Title Image. Frequently Asked Questions

These are just some of the questions you may be wishing to ask. If you have a question that hasn't been answered on our website, you should contact your university or our student helpline in the first instance.

Further information is also detailed in the booklets Financial Help for New Healthcare Students and Financial Help for Existing Healthcare Students, both of which are availalble to download from the Forms and Booklet section of this website

What is an NHS Bursary?

A bursary is an annual payment awarded to assist with day to day living costs while you are studying. It also includes the cost of your tuition fees for the course you wish to attend. A bursary is not subject to income tax deductions or national insurance contributions. There are two types of bursary available, income assessed and non-income assessed.

In addition to the standard bursary, students may also be entitled to apply for further allowances

Am I personally eligible for a NHS Bursary?

Your personal eligibility depends on what course you are undertaking and where you live.

You should consult the Eligibility section of this site for further details. NHS Student Bursaries regrets that decisions on personal eligibilty cannot be given to prospective students prior to receipt of a fully completed bursary application form.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, you should first of all contact the universitythat you are hoping to attend.

How do I apply for a Bursary?

Once a university has offered you a training place (either conditionally or unconditionally), they will advise NHS Student Bursaries that you have been successful. We will then send you a letter with your Student Reference Number and details of how to download your Bursary application form.

Click here to view University/NHS Bursary application process diagram

When will I know how much bursary I will receive?

When the NHS Student Bursaries receive your completed application form, your eligibility for a Bursary will be determined and the amount of your award assessed. At this point, a Notification of Award Letter will be issued to you.

This notification will take into account the days your are in attendance; any parental or spouse / civil partner or partner contribution; and the method and frequency of payment.

Am I entitled to any other Allowances?

You maybe entitled to additional allowances if you are in receipt of an NHS Bursary. For more information on the additional allowances available please click here.

How will my Bursary be paid?

Your Bursary award is calculated on an academic year basis and covers a period of 12 months. For each year of your course, payments commencing in the first month of training will normally be made in 12 equal monthly instalments, regardless of your actual days in attendance. On enrolment however, your first Bursary instalment (in the first year only) will normally be an advance payment to cover the first two months of training. This will be paid into the bank/building society nominated on your application form, usually within 2 weeks of starting your course.

Subsequent payments will be made directly into your bank account on the 3rd Friday of each month by the Bank Automated Credit System (BACS). These automated payments will normally start in the 3rd month of training. It is therefore essential that you open a bank account which accepts BACS payments.

What happens if my circumstances change?

You should report any change in your financial circumstances (or your family's, where a parental or spouse contribution applies) to your college and to NHS Student Bursaries as soon as it occurs. If there is a change in income of 15% or more your Bursary may be reassessed to take account of the impact on your requirements. You should also notify Student Bursaries of, for example, your spouse/partner/civil partner leaving the family home, the birth of a child, or the death of a dependant. It is also your responsibility to tell Student Bursaries if you have to leave or interrupt your course before the normal completion date.

Will I be eligible for an NHS Bursary if I have already had public funding for higher education?

Yes. If your course leads to a professional qualification and your place is funded by the NHS you will be able to get an NHS Bursary. If you have previously had an NHS Bursary and wish to switch professions, you will be eligible - but Bursaries are not intended for first level nurses and midwives seeking a second registration in nursing or midwifery, or for currently registered health professionals who wish to undertake post-registration training courses.

Will I still be eligible for a bursary if I am attending a part-time course?

Yes. Reduced rates of Bursary are payable to students accepted for part-time NHS funded courses. For nursing and midwifery diploma students, this will be the appropriate proportion of the full-time rate. For part-time degree level students who undertake the course over 4 years, the bursary will be 75% of the full-time rate, however, your bursary may be apportioned differently if your part time study differs from this. Any additions for disability will be paid in full and practice placement costs will be paid as appropriate. Bursaries will be assessed and paid by NHS Student Bursaries.

Can I receive a bursary if I am being seconded?

No, if you are currently employed by the NHS and your Trust has offered to second you whilst you train, the Trust will continue to pay your salary, and therefore you will not be eligible for a bursary or any of the additional allowances.

I have used the Bursary Calculator but my award is showing as minus, could you please explain why?

This is because your parents, spouse or civil partners contribution exceeds the total bursary payable for the academic year. This excess is referred to as a 'travel disregard' and this amount will be set against any practice placements costs you may become eligible for in that year.

For example, if the travel disregard figure is £200, you can still submit your claim form for reimbursement but you will not receive any remuneration until your claim(s) exceeds £200.

Please Note:

If your course is being funded by The London Strategic Health Authority then your university may have their own arrangements for the payment of additional expenses incurred during periods of practice placement. Please contact your university for more information.