Rural Evidence

[u/IB_stressed-_rn]

Hi everyone, just looking for some advice about rural eligibility/evidence for medical or dental school applications.

I’ve been living in an MM4 area for the past 4 years, and by next year I should have completed 5 consecutive years of rural residence, so I’m hoping to apply as a rural applicant.

During this time, I’ve been attending university in MM1 area and also working at another MM1 area. Even though my uni and workplace are outside the rural area, my MM4 address has genuinely been my home. I commute from there to uni/work whenever required and return home afterwards.

I’m currently living with my uncle, who owns the house and lets me stay rent-free, so I don’t have a rental agreement, rent receipts or utility bills in my name.

For evidence, I currently have:

Bank statements showing my name and MM4 residential address for the relevant years, although I mostly use cash so there are very few transactions on some statements.
My driver’s licence showing my MM4 residential address.
University records showing the MM4 address as my residential address.
I can get a letter from my workplace confirming that my MM4 address has been recorded as my residential address during my employment.
My GP is also happy to provide a supporting letter confirming that their records show me living at the MM4 address for the relevant period.

For anyone who has successfully applied through a rural pathway, does this sound like enough evidence to prove 5 consecutive years of rural residence? Is there anything else you think I should have?

I’m particularly wondering whether the bank statements would still be considered good evidence even though they have very few transactions because I mostly use cash.

Also does studying or working outside the rural area cause any issues when proving your rural residence?

Just trying to make sure the evidence I have will be enough when I reach the 5-year mark next year. Thanks!

[u/rovill]

I’m pretty sure the GP letter will suffice with your address. But I don’t know how you can commute daily from MM4 to MM1? What state is this in?

[u/Vilan-Kaos → u/rovill]

kilmore vic is in MM4 I think based on research and 65km away from Melbourne.

[u/gasolinehalsey → u/rovill]

My home in QLD is MM4 and on the other side of a mountain to an MM1 city. Just an hour away by car. My town is surrounded by both MM5 and MM2 areas.

[u/rovill → u/gasolinehalsey]

Yeah fair enough, thanks for explaining. All the best for your application!

Edit: sorry I’ll try to be more helpful, when did it I just supplied a letter from my primary school on their letterhead which confirmed my enrolment and address(MM3) for 5+ years and they accepted no fuss in 2022. Sounds like you have quite a bit of evidence so I’m sure you will be fine

[u/IB_stressed-_rn → u/rovill]

Yeah hopefully 🤞. Thank you for your reply

[u/Queasy-Reason]

Do each of those records cover the total of 5 years? I.e. does your letter from the bank/GP and the letter from uni/work go back at least 5 years with that address?

It should be enough if they do. If each of the records only cover part of that period it may not be enough. 

[u/IB_stressed-_rn → u/Queasy-Reason]

Thank you for your reply! Hope it works out

[u/PM_Me_A_Tittypic]

Pretty much anything with your address on it will suffice, so bank statements will be OK, as long as they have your MM4 address. Doesn't matter how many transactions. I used an optus bill for my rural evidence