and interpersonal skills, and see first-hand the important role chiropractors play in supporting the health and wellbeing of country communities.
This grant is open to chiropractic students in the final 18 months of study, undertaking an education provider led clinical placement prior to qualification and registration as an enrolled chiropractor.
To help offset the additional costs often associated with rural placements, eligible students will receive a one-off grant to assist with travel and accommodation expenses.
What you'll experience
When you do your clinical placement in a regional, rural and remote health care environment, you’ll find unique opportunities and experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll:
- Work within diverse, supportive environment.
- Provide care for people with acute, chronic, and primary health needs that you may not otherwise experience in an urban practice environment.
- Engage deeply with your local community and experience the connection that defines rural Australia.
Beyond professional growth, we hope you’ll discover the sense of belonging, purpose, and gratitude that comes from serving communities that truly value your contribution.
Why go rural?
A rural placement can be transformative — helping you grow, connect, and learn in ways that shape your future career. Our goal is simple: to inspire more graduates to “go rural” and to build a strong, sustainable chiropractic workforce across Australia.
Eligibility
The following criteria must be met to apply for this grant:
- enrolled with an Australian education provider that teaches chiropractic
- an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency
- in the final 18-months of your chiropractic studies.
Your placement must also be:
- in Darwin or a MMM 2-7 location [PDF 171.98 KB] as per the Modified Monash Model.
- minimum of 2 consecutive weeks or longer.
- meet education provider requirements for placement (including any relevant police and working with children checks)
- be supported by your education provider via a letter of endorsement
Both student applicant and placement practitioner must be ACA members to be eligible for the Grant.
You can only receive the Grant once.
Selection criteria
These are competitive grants and will be awarded on the recommendation of the independent selection committee whose assessment will be based on how applicants address the following questions:
- Discuss why you would like to experience a rural placement and what you hope to accomplish as a chiropractor in the next 5-10 years.
- Describe what has been your driving influence / motivation in wanting to become a chiropractor.
- How will the scholarship benefit you professionally, personally and culturally?
- Outline your involvement in community activities and outreach opportunities.
Value of Grant
You will be able to select the value of the grant being applied for, to a maximum of $3,000. An outline of accommodation and travel costs will need to be provided to support the application.
How to apply
Application will be via the prescribed form. To complete your application, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your details, including educational provider
- Declaration that you meet the eligibility criteria
- Placement details, including name of placement practitioner and practice location
- Details of the funding being requested
- Response to selection criteria questions
- A letter of endorsement from your education provider
Applications are currently not open – the next round of applications opens in November 2025.