The Albanese government is introducing legislation that could wipe student debts for doctors and nurses. 

A doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in the most remote parts of Australia will have their HELP debt wiped under new legislation being introduced by the Federal Government.

The legislation is intended to incentivise doctors and nurse practitioners to live and work in the places that need them the most.

It means that a doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in:

  • A remote or very remote town for a time period of half the length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped

  • A large, medium or small rural town for a time period equal to the whole length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped

  • An eligible place for a period of time equivalent to half the time required is eligible to half the applicable debt reduction

The Government hopes its new legislation will attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year.

For nurse practitioners, the legislation will go towards covering a Master’s Degree in Commonwealth supported study, a full fee-paying place, or a combination of both.

Eligible locations are determined by the Modified Monash Model which classifies remoteness.