New research from the University of Wollongong (UOW) sheds light on how tertiary students could be better supported during mandatory professional placements. The study underscores the urgent need for practical and financial interventions to alleviate “placement poverty,” a term describing the financial burden students face due to unpaid placements required for their degrees.
Drawing on responses from over 550 students across medicine, health, and education disciplines, researchers identified strategies to address these challenges, including scholarships, subsidized transport, flexible schedules for students with family responsibilities, and financial counseling.
The Scope of Placement Poverty
Mandatory placements are a cornerstone of professional training, with hours ranging from 420 for postgraduate teaching to over 2,300 for medical students. Despite being essential for developing professional competency, these placements often exacerbate financial strain, forcing students to balance heavy workloads with part-time jobs and academic responsibilities.
One medical student shared, “Medicine is a full-time gig and I am a high-achieving student. But instead of my afternoons being a time of study, they are filled with work to try and make ends meet.”
The study revealed alarming statistics:
- Over 70% of students experienced food insecurity during placements.
- Nearly 50% relied on financial support from the government or family.
- Placement costs determined location preferences for 63.8% of students, though close to 60% had no say in their placement location.
Proposed Solutions
Students highlighted numerous strategies to mitigate placement-related burdens, including:
- Part-time placement options and flexibility for students with dependents.
- Greater support for rural placements and subsidized accommodations.
- Access to emergency funds, discounted uniforms, and bulk-billed medical care.
- Tools to recognize and manage burnout.
Scholarships emerged as a critical need, with only 10% of health students and 4.5% of teaching students receiving financial aid for placements.
Implications for Diversity and Equity
Placement poverty disproportionately affects single parents, students with disabilities, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, threatening the diversity of future professional groups. The researchers caution, “Our society’s fundamental diversity will not be reflected in professional groups if students cannot overcome these significant personal and financial hurdles.”
The Australian Government’s 2024 Budget includes the Commonwealth Prac Payment, slated for implementation in July 2025, to support students in nursing, teaching, midwifery, and social work. This measure aligns with the Australian Universities Accord’s aim to enhance equity and accessibility in higher education.
Health and education sectors are grappling with workforce shortages. Addressing the financial and emotional toll of mandatory placements is critical to ensuring these professions remain accessible and diverse. The researchers conclude, “Health and teaching are crying out for graduates. Why not reduce the financial and emotional burden of poverty placement in these disciplines?”
