14/08/2026

Please note this link is for invited eligible applicants only.

The Department of Health (DoH) is committed to attracting health professionals into regional Western Australia (WA).

The WACHS HECS HELP Initiative Program provides newly qualified registered nurses and midwives (NQNMs) support with Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) loans if they complete three years of continuous employment in rural and remote WA.

These incentives aim to reduce the financial burden associated with undertaking an entry-to-practice registered nursing or midwifery degree and serve as a retention strategy for WA Country Health Service (WACHS).

NQNM's are required to meet all eligibility criteria:

• Australian citizen or be a permanent humanitarian visa holder.

• An outstanding HECS-HELP loan balance.

• Secured a permanent or fixed term position with WACHS through the GradConnect process.
• Commenced employment on or after 1 July 2023 as a NQNM.
• Employees must work for a minimum of 12 months continuous service with WACHS before claiming first incentive payment.
• Employees must work for a minimum of 24 months continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the second incentive payment.
• Employees must work for a minimum of 36 months continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the third and final incentive payment.

For Fringe Benefit Tax purposes, this reimbursement is an expense payment fringe benefit that your WA Health employer entity (WACHS) may include as part of your Reportable Fringe Benefit Amount on your Income Statement.

NQNM's must submit their details through Big Red Sky by the closing date otherwise their first incentive payment can not be progressed. 

Closing Date: 14 August 2026 4:00PM WST

For more information:

Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office

Department of Health

Nursing and Midwifery…can take you anywhere