Rurality, First Nations peoples and other Bonuses

Rural background

If you have lived in an Australian rural area (MM2-MM7), you may be eligibile for rural entry schemes and sub-quotas.

To be considered of 'Rural origin', you must have lived in an MM2-MM7 area for:

  • At least five consecutive years, or
  • At least 10 years cumulatively

Rurality is assessed using the Modified Monash Model (MMM), which classifies locations across Australia based on remoteness and population size. The model was developed to better target health workforce programs to attract health professionals to more remote and smaller communities.

For the 2027 intake, GEMSAS uses the Modified Monash Model 2023 (based on 2021 census data).

Modified Monash Model (MMM)

The Modified Monash Model (MMM) is how the Department of Health define whether a location is a city, rural, remote or very remote. The MMM classifies metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas according to geographical remoteness, as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), and town size.

The MMM categorises locations as follows:

  • MM1 - Metropolitan areas
  • MM2 - Regional centres
  • MM3 - Large rural towns
  • MM4 - Medium rural towns
  • MM5 - Small rural towns
  • MM6 - Remote communities
  • MM7 - Very remote communities

Only MM2-MM7 locations are considered rural for GEMSAS purposes.

How to check your MMM classification

You can confirm your classification using the Department of Health MMM locator.

To check your stats:

  • Select Modified Monash Model 
  • Enter your full residential address
  • Refer to the 2023 classification result

How do I apply for rural schemes?

If you meet the rural background criteria (MM2-MM7 for five consecutive years or 10 years cumulatively), you must:

  • Complete the rurality section in your GEMSAS application
  • Provide supporting documentation to verify your residency

Your application will only be considered for rural schemes and sub-quotas if both steps are completed.

Important

You must provide accurate and truthful information. Submitting false or misleading information, including fraudulent documents, is considered misconduct.

GEMSAS may take actions in these cases, including:

  • Cancelling your application
  • Withdrawing an offer
  • Cancelling your enrolment
  • Restricting future applications

What documentation do I need to provide to support my rural claim?

To support your rural claim, you must provide:

  • A statutory declaration in your name
  • Supporting evidence of your rural residence
  • A Rural Coversheet (generated after you submit and pay for your application)

If your supporting documents are in a parent or guardian's name (for periods when you were under 18), you must provide:

  • A statutory declaration from your parent or guardian, and
  • A statutory declaration from yourself

Acceptable supporting evidence

You must provide one of the following:

Option 1: Professional supporting letters

Letters from a GP, dentist, school, university, workplace or bank that:

  • Are dated and signed
  • Include your rural address(es) and dates of residence
  • Confirm how the author knows you in a professional capacity
  • Are on official letterhead

If the organisation is not located in the rural area, the letter must clearly explain how your address history is verified.

GP letters must include an AHPRA number or official practice stamp.

Option 2: Proof of residence documents

Documents such as utility bills, bank statements, or invoices that:

  • Show your (or your family's) name and address
  • Are dated within the year being claimed

Additional requirements:

  • If you were over 18, documents must be in your name
  • Documents must be dated in the relevant year (not reissued later)
  • Rates notices are not accepted

Key requirements

  • Your statutory declaration and supporting documents must clearly show your rural address history and dates of residence
  • You must only claim period where you physically lived in a rural area
  • Supporting documents must match the time claimed

Time requirements:

  • Five consecutive years: documentation must cover every year, without gaps
  • 10 cumulative years: documentation must cover each year, with evidence for the start and end of each period

Submitting your documentation

Supporting documentation must be emailed by 5:00pm AEST, Monday 15 June 2026.

Email your documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Your submission must:

  • Include your Rural Coversheet, statutory declaration, and supporting documents
  • Be submitted in a single email
  • Include your full name and GAMSAT ID or VTAC ID in the subject line

Incomplete submissions will not be assessed.

Important conditions

  • You can only claim time where you physically lived at the rural address
  • Future time cannot be included
  • Holiday homes, temporary stays, or time spent away from your residence do not count
  • Campus accomodation is only eligible if located in a rural area
  • Distance education claims must be supported by a university letter
  • School reports alone are not sufficient evidence
  • All statutory declarations must use an official Commonwealth or state/territory template (including myGov digital declarations - more information found here)

Submitting false or misleading information is considered misconduct and may result in:

  • Cancellation of your application
  • Withdrawal of an offer
  • Cancellation of enrolment
  • Restrictions on future applications

Further information

Refer to the Rural Background Document Guide for detailed requirements and examples.

Will I be contacted about my rural application outcome?

You will only be contacted if your rural application is not eligible.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive an email notification.

If your application is eligible, you will not receive a confirmation email. You can view your outcome by logging into your GEMSAS account. Rural application outcomes are available on the MyApplication page in early to mid-August.

First Nations peoples

All participating medical schools offer entry pathways for First Nations peoples.

You are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, application processes, and available academic and cultural support at each medical school.

Refer to the individual entries in the Medical Schools Admissions Guide for details.

Other adjustments

Medical schools may apply adjustments to eligible applicants. These vary by institution and may consider factors such as:

  • Location of residence or study
  • Personal circumstances (e.g. financial hardship, medical conditions, socioeconomic disadvantage)
  • Relevant clinical or work experience

 Some adjustments are applied automatically through your GEMSAS application. Others require a separate application directly to the medical school.

GEMSAS manages adjustment applications for Deakin University, including:

  • Rural Training Scheme (RTS)
  • Clinical and work experience
  • Other eligible adjustments

Refer to the Deakin University entry in the Medical Schools Admissions Guide and the GEMSAS Deakin Adjustment Document Guide for details.

For all other schools, check the relevant entries in the Medical Schools Admissions Guide to confirm eligibility and application requirements.