NHS UK Bursary Scholarships for Foreign Students 2024

The NHS UK Bursary Scholarships 2025 program is currently open for applications, offering essential financial support to both international and domestic students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in medical sciences, dentistry, and medicine through the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) is different from the NHS bursary and is for students studying specific pre-registration undergraduate or postgraduate courses, such as dental therapy or dental hygiene, dietetics, midwifery, nursing, and occupational therapy.

This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical education, providing eligible students with a combination of non-means-tested and means-tested bursaries, tuition fee contributions, and additional allowances based on individual circumstances. With an ongoing application period, prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their funding.

To qualify for the NHS Bursary, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their residency status and course of study. Eligible candidates include those studying to become doctors or dentists in recognized programs, whether through undergraduate courses lasting five to six years or graduate-entry programs of three to four years.

Additionally, applicants must normally reside in England, with the requirement that they have been living there since the beginning of their academic year. The bursary not only covers tuition fees but also offers various allowances for dependents, childcare, and travel expenses, allowing students to focus on their education without the added stress of financial concerns.

Degree Levels Supported

The NHS UK Bursary Scholarships 2025 supports students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate-level programs at NHS-affiliated institutions.

Eligible Subjects

The scholarship is open to students pursuing degrees in the following fields:

• Medical Sciences
• Dentistry
• Medicine

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Financial Benefits

The bursary offers different forms of financial aid based on students’ circumstances. The specific amount of funding depends on whether the student is classified as dependent or independent, as well as their location of study. The details for the 2024-2025 academic year are yet to be announced, but students can refer to the figures from the previous year for an estimate.

Non-Means Tested Bursary

In the 2023-2024 academic year, all eligible students received a £1,000 non-means tested bursary. This is a fixed amount available to every student who qualifies for the bursary, regardless of their financial situation.

Means-Tested Bursary

The means-tested bursary provides additional financial support based on the student’s household income. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the bursary amounts were as follows:

• Up to £3,191 for students studying in London who do not live with their parents.
• Up to £2,643 for students studying outside London and living away from their parents.
• Up to £2,207 for students living with their parents, irrespective of the university’s location.

These amounts are determined by the financial status of the student’s household. For dependent students, this includes the income of their parents. For independent students, the assessment considers the income of their spouse, partner or civil partner.

Tuition Fee Contributions

If a student’s NHS Bursary application is successful, the NHS will cover tuition fees up to a specified amount. This contribution is paid directly to the student’s university. The amount depends on the duration of the course:

• Up to £9,250 per year for undergraduate courses that are 5 or 6 years long.
• Up to £3,715 per year for graduate-entry courses lasting 3 or 4 years.

Additional Allowances

Students who qualify for the NHS Bursary may also be eligible for additional financial support to address specific needs. These allowances include:

• Dependants’ Allowance: Assistance for students who have dependents.
• Parent Learning Allowance (PLA): Support for students with children.
• Childcare Allowance (CCA): Helps cover childcare costs for eligible students.
• Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE): Covers additional costs for students who need to travel or maintain two residences due to their studies.
• Disabled Students Allowance (DSA): Financial aid for students with disabilities.
• Extra Weeks Allowance: Additional support for students whose courses extend beyond the usual academic year.

These allowances are intended to alleviate some of the financial burdens that arise from specific personal or familial circumstances, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without excessive financial stress.

Eligible Nationalities

The NHS Bursary Scholarships 2025 are open to students of all nationalities, making it an inclusive opportunity for both domestic and international students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the NHS Bursary, students must meet specific requirements related to their course of study and residency status. The key eligibility criteria include:

1. Field of Study: The bursary is available to students pursuing careers as doctors or dentists. It is open to those enrolled in:

• Undergraduate medical or dental courses lasting between 5 to 6 years.
• Graduate-entry courses in medicine or dentistry, typically lasting 3 to 4 years.

1. Student Intake: The student must be part of a medical or dental intake program recognized by the Office for Students.
2. Previous Bursary Recipients: Students who have received the NHS Bursary in the past remain eligible to apply again, provided they meet the other requirements.
3. Second-Degree Students: The bursary is also available to students studying medicine or dentistry as a second degree.

Residency Requirement

To be eligible, students must normally be residents in England and must have been living there on the first day of the first academic year of their course. Students who relocated to England solely for educational purposes (e.g., from other parts of the UK) are not eligible for the NHS Bursary.

Application Process

The application process for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open. Interested students must either create a new NHS Bursary account or log in to their existing account to submit an application.

Timeline for Applications

Students must apply for the bursary within 9 months of the start of their academic year to ensure their eligibility. Returning bursary recipients will receive an email invitation to apply for the new academic year, streamlining the reapplication process.

Special Cases: Repeated and Intercalation Years

For students who have repeated any years of their course that do not qualify for the NHS Bursary, these years will not count as qualifying for bursary purposes. However, if a student takes an intercalation year—either at the bachelor’s or master’s level—this year will be recognized as part of the overall course for bursary consideration.

Payment Schedule for the NHS UK Bursary Scholarships 2024-2025 Academic Year

Bursary payments are made in three instalments across the academic year. Payments will be issued after the university confirms the student’s attendance and the schedule depends on the start date of the academic year. The tentative payment schedule is as follows:

• June Start: Term 2 (October 2024), Term 3 (January 2025)
• July Start: Term 2 (November 2024), Term 3 (February 2025)
• August Start: Term 2 (December 2024), Term 3 (March 2025)
• September Start: Term 2 (January 2025), Term 3 (April 2025)
• October Start: Term 2 (February 2025), Term 3 (May 2025)

These dates ensure that students receive timely financial assistance to manage their tuition and living costs throughout the year.

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The NHS Bursary plays a critical role in supporting medical and dental students in England, offering a variety of financial assistance packages that cover tuition fees, living expenses and additional allowances. This financial aid enables students to concentrate on their studies and professional development without the burden of excessive financial pressures.

Students interested in applying for the NHS Bursary Scholarships 2025 should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and submit their applications within the specified timelines. For more details on how to apply, visit the official NHS Bursary website and take the necessary steps to secure financial support for your medical or dental education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of financial support are available through the NHS Bursary?

The bursary includes non-means-tested and means-tested components, tuition fee contributions and various additional allowances based on your personal circumstances.

What is the application process for the NHS UK Bursary Scholarships?

You need to register for a new NHS Bursary account or log into an existing one to apply. Ensure you apply within 9 months of your academic year starting.

Are international students eligible for the NHS UK Bursary Scholarships?

Yes, the bursary is open to students of all nationalities, as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.

How much funding can I receive?

Funding amounts vary based on several factors, including whether you are living in London or elsewhere and your household income. Specific amounts for the upcoming academic year will be announced soon.

What are additional allowances and who qualifies for them?

Additional allowances can include Dependants’ Allowance, Parent Learning Allowance, Childcare Allowance, and Disabled Students Allowance. Eligibility depends on your personal circumstances, such as having dependents or disabilities.