Guidance

The NHS Bursary Scheme new rules (15th edition) for the academic year 2026 to 2027

Published 22 July 2026

Applies to England

Notes

15th edition explanatory notes: the 15th edition rules are for the academic year from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027 and are applicable to medical and dental students in bursary-eligible study years.

Disclaimer

Students and prospective students should not rely on the current NHS Bursary rules and allowances when planning for subsequent academic years. These rules may be subject to review in the future and, as a result, may change. Further information about the NHS Bursary scheme will be posted on the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website. 

Students are advised to check the website on a regular basis. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHSBSA Student Services will not accept responsibility for loss of any type suffered by students who have relied on a previous version of the rules.

Introduction

In 1968, Parliament gave the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care the power to provide training for people considering employment in the NHS, and to pay allowances to people who have accepted places on these courses. These allowances are known as NHS Bursaries. A bursary is a traditional name for a financial allowance given to help a student meet the costs of study.

Since then, successive Secretaries of State have developed rules to ensure that NHS bursaries are paid fairly and consistently. They have also developed administrative arrangements to ensure that they are paid efficiently in line with the rules. These rules and administrative arrangements are known collectively as ‘The NHS Bursary Scheme’.

Because of the large number of allowances paid under the rules, the Secretary of State has directed NHSBSA to administer the NHS Bursary Scheme on their behalf. The Secretary of State has done this through the NHS Bursary, NHS Learning Support Fund and Social Work Bursary Schemes Directions 2020, available on NHSBSA’s governance framework. Although the NHS Bursary Scheme is administered by NHSBSA, the Secretary of State retains overall responsibility for the scheme.

A summary of the changes to the rules for 2026 to 2027 can be found in appendix 1.

NHSBSA can provide further assistance in understanding these rules, including the changes for 2026 to 2027. Several other bodies also provide information on careers in the NHS health professions (see appendix 2).

1. Summary of the rules

The following rules describe the circumstances under which the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will pay allowances under section 63(6) of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 in the 2026 to 2027 academic year to medical and dental students in bursary-eligible study years, as referenced in section 3 of this guidance.

Any allowance paid under these rules is referred to as an NHS Bursary, and these rules, together with the administrative arrangements by which NHSBSA makes such payments on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, are referred to as the NHS Bursary Scheme.

Words and phrases that have a particular meaning in these rules can be found in the glossary. Where the rules contain words and phrases like this, they must be interpreted as having the meaning set out in the glossary.

Application and changes

These rules apply to the groups of students referred to in section 1. They apply for the year from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. They contain several changes from the 14th edition of the NHS Bursary Scheme rules published in 2025. These changes are summarised in appendix 1. 

Complaints and appeals

Where a student is dissatisfied with the way an NHS Bursary application, bursary payment, or any other matter in relation to an NHS Bursary has been dealt with, they can follow the procedure for complaints and appeals, which is set out in section 13.

The principal rule

The principal rule is that the NHS Bursary Scheme will provide an NHS Bursary to medical and dental students in bursary-eligible study years who: 

• are eligible under these rules
• are on a course which is eligible under these rules
• have applied for a bursary as prescribed by these rules
• have not been disqualified from receiving a bursary because of misconduct in relation to a previous application or award

The students who are eligible under these rules are described in section 2. The courses which are eligible are set out in section 3. The procedure for applying for a bursary is set out in section 12 and the rules relating to disqualification are described in section 10. 

It should be noted that a student’s eligibility for an NHS Bursary is determined by NHSBSA, whereas a student’s eligibility to be accepted onto a course is determined by the academic authority.

What an NHS Bursary provides

The NHS Bursary Scheme may provide a contribution towards a medical or dental student’s tuition fees as set out in section 4. Where this is the only assistance for which a student is eligible, the bursary is known as a fees-only bursary. 

