DPU scholarship: Save Lower Austria's future in medicine!

DPU scholarship: Save Lower Austria's future in medicine!

The Danube Private University (DPU) in Krems has started a decisive initiative to strengthen medical care in Lower Austria. From now on, scholarships for studying human medicine (Dr. med. Univ.) Are being awarded, reports the DPU. The aim of this measure is to counteract the lack of doctors in the region and to upgrade the health location of Lower Austria.

Last year, both full and partial grants were awarded to Lower Austrian students. Over 50% of new students of the current year, a total of 61 out of 120, come from Lower Austria and come from 47 different communities. This initiative is particularly relevant, since medical and nursing care in rural areas is often restricted, as the BPB emphasizes. There, the number of health care facilities is significantly lower compared to urban centers, which leads to long journey routes for patients.

Details on the scholarship

The scholarship is aimed at applicants who are committed to working in Lower Austria for at least five years, be it in the resident area or in hospitals from the Lower Austrian LGA. The complete takeover of the tuition fees for the six-year study (Bachelor and master's program) is part of the scholarship, while regular study costs are around 28,350 euros annually. Scholarship holders therefore do not have to pay fees. The Bachelor's degree takes place in Krems, while the master part in Wiener Neustadt is completed.

applications are possible until May 31, 2025. Interested parties can apply under the keyword "Lower Austria scholarship of the DPU" by email to human medicine@dp-uni.ac.at. The admission procedure is carried out in the summer months, whereby the final phase will take place at the end of August.

challenges in rural care

Health care in rural regions faces numerous challenges. The high level of illness and the need for medical care are particularly pronounced in these areas, since the population tends to be older. In addition, medical care per capita is more expensive to create equivalent living conditions. Access to specialized services is often limited, which underlines the urgency of initiatives such as the scholarships of the DPU.

In rural areas, there is a lack of doctors while the practices are concentrated in larger cities. Innovative care concepts are necessary to close existing gaps. These include, for example, telemedical connections and the cooperation between different health professions, as noted by the BPB . These approaches could help to make the care more sustainable and accessible.