La Trobe University's Albury-Wodonga campus has had 17 successful applications to the federally-funded Destination Australia program since it launched in 2019.

Among those students is Corryong's Sophie Hewatt, who began her second year of a Bachelor of Biomedicine soon after fighting fires.

"It was really amazing to receive the scholarship, because after the fires and all the devastation in Corryong it was a huge weight off your shoulders," she said.

"I couldn't guarantee I'd still be at uni if I didn't have the extra help.

"I'm working with Forest Fire Management as a firefighter, but I hope to either become a doctor or paramedic in Corryong."

As part of the Destination Australia Program, domestic and international students receive $15,000 annually to study in regional Australia.

Thurgoona's Ella Harris wants to use the support to undertake more work with Indigenous communities.

"In year 11 at Xavier (High) they do an immersion program, and I was lucky enough to go to Yuendumu, which is a small Indigenous community in the NT," she said.

"I'm hoping to do another placement; this money will help with flights."

For Masters of Social Work student and Benalla mum Alice Meravi, the scholarship means fewer financial pressures.

"I'm a single mother with two small children, so having the scholarship means that I'm able to spend time with my children and not be so worried about trying to earn enough money," she said.

"There are a lot of jobs within the sector that won't take you, knowing how much time you need off for studies.

"When I am able to focus on my studies, the outcomes are so much better."

La Trobe's Albury-Wodonga campus seems a world away from Nottingham in England, but nursing student Melania Atuwaogu feels this could be her permanent home.

"What I'm looking at in the long run is what it will do for my kids; the space is just amazing," she said.

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"My husband is a doctor - we came here last year and when I saw the opportunity, I just went for it.

"There's greater demand in rural and regional areas for nurses and healthcare professionals, so I'm hoping to stay regional."

La Trobe's new biomedical degrees have been popular for applicants; Madalynn Baumanis was overcome with emotion, learning of her success.

"I've always been really passionate about medicine, and staying here ... this allows me to be close to family," she said.