adminThe NHS UK Bursary Scholarships 2025 offer a valuable financial lifeline for medical and dental students residing in England, with opportunities extended to both undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of medical sciences, dentistry and medicine. The bursary provides a combination of non-means tested and means-tested financial support, along with contributions to tuition fees and additional allowances based on the personal circumstances of the applicants.
Students can receive up to £3,191 depending on their location and household income, while also qualifying for supplementary benefits such as dependents’ and childcare allowances, travel expenses and disability support. This comprehensive aid package enables students to focus on their education without the weight of financial stress.
Eligibility for the NHS Bursary requires students to meet specific criteria, including pursuing a medical or dental degree and maintaining residency in England. Applicants must also meet course requirements, such as studying in programs recognized by the Office for Students’ medical and dental intake.
Once accepted, students can expect their payments in termly instalments, ensuring that their educational and living expenses are consistently supported throughout the academic year. With applications now open for the 2024-2025 academic year, the NHS Bursary stands as a crucial resource for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking to reduce the financial burden of their studies.
Available Degree Levels
The NHS UK Bursary Scholarships 2025 are available to students pursuing the following levels of education:
- Undergraduate programs in medical sciences, dentistry and medicine
- Graduate programs in medical sciences, dentistry and medicine
Subjects Covered
The NHS Bursary provides financial support to students studying the following subjects:
- Medical Sciences
- Dentistry
- Medicine
Benefits of the NHS Bursary
The amount of financial support students receive depends on several factors, including whether they are considered dependent or independent and where they are studying. Although the exact amounts for the 2024–2025 academic year will be announced soon, here is a breakdown of the support provided during the 2023–2024 academic year:
Non-Means Tested Bursary
All students who were eligible for the NHS Bursary during the 2023–2024 academic year received a non-means tested bursary of £1,000, regardless of their financial situation.
Means-Tested Bursary
The means-tested bursary amount varied based on the students’ living arrangements during the 2023–2024 academic year. The bursary provided:
- Up to £3,191 for students studying in London and not living with their parents
- Up to £2,643 for students studying outside London and not living with their parents
- Up to £2,207 for students living with their parents, regardless of their university’s location
The means-tested bursary is determined by household income. For dependent students, the income of their parents is taken into account, while for independent students, the income of their spouse, partner or civil partner is considered.
Tuition Fee Contributions
If a student’s application for the NHS Bursary is approved, the NHS will make a direct contribution towards their tuition fees. For the 2023–2024 academic year, the tuition fee contribution was as follows:
- Up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate courses that last 5 or 6 years
- Up to £3,715 per year for graduate entry courses that last 3 or 4 years
Additional Allowances
In addition to the bursary, students may qualify for various allowances based on their personal circumstances. These allowances are designed to offer extra financial assistance and include:
- Dependants’ Allowance: For students with dependents
- Parent Learning Allowance (PLA): For students with children
- Childcare Allowance (CCA): To help cover childcare costs
- Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE): For students who need to travel between different locations for their studies
- Disabled Students Allowance (DSA): For students with disabilities
- Extra Weeks Allowance: For students studying courses that last longer than the standard academic year
These allowances aim to reduce the financial burden on students with specific needs, such as those who are parents or who require additional support due to disabilities.
Eligibility Criteria for the NHS Bursary
To qualify for the NHS Bursary, students must meet specific eligibility requirements based on their course of study and residency status. The main eligibility criteria include:
- The student must be studying to become a doctor or dentist.
- They must be enrolled in either an undergraduate medical or dental course that lasts 5 to 6 years or a graduate entry course lasting 3 to 4 years.
- Their course must be included in the Office for Students’ medical and dental student intake.
- The student must normally reside in England at the start of their course.
- They must not have moved to England solely for the purpose of attending university.
If students meet these criteria and are pursuing either their first degree or a second degree in medicine or dentistry, they are eligible to apply for the NHS Bursary.
