Megs Culhane of RFDS Tasmania with Xavier Bailey UTAS student

New RFDS Scholarship Gives UTAS Students a Front-Row Seat to Rural Health

Date published

26 Sep 2025

For many Tasmanians, health care doesn’t come in the form of a clinic down the road. It arrives by plane, by four-wheel drive, and sometimes by sheer determination.

Now, a new scholarship is giving University of Tasmania (UTAS) Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students the chance to be part of that journey.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Tasmania has partnered with the Fairbrother Foundation and UTAS to launch a scholarship for final-year Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science students, offering a two-week placement alongside RFDS Tasmania physical health teams working across the state. 

From Flinders Island to the Huon Valley, students will step into the world of rural health, where every visit counts and every kilometre tells a story.

“This is more than just a placement. It’s a chance to experience what health care looks like when it’s built on trust, community need, and adaptability,” said Nicole Henty, RFDS Tasmania CEO.

The scholarship is designed to immerse students in the realities of delivering care in remote and rural areas. They’ll work with experienced clinicians, contribute to preventative health programs, and witness the power of multidisciplinary and multi-agency teamwork in action. 

It’s a hands-on experience that brings theory to life and puts people at the centre of learning.

Applications are open from the 29th August 2025 until the 5th January 2026.

Successful applicants will be supported throughout the placement and encouraged to reflect on their experiences through mentorship and guided learning.

For students, it’s a chance to step outside the classroom and into communities where health care is deeply personal. For RFDS Tasmania, it’s an investment in the future of rural health, one student at a time.

To apply or learn more, visit the scholarship page.