The move is part of a broader effort to address GP shortages, with forecasts of up to 2,600 by 2028 and 8,600 by 2048 without intervention; more than 2,100 registrars are expected to start training in 2026—the largest cohort on record.

The Australian government is expanding primary health care access by funding 50 new university medical placements, with applications opening to tertiary educators and a round expected to start in 2028, backed by more than $5.7 million.

The Federal Government’s plan provides 50 government-supported medical places to boost the GP workforce, with intake slated for 2028.

Doctor registrations rose by more than 30 percent in 2024-25 versus 2021-22, signaling a growing pipeline for the health services workforce.

Health Minister notes that more doctors have joined the system recently, with registrations up over 30% in 2024-25, underscoring the need to train a domestic medical workforce for accessible care.

The program aims to have more than 2,100 commencing GP registrars in 2026 through federally funded training pathways.

Education Minister emphasizes the need for more GPs and says funding for new medical places is triple what the previous government funded, achieved in half the time.

The minister reiterated support for funding these additional places across medical schools to grow the doctor workforce.

All public universities, including those planning new medical schools, are eligible to apply for a share of placements, with applications closing on 7 April.

Universities nationwide can apply for placements, including institutions looking to establish new medical schools.

In January, the government secured an 11th-hour deal with states on public hospital funding, committing a record $220 million over five years amid concerns about bed blocks tied to aged care patients.

This initiative follows earlier investments of 100 primary care–focused medical places across 10 universities this year.