The Rural Clinical School in Ballarat ('Dunvegan') is adjacent to Grampians Health, Victoria's second largest regional health service. Grampians Health provides a comprehensive range of general and specialist care across key medical and healthcare disciplines including Acute Care, Sub-Acute Care, Residential Aged Care Services, Community Care, Psychiatric Services, Dental Services and Rehabilitation Services.

The key services are based at two sites, the Base Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Centre. Each site is located close to the central business district, with the remaining residential, day centres and community sites located throughout Ballarat.

Ballarat offers the best of both worlds for students - its proximity to Melbourne makes it close enough for frequent weekends home, and visits from family and friends. It's also large enough that the hospital covers all the 'bread and butter' medicine medical students need to thrive.  At the same time, the country attitude means that clinicians are approachable, friendly, and happy to go the extra mile to help and teach students.

Living in the Ballarat accommodation provides easy access to 'Dunvegan' and Grampians Health. Plenty of bike paths means there is an environmentally friendly way to get where you want to go.

Fast Facts

  • Grampians Health has over 790 beds
  • Emergency Department sees over 52,000 patients annually
  • Grampians Health clinical streams include Acute Care, Sub-Acute Care, Residential Care, Community Care, Psychiatric Services, Rehabilitation Services
  • One hour from Melbourne
  • Students have access to the Clinical Skills Lab at Grampians Health and its high fidelity simulation equipment
  • Access to the Grampians Health Library
  • Wireless IT connection throughout  accommodation and 'Dunvegan'

Frequently asked questions

  • The Rural Clinical School located in Ballarat is part of a prominent regional city in western Victoria, situated just over an hour from Melbourne and recognised for its significant role in Australia's gold rush era and its distinctive historic character.

    Today, the city is a major hub for healthcare, education, research, and cultural activity, combining the benefits of regional living with access to a wide range of services and opportunities.

    With attractions such as Sovereign Hill, Lake Wendouree, and a vibrant arts and events scene, Ballarat offers an engaging and welcoming environment for students, professionals, and visitors alike.

  • Address: ‘Dunvegan’ 806 Mair Street, Ballarat, 3350

    • By car
      • Ballarat is approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne via the Western Freeway (M8).
      • The Rural Clinical School and Grampians Health precinct are located close to Ballarat's city centre, making them easy to access by car.
    • By train
      • Regular V/Line train services operate between Melbourne and Ballarat.
      • The fast rail service connects the two cities in around 70 minutes, with Ballarat Station located a short distance from the clinical school and hospital precinct.
    • By bus
      • V/Line coach services provide additional connections between Ballarat, Melbourne, and surrounding regional communities.
      • Local bus services operate throughout Ballarat and provide access to Grampians Health and nearby accommodation.

  • Every day can be different, depending on the term the students are undertaking. Students rotate through wards, theatres and specialist and general practice clinics. Students spend time on the various wards and are integrated into the team working with consultants, registrars and interns. Students also attend tutorials, lectures, workshops, professional practice and clinical skills.

  • The Department of Rural Health offers a range of accommodation options in our footprint.. These facilities are designed to support students undertaking short or long-term placements in rural and regional communities.

    Learn more about the Department's student accommodation

The teaching really is sensational here. Many of the senior doctors take an interest in our learning and they lead bedside tutorials which my friends in the city don't get at all. I have not yet been turned away by a patient who doesn't want to talk to me; they are always happy to help us here. The hospital is close to accommodation and there is minimal travel time, which leaves more time for doing everything else. Second Year MD Student, 2012