St Peter’s RC Sixth Form
Higher Education: NHS bursaries
Am I eligible for an NHS bursary?
1. Are you going to study in England or Wales on a pre-registration course which leads to you qualifying as one of the following:
chiropodist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, dietician, nurse, midwife, occupational therapist, orthoptist, physiotherapist, prosthetist and orthodontist, radiographer, speech and language therapist?
2. Have you been accepted for an NHS-funded place?
If so, you are probably eligible for an NHS bursary. Part-time students are also eligible for bursaries at a reduced rate. NHS bursaries are also available for pre-registration students of medicine and dentistry in the fifth to sixth years of study in any UK country (during which time your tuition fees will also be paid). Students on the four-year graduate entry medical programme will also be eligible. If you have already received public funding for education, for example a degree course, you are still eligible for an NHS bursary.
You are not obliged to work within the NHS upon completion of your course. If you are not from the UK, you will probably still be eligible but depending on your course you might have to satisfy certain residence conditions.
See the DFES booklet: ‘Financial Help for Health Care Students’ for more details.
Call 0845 6060655 or visit the Department of Health website:
What is an NHS bursary?
There are two types of NHS bursary.
- A non-means tested bursary is offered to all nursing and midwifery diploma students.
- A means-tested bursary is available for other healthcare courses, including nursing and midwifery degree courses.
How much is it worth?
For the year 2002-2003, the NHS bursary rate for diploma students is set at a maximum of £6,332 for students in London and £5,305 for students elsewhere. NHS students do not have to make a contribution to tuition fees. For degree students it’s £2,578 (London) and £2,098 elsewhere plus loan. NHS bursaries do not have to be paid back. (back to top)
Other funding for NHS students:
Student loans:
You can ask your LEA whether or not you are eligible for a student loan. Normally, if you are on a nursing or midwifery diploma course, you will not be eligible for a student loan. If you are on a nursing or midwifery degree course, you will be eligible for a student loan, but your NHS bursary will be means-tested. (back to top)
Additional allowances
Additional allowances are available to students in certain circumstances. If you have to attend your course for more than 45 weeks of the year, you will be entitled to an allowance for all 52 weeks of the year. (back to top)
Disabled Students’ Allowance:
NHS students are also eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowances and the Care Leavers Grant. (back to top)
Clinical placement costs:
Travel between your home and your college cannot be reimbursed, as it is regarded as a part of your course. However, travel between your home and your clinical placement might be reimbursed: talk to your college. (back to top)
NHS hardship grants:
In exceptional circumstances of financial difficulty, you may be eligible for a hardship grant from the NHS. All holders of means-tested NHS bursaries who have also taken out a student loan are eligible. Applications should be made to your college. (back to top)
Find out more about NHS Bursaries:
NHS Student Grants Unit,
22 Plymouth Road,
Blackpool, FY3 7JS.
Tel: 01253-655655.
Higher Education pages updated 23rdJune 2003