Recent research from The University of Melbourne has sought to understand the capacity for mature-aged students residing in rural and remote communities in supporting the healthcare workforce. It is an ongoing reality that people living within rural areas experience poorer health outcomes largely due to disparities between access and distribution of services compared to city regions.

The research aims to identify and discuss structural changes that can be implemented to support these students in successfully fulfilling both work and academic requirements over the duration of their courses. Non-university commitments that primarily concern mature-aged students such as familial, financial and work obligations were named as factors that contribute to these students needing additional support whilst studying in rural areas.

Produced By: Maeve Groom

Featured In Story: Dr Claire Quilliam: Research Fellow with the Department of Rural Health at The University of Melbourne

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 8 January 2025