Do all OD4s need to go on rural and overseas externship?
Yes! All OD4s are required to go on a rural Victoria externship. In some circumstances students may be allowed to to arrange their own interstate placement with the department. From 2026 onwards, all OD4s are required to go on an overseas externship.
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How long are rural and overseas externship?
Most rural externships are 2 weeks but some may be up to 4 weeks. Overseas externships range from 2 to 6 weeks.
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Do you go with other OD4 students or by yourself?
The majority of OD4s go to rural externships alone, but you can arrange accommodation with other students if you are allocated to a similar area at a similar time. Most overseas externships are arranged with 2-6 OD4 students and some may involve students from other disciplines or universities.
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Can you choose which rural/overseas location you get allocated? Is there a preference system?
You cannot choose the rural location that you are allocated, however you can make a note of any locations that you have family/friends living in. Preferences for overseas externships are open from mid October to mid November at the end of OD3, and students will be allocated based on a combination of preferences and WAM.
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When do you find out what rural and overseas externship you are allocated to?
Most will be allocated to a rural location by the end of May, however you may get anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months notice. For overseas externships, you will find out by mid December which country you are going to but exact dates may be confirmed later on.
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Is there any funding to help finance rural and overseas externships?
Going Rural Health offers one-off payments to eligible students to support rural externships, and most locations have subsidised university accommodation (although may not be UniMelb). You may be eligible to apply for bursaries for certain overseas locations depending on extenuating circumstances.
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What happens if you don’t have your driver’s license/access to a car for rural externship?
You will be allocated to a rural location with greater access to public transport.
