Allied health students are bearing a significant financial burden due to mandatory unpaid clinical placements, with some spending up to $20,000 over the course of their degrees, according to a new study from the University of Melbourne.
Financial strain on students
The study, published in the Australian Journal of Rural Health, surveyed 1,200 allied health students across Australia. It found that the average cost of unpaid placements was $12,000 per student, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. These expenses include travel, accommodation, and lost wages from paid work.
Associate Professor Lisa Dalton, lead author of the study, said the costs are a major barrier to completing degrees. “Students are having to choose between paying for placements and covering basic living expenses,” she said. “This is particularly acute for those from rural and remote areas, who often have to travel long distances for placements.”
Impact on rural workforce
The financial strain is especially concerning for rural health workforce shortages. Many students from rural areas are forced to take placements in cities, incurring high costs that deter them from returning to rural practice. The study found that 40% of respondents considered leaving their course due to financial stress.
“We need to address this issue to ensure a sustainable rural health workforce,” Dalton said. “Otherwise, we risk losing talented students who could serve their communities.”
Calls for government intervention
Health professionals and educators are calling for government support to cover placement costs. The Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) has urged the federal government to establish a placement allowance scheme, similar to those in nursing and teaching.
AHPA CEO Bronwyn Morris said the current system is unsustainable. “Allied health students are essential to our healthcare system, yet they are being asked to shoulder an unfair financial burden,” she said. “We need a national approach to ensure placements are accessible to all students, regardless of their financial background.”
Comparison with other health disciplines
The study highlights a disparity between allied health and other health disciplines. Medical, nursing, and teaching students often receive financial support for placements, while allied health students do not. This inequity has led to calls for a review of funding models.
“Allied health is a critical part of the healthcare team, and the lack of support for placements is a systemic issue,” Dalton said. “We hope this study prompts action from policymakers.”
