Armidale medical student Fleur Steen has been awarded a $5,000 Real Futures Grant from Real Insurance, recognising her commitment to study and her focus on improving health outcomes in rural communities.
The Real Futures Grant supports Australian students pursuing careers aimed at delivering community benefit. This year’s program attracted 248 applications nationwide, underscoring strong demand for financial assistance among students in purpose-driven fields.
Steen, who studies medicine at the University of New England, was selected for her focus on improving access to healthcare in regional and rural areas, alongside her academic performance.
Simon Hovell, Chief Marketing Officer at Greenstone Financial Services, said financial pressure remained a barrier for many students.
“At Real Insurance, we know that financial pressure can be a real barrier for students working towards careers that make a difference.
“The Real Futures Grant is about backing people who are committed to creating positive change in their communities, and Fleur’s passion for improving health outcomes in rural Australia stood out to us.
“We’re proud to support her as she continues her studies and works towards making a meaningful impact in the future,” he said.
Steen said the grant would ease financial strain and allow her to focus on her studies and advocacy.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Real Futures Grant, which provides meaningful support as I continue my medical studies.
“This grant will ease financial pressures and allow me to dedicate more time to my academics and to my ongoing advocacy for better health outcomes in rural communities.
“I sincerely thank Real Insurance for this generous opportunity and for supporting students as they work towards making a positive impact in the future,” she said.
The grant will support Steen’s ongoing studies and related advocacy work.
Applications for the 2026 Real Futures Grant are open and close on 1 October 2026 at 11.59pm AEST.
More information is available at www.realinsurance.com.au/grants/real-futures-grant.
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