Bonded Medical Program Places Information

The only difference is the Return of Service Obligation. Everything else is identical: same course content and teaching, same cohort of students, same student fees, and the same degree qualification. Bonded students must complete a 3-year RoSO in regional, rural, or remote locations after graduation.

Yes, it’s possible. If candidates ranked higher than you decline their Non-Bonded offers, you may be automatically converted to a Non-Bonded place. This can happen at any time between when you received your offer and when all course offers have been allocated.

If you decline your offer entirely, you cannot be reconsidered for either a Bonded or Non-Bonded place in the admissions cycle.

You have 18 years from the date you complete your medical degree to fulfil the 3-year obligation. For example, if you graduate in 2030, you have until 2048 to complete your RoSO.

Yes. The RoSO can be completed full-time, part-time (pro-rated), casually (counted per day worked), or as a fly-in/fly-out doctor. Part-time and casual work is calculated proportionally. For example, working 0.5 FTE for 2 years counts as 1 year toward your RoSO.

Yes. You can complete up to half of your obligation before obtaining fellowship and the other half afterward. This provides flexibility to pursue specialist training while still meeting your commitment.

Yes. If you work in an MM4–MM7 location for 2 continuous years, you can reduce your total RoSO by 6 months – meaning you would only need to complete 2.5 years total instead of 3.

Most clinical medical work in eligible locations counts, including general practice, hospital-based work, specialist practice, and locum work. Non-clinical roles (e.g., research, administration, medical education) typically do not count. The Department of Health provides specific guidance on what does and doesn’t count.

Yes. The Department of Health may approve pauses for parental leave, serious illness or injury, further medical training or study, or other exceptional circumstances. You must apply for approval and provide supporting documentation. The 18-year timeframe may be extended accordingly.

If you don’t complete your RoSO, you must repay the Commonwealth contribution to your education (the cost of your CSP). The exact amount depends on how much of your RoSO you have completed. Contact the Department of Health for a calculation specific to your circumstances.

No. Student fees are identical for both Bonded and Non-Bonded students.

This is only available in exceptional circumstances – it is not a standard option to voluntarily exit the obligation. Where permitted, you would repay the Commonwealth contribution (the cost of your CSP) to the Department of Health. The Department makes these decisions on a case-by-case basis.

The Department of Health manages the program and tracks your progress. You will need to register with the Department, submit regular employment updates, and provide evidence of work in eligible locations (e.g., employment contracts, payslips). The Department will provide specific guidance on reporting requirements once you commence your RoSO.

If you withdraw after the Semester 1 census date, you will be liable for Semester 1 student fees regardless of whether you have signed your BMP Agreement. The BMP Agreement signing deadline (30 June) falls after the census date, so you should factor this into your decision-making timeline. Contact both CDU and the Department of Health as early as possible if you are considering withdrawal.

Not necessarily. Many doctors complete their RoSO while pursuing or after completing specialist training. You can work in regional hospitals that offer specialist training rotations, complete some RoSO during intern and residency years, pause your RoSO during intensive training periods (with approval), or practise as a specialist in regional areas after fellowship. Many regional centres have accredited training posts across multiple specialties.

Many doctors find regional practice professionally and personally rewarding. Benefits often include broader clinical experience and skill development, greater autonomy and responsibility earlier in your career, strong community connections and impact, lifestyle benefits (lower cost of living, outdoor activities), and additional financial incentives through various government and health service programs.

No. The RoSO must be completed in Australia in eligible MM2–MM7 or DPA/DWS locations. Time spent working overseas does not count toward your obligation. However, you can apply to pause your RoSO (with approval) for overseas training or experience, and the 18-year timeframe may be extended accordingly.