NHS Bursary for Medical and Dental Students – Apply

Comprehensive Guide to NHS Bursary for Medical and Dental Students

Are you pursuing a career in medicine or dentistry in the UK? If so, funding opportunities through the NHS Bursary program could significantly support your education. Whether you’re enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate-entry course, or you’re a returning student, understanding the NHS Bursary scheme is crucial to managing your financial support effectively.

Eligibility Criteria for NHS Bursary Students

The NHS Bursary is available to students in various stages of their medical or dental education:

• Undergraduate Courses: If you’re studying a 5 or 6-year undergraduate course, you can apply starting from year 5 of your program.
• Graduate-Entry Courses: For those enrolled in 3 or 4-year graduate-entry programs, applications are open from year 2 onwards.
• Returning Students: Students who commenced their course before 1 August 2017 and are continuing may also be eligible for funding.

Additionally, intercalation years undertaken in the first 4 years of an undergraduate medical degree can count towards qualifying years for NHS Bursary funding, provided they were at bachelor’s or master’s level. However, intercalation years at PhD level do not qualify.

What You Can Receive from NHS Bursary

If eligible as a full-time student, the NHS Bursary offers several forms of financial assistance:

• Non-Means Tested Grant: Receive £1,000 per academic year, regardless of your household income.
• Tuition Fee Contribution: Assistance towards your tuition fees.
• Means-Tested Bursary: Based on your household income, providing support tailored to your financial situation.

The rates for full-time students vary:

• Up to £2,207 if living with parents.
• Up to £3,191 if studying in London.
• Up to £2,643 if studying outside London.

For more detailed financial breakdowns and eligibility criteria, refer to the NHS Bursary Funding for Medical and Dental Students 2023-24 document.

Applying for NHS Bursary

Step-by-Step Guide to NHS Bursary Application System

New Students

The application window for the academic year 2024-2025 is currently open. To begin your application process, you must first register for an NHS Bursary account. Once registered, log in to your account to complete and submit your application.

For assistance with registration or application completion, refer to the Step-by-Step Guide to the NHS Bursary Application System (PDF: 285KB).

Existing Students

Existing students will receive an email invitation to apply for the upcoming academic year (2024-2025). Invitations are sent out in phases to ensure all applications are processed efficiently.

If you encounter difficulties during the application process, contact NHS Bursary support for assistance.

Payment Schedule for 2024-2025 Academic Year

Termly Payment Schedule

Bursaries are disbursed in three termly instalments per academic year, contingent upon confirmation of your course attendance from your university. Payment schedules for terms 2 and 3 vary based on your cohort start month:

• June Cohort:
  • Term 2 – October 2024
  • Term 3 – January 2025
• July Cohort:
  • Term 2 – November 2024
  • Term 3 – February 2025
• August Cohort:
  • Term 2 – December 2024
  • Term 3 – March 2025
• September Cohort:
  • Term 2 – January 2025
  • Term 3 – April 2025
• October Cohort:
  • Term 2 – February 2025
  • Term 3 – May 2025

Additional Allowances and Support

In addition to standard bursary payments, eligible students may qualify for extra allowances such as:

• Extra Weeks Allowance: Provided if your course extends beyond 30 weeks and 3 days in the academic year, excluding vacation periods.
• Dependants’ Allowance: Financial support for dependants, including spouses, civil partners, partners, and children.
• Parent Learning Allowance (PLA): Support for students with dependent children.
• Other Support: Depending on individual circumstances, students may also access allowances for childcare, disabled student support, NHS Bursary hardship grants, and travel/dual accommodation expenses.

Conclusion

Navigating the NHS Bursary system can greatly enhance your financial stability during your medical or dental studies. By understanding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and payment schedules, you can effectively manage your educational finances. For more detailed information and updates on the NHS Bursary scheme, visit the official NHS website or consult the latest guidance documents. Start your journey towards financial support today!