Study Experience
Adelaide Rural Clinical School provides clinical health education to students in South Australia’s regions.
As a student at Adelaide Rural Clinical School, you will benefit from dedicated supervision and one-on-one interactions with experienced health professionals. The camaraderie among health professional staff in rural towns fosters true interdisciplinary learning and many social opportunities.
Medicine is practiced differently in rural areas—and so we teach it differently. You will need to respond to the varied and diverse needs of rural communities, so our training is similar to generalist or multi-skilled practice. Rather than teaching in discipline-orientated blocks, we have an integrated approach.
You will have the chance to develop your people skills through hands-on consultations with patients who appreciate the opportunity to help out new health professionals. Longer placements open up opportunities for new experiences, including getting a feel for ongoing care.
I have yet to hear from a single student in my rural cohort who regretted their choice to go to the country or who said they wouldn't do it again... But I have heard plenty of friends who stayed in the city say how much they regretted not joining us in the rural program and having the experiences we had! Year 5 medical student
Support staff within regions are dedicated to ensuring that you have a great learning experience. Our student coordinators can assist you on a wide variety of matters. They know their towns well—the activities, the opportunities and how to make the best of the experience.
While you’re on placement, make sure you seize the chance to explore surrounding areas, find out about new places, meet new people and challenge yourself. In many learning centres you’ll mix with students from other disciplines—so you’ll make friends and build a great network of health professionals.
Student accommodation is free, furnished and includes internet connection. You will also receive a living allowance and support from local staff.
Student clubs
University isn’t all work and no play. Joining a student club is a great way to pursue other interests and meet new people. From sports and hobbies, to politics and culture, the University of Adelaide has a wide range of student clubs for you to consider.
Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA)
As an Adelaide Rural Clinical School student, you may want to join the Adelaide University Rural Health Alliance (AURHA). It provides many services and activities, including student placement opportunities, support and advocacy, trips to rural and remote areas, barbecues, rural high school visits, cultural awareness training, Indigenous health nights, Indigenous community festivals, guest speaker nights, skills evenings and social events.
National Rural Health Students' Network (NRHSN)
The National Rural Health Students’ Network (NRHSN) national body for student rural health clubs provides a voice for students who are passionate about improving health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. The NRHSN has approximately 9,000 members who belong to rural health clubs at universities throughout Australia. It includes students from medical, nursing and allied health courses and facilitates scholarships, conferences and events.
Rural background entry pathway to medicine
Are you from a rural or remote background and interested in becoming a doctor? You may be eligible to apply to study medicine through our rural background entry pathway.
Find out more about proving rural origin and if you're eligible, there is some important information you’ll need to read before applying for the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine
The Medicine Admissions Guide contains detailed information about the degree’s current admissions criteria, requirements and eligibility.