THE University of New England has been selected as one of 10 universities nationwide to receive additional Commonwealth supported medical places, in a major win for regional health workforce education.

UNE will receive 10 additional places annually from 2026, with the potential for further expansion from 2028. The university was chosen through a competitive process that assessed how institutions would focus training on primary care with more general practice rotations.

UNE vice-chancellor, Professor Chris Moran, said the result is a major step forward for the New England and north-west regions.

“This is a significant achievement for UNE and recognition of our commitment to training doctors for rural and regional Australia,” Mr Moran said.

“As a regional university, we understand the health workforce challenges facing communities outside metropolitan areas. These additional places will help us address GP shortages where they’re needed most.”

The announcement comes as the Joint Medical Program prepares to launch its Regional Health Professional Pathway in 2026.

This pathway offers nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and physiotherapists, who have worked for at least two years in the Hunter New England Local Health District, a structured entry into the JMP.

The Joint Medical Program is a partnership between UNE and the University of Newcastle that delivers the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD-JMP) degree, with the UNE partnership focused on training doctors specifically for rural and regional practice.

UNE’s head of School of Rural Medicine, Professor Michelle Guppy, said the CSP places align perfectly with UNE’s strategic focus on primary care and general practice training.

“Regional communities need more doctors who not only train here but stay here. These places directly strengthen the rural medical pipeline and open the door for more students who want to pursue a career in primary care,” she said.

UNE vice-chancellor, Professor Chris Moran, Nikkea Hartup who will be one of the first students in the pilot, executive Dean of Medicine and Health, Professor Kim Usher, and Head of Rural Medicine, Professor Michelle Guppy.

The additional places are part of the Australian Government’s Building the GP Workforce initiative.

A second stream will offer an extra 50 places nationally from 2028, bringing the total to 150 additional medical places per year.

Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, also welcomed the announcement.

“The 10 additional places at UNE for future doctors to study medicine is a huge win for regional areas,” Mr Moylan said.

“We have a shortage of doctors in the bush so increasing the number of medical students is a step in the right direction to enticing doctors to stay.

“UNE has world-class facilities, exceptional staff and is topped off by being placed in Armidale, one of the most beautiful regional cities which makes it the perfect place to study.”

UNE joins Charles Sturt University, Flinders University, Griffith University, Monash University, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, University of Notre Dame Australia,  University of Sydney and University of Wollongong in receiving the 2026 allocation.