RFDS Fred McKay Medical Student Scholarship

Rachel, scholarship recipient on RFDS aircraft.

Overview

The RFDS Fred McKay Medical Student Scholarship was established in 1997 in honour of Rev Fred McKay, the successor to Rev John Flynn and the spiritual leader of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS). The scholarship is delivered in partnership with the University of Tasmania and RFDS South Eastern Section and aims to encourage medical students to consider a career in rural and remote areas of Australia; especially Tasmania.

The scholarship includes a two week placement at the RFDS Broken Hill Base, working as an observer in RFDS aircraft.

Applicants should forward a copy of the referee's report to one referee.

Completed reports can be attached to the application form or emailed to Scholarships.Office@utas.edu.au.

Eligibility

Applicants must be Tasmanian, and enrolled full-time in the final year of the University of Tasmania's Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M3N) course.
Applicants must be available to participate in a two-week placement in October 2026 (subject to RFDS operational requirements).
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of quality of application and the following criteria:
- evidence of high level skills in professional communication and practice;
- a demonstrated interest in and understanding of contemporary rural health issues;
- a demonstrated intention to engage in rural health at some stage in the future, and an ability and willingness to act as an ambassador promoting the RFDS and the University's School of Medicine.
No previous RFDS experience is required.
The recipient must be available for the RFDS Scholarship Presentations held at the beginning of the year following their placement.

On-going Eligibility

Must remain enrolled full-time in the final year of the University of Tasmania Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree

Amount

$3,000 to fund travel and expenses incurred in the placement.

Duration

Two weeks in October 2026

Opening Date

29 August 2025

Closing Date

27 February 2026

Apply

Apply online prior to closing date. Applications cannot be submitted after closing date.

As applicants will be assessed on the quality of application, all questions should be answered in full. Please ensure care is taken with spelling and grammar.

Application status

Not yet open