The new students will begin their five-year Doctor of Medicine studies at Charles Sturt University's Orange campus on Monday, the program is a joint venture between CSU and Western Sydney University.

All of the students who made the cut are from regional areas of Australia, with more than 10 from the Central West and choosing to stay within the region to study.

Professor John Germov, CSU's interim vice-chancellor, said welcoming the inaugural students was a momentous occasion for both universities, particularly considering the joint program received more than 800 applicants.

"Our rural medicine program has been a long time in the making, and it is a major win for regional health that our first cohort is now on campus and ready to start their studies," he said.

"It is no mean feat to be accepted into a medicine program, and we feel very privileged to have such a talented and high-calibre group of students in our program.

"The medicine orientation program we have held this week marks a significant milestone for not only Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University, but also for our new students."

The new students took part in a range of practical medicine training sessions as part of their orientation, which finished with a special, welcoming event to mark the occasion on Thursday.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd was on hand, saying he hopes the experience the students get while living in the city will encourage them to stay in the country after they graduate.

I hope ... these students [will] consider a career in the country, which will play an important role in addressing the rural doctor shortage affecting many of regional communities," Cr Kidd said.

"This is an exciting milestone for Charles Sturt University and the city and a great acknowledgement of Orange as a regional medical precinct. I look forward to working together to produce the next generation of doctors."

Lesley Forster, Dean of Rural Medicine in the Charles Sturt School of Rural Medicine, said it was 'an honour' to welcome the successful applicants into the inaugural program.

Distinguished Professor Annemarie Hennessy AM, Executive Dean of the Joint Program, echoed that sentiment too, congratulating CSU in the process.

"I remember what how exciting it was when Western Sydney welcomed its first cohort fifteen years ago, and we also know what is involved in getting to this point," Professor Hennessy, who is also the Dean of the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University, said.

"Students in this joint program will benefit from a proven medical course with almost 10 years of graduates and experienced, passionate local academic staff and clinicians who will guide their learning and shape their future careers in medicine."

Classes for the new Doctor of Medicine start on Monday, February 22.

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