VerifiedThe NHS Bursary is funding from the NHS Business Services Authority for medical and dental students on courses in England. It is not a South African bursary: you must normally live in England and be an English resident on the first day of your first academic year. If you study in South Africa, see our medical bursaries instead.
The aim of the bursary is to alleviate the financial burden on students and encourage them to pursue careers in the healthcare sector.
It typically covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living allowances.
When Can I Apply for an NHS Bursary?
The timing of your NHS bursary application depends on your course structure and whether you’re a new or returning student.
For medical and dental students:
- Undergraduate courses (5 or 6 years): You can apply for the NHS bursary from your fifth year of study.
- Graduate entry courses (3 or 4 years): You can apply for the NHS bursary from your second year of study.
Nursing, midwifery and allied health students:
- New students on these courses in England have not been funded by the NHS Bursary since August 2017. They apply to Student Finance England and can check whether they qualify for the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Am I Eligible for an NHS Bursary?
To be eligible for an NHS bursary, you must meet specific criteria:
- Be enrolled in a full-time NHS-funded medical or dental course.
- Meet the residency rules: normally living in England, and an English resident on the first day of your first academic year.
- Satisfy academic performance standards set by your institution.
When Does the NHS Bursary Application Open?
The NHS bursary application window usually opens a few months before the start of the academic year.
The NHSBSA publishes the opening date for each academic year on its website.
To stay informed about the exact opening dates, it’s advisable to regularly check the NHS Bursary website or sign up for email alerts.
How Long Does the NHS Bursary Application Process Take?
The time it takes to process your NHS bursary application can vary.
It’s essential to submit your application well in advance of the start of your academic year to avoid delays.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll typically receive a decision within a few weeks.
What Happens If My NHS Bursary Application Is Rejected?
If your NHS bursary application is rejected, you’ll usually receive a notification explaining the reasons for the decision.
You may have the opportunity to appeal the decision or explore alternative funding options.
It’s important to review the feedback carefully and understand the next steps.
When Can I Start Receiving the Bursary?
The timing of when you start receiving the NHS bursary depends on your course length and year of study.
Generally, you can apply for the bursary from:
- Year 5 of a 5 or 6-year undergraduate medical or dental course.
- Year 2 of a 3 or 4-year accelerated graduate medical or dental course.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and specific circumstances might influence the timing of your bursary payments.
Do I Need to Reapply for the NHS Bursary Each Year?
Yes, you will need to reapply for the NHS bursary each academic year.
The application process usually involves providing updated financial information and confirming your continued eligibility.
The NHS Bursary service will send you a reminder when it’s time to reapply.
What Happens if I Defer My Studies?
If you defer your studies, the timing of your NHS bursary eligibility might be affected.
You have to contact the NHS Bursary service to understand how deferring your studies will impact your bursary entitlement.
They will provide guidance on when you can apply and start receiving payments.