Twenty-four students from across the region are taking part in the first Rural Scholars Summer School.

Project officer Kirra Porter said statistics show those who study in a rural area are more likely to work in one.

“We want to get more rural kids involved and interested in becoming doctors,” Ms Porter said.

“Our idea behind it is to try to increase rural doctors, statistically you’re more likely to do that if you are from a rural area and you study rurally.”

 Students that applied were required to outline their aspirations in medicine and submit a reference from a teacher or principal.

Some had already taken part in work experience at their local hospitals.

Ms Porter said she was impressed by the dedication of the students, some who are as young as 15.

“I’m blown away by how big their dreams are,” she said. “This has just made them more determined to get there.”