Residency Requirement
Students must be living in England and have established residency on the first day of their first academic year. If a student has moved to England from another part of the UK for the purpose of studying, they are not eligible for the NHS Bursary.
Application Procedure for the NHS Bursary
Application Timeline
The application process for the NHS Bursary for the 2024–2025 academic year is now open. Students who wish to apply need to create a new NHS Bursary account or sign in to their existing account. If a student has received an NHS Bursary in the past, they will receive an email inviting them to reapply. The deadline for applications is 9 months from the start of the academic year.
Repeated and Intercalation Years
If a student has repeated any years of their course that are not eligible for the NHS Bursary, those years will not count towards their bursary qualification. However, if a student took an intercalation year (a year out of their studies, often to gain research experience) during their undergraduate degree at either the bachelor’s or master’s level, that year will count as a qualifying year for bursary purposes.
Payment Schedule for 2024-2025
Bursary payments for the 2024–2025 academic year will be made in three termly instalments once the student’s university confirms their attendance. Payment dates vary based on the month in which the student’s academic year starts:
- June Start: Term 2 payment in October 2024, Term 3 payment in January 2025
- July Start: Term 2 payment in November 2024, Term 3 payment in February 2025
- August Start: Term 2 payment in December 2024, Term 3 payment in March 2025
- September Start: Term 2 payment in January 2025, Term 3 payment in April 2025
- October Start: Term 2 payment in February 2025, Term 3 payment in May 2025
Eligible Nationalities
The NHS Bursary is open to students from all nationalities, making it accessible to both international and domestic students.
The NHS Bursary provides critical financial support for medical and dental students in England, helping them cover tuition fees, living costs and other expenses. With the combination of non-means tested and means-tested bursaries, as well as additional allowances, the NHS Bursary helps students pursue their education without the stress of financial burdens.
For students studying in the field of medicine or dentistry, the NHS Bursary represents a valuable opportunity to receive funding tailored to their personal circumstances. Understanding the eligibility criteria and the application process is crucial for ensuring that students make the most of the available financial support.
To apply, visit the official NHS Bursary website, create or log into your bursary account and submit your application within the designated timeframe. Don’t miss this opportunity to receive substantial financial assistance while pursuing a career in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of courses are covered by the NHS Bursary?
The bursary is specifically designed for students pursuing degrees in Medical Sciences, Dentistry and Medicine. Eligible programs must be full-time and recognized by the Office for Students’ medical and dental student intake.
How much financial support can I receive?
The amount varies depending on factors such as your household income and living situation. For the 2023–2024 academic year, non-means tested bursaries were £1,000, while means-tested bursaries ranged from £2,207 to £3,191 based on living arrangements.
Does the NHS Bursary cover tuition fees?
Yes, the bursary includes contributions towards tuition fees. For undergraduate courses lasting 5 to 6 years, up to £9,250 per year is covered, while for graduate entry courses lasting 3 to 4 years, the contribution can be up to £3,715 per year.
What additional allowances are available?
Additional allowances include the Dependants’ Allowance, Parent Learning Allowance (PLA), Childcare Allowance (CCA), Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE), Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and Extra Weeks Allowance for those with special needs or extended study periods.
How do I apply for the NHS Bursary?
You can apply by registering for a new NHS Bursary account or signing into your existing account on the official NHS Bursary website. The application must be submitted within 9 months of your academic year’s start.
When is the deadline for applying?
The deadline for submitting your NHS Bursary application is 9 months after the start of your academic year. Be sure to apply as early as possible to avoid any delays in receiving funding.
Can international students apply for the NHS Bursary?
Yes, international students may apply, but they must meet the specific residency requirements and be studying in eligible medical or dental programs in the UK.
When will I receive my bursary payments?
Payments are made in three termly instalments, after your university confirms your attendance. The specific payment dates depend on the start month of your academic year.
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