The NHS Bursary Scheme may also provide a maintenance award to assist students with the cost of attending the course. In this case the bursary is known as a full bursary. The rules on eligibility are set out in section 2 and the calculation of the amounts payable is set out in section 5. 

Where a student is eligible for a full bursary, the maintenance award may also include additional allowances, such as:

• disabled student’s allowance, set out in section 6
• the reimbursement of costs associated with attending practice placements, set out in section 7
• dependants’ allowance, set out in section 8
• parent learning allowance, set out in section 8
• childcare allowance, set out in section 8

Change in circumstances

Where a student’s circumstances change during a course, the rules setting out the consequences for any NHS Bursary are set out in section 9.

Conditions attached to an award

If an NHS Bursary is awarded under these rules, it will be awarded subject to the conditions set out in section 10.

Exceptions to the normal rules

There are a limited number of cases where exceptions to certain rules have been allowed. These exceptions, and the circumstances in which they have been granted, are set out in section 11. Any student whose circumstances are the same as those described in this section is entitled to benefit from the relevant exception.

Applying for a bursary

The rules on applying for a bursary are set out in section 12.

Glossary

Words and phrases in these rules that have a particular meaning are defined in the glossary.

Appendices

A summary of the changes in these rules compared to the rules published in 2025 is provided in appendix 1. A list of organisations that may be able to provide help and advice is provided in appendix 2. 

These appendices are provided for information and are not part of the rules themselves.

2. Eligibility

Personal eligibility

Subject to the provisions detailed in section 1, a student is eligible for an NHS Bursary if the student satisfies all the following conditions. These are that the student: 

• satisfies the general immigration and residence requirements set down by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in section 2 under ‘General immigration and residence requirements’
• satisfies the requirements set out in section 2 under ‘Additional requirements’
• is not attending the course on secondment
• is not in receipt of support in excess of the value of an NHS Bursary by reason of sponsorship or assistance from another scheme (other than a student loan administered by the Student Loans Company (SLC) or the academic authority’s own hardship funds) as set out in section 2 under ‘Students with assistance from an organisation, employer or other scheme’
• is not held in custody while on or awaiting trial or serving a prison sentence
• has started their course on the relevant dates outlined in section 1

Additional requirements

Each UK country is responsible for its own medical and dental students, wherever they study in the UK. Because of this and in addition to the general immigration and residence requirements set out in section 2 under ‘General immigration and residence requirements’, the NHS Bursary Scheme will only provide bursaries for medical and dental students who are either of the following: 

• ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of their course, and whose residence in England is not wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education
• not ordinarily resident in England but qualify for an NHS Bursary under the provisions listed above in general immigration and residence requirements

A person who is ordinarily resident in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Islands, is to be considered as ordinarily resident in the place from which the person moved if they have moved from another of those areas for the purpose of undertaking either of the following:

• the current course
• a course which, disregarding any intervening vacation, the person undertook immediately before undertaking the current course

Students must also be occupying a place on a medical or dental course which is counted within the Office for Students (OfS) medical and dental student intake target.

Students with assistance from an organisation, employer or other scheme

Financial assistance from an organisation, employer or other scheme (other than from a student loan administered by SLC or from the academic authority’s own hardship funds) will be taken into consideration when determining whether a student is eligible for the NHS Bursary. This includes:

• sponsorship
• cadetship
• scholarship
• exhibition
• bursary
• any financial support (including a salary) from an employer or future employer while the student trains (for example, from an NHS trust or the UK armed forces)

If at any point within the academic year a student’s income after tax from an organisation, employer or other scheme, as described above, is higher than the maximum bursary entitlement (including contribution towards tuition fees) that would have been payable to the student had they not been in receipt of the income, the student will not be eligible for an NHS Bursary.

General immigration and residence requirements

The general immigration and residence requirements for NHS bursaries are set out below. A student must satisfy both the immigration status and residence requirement in at least one section in order to receive a bursary. 

A student satisfying the associated immigration and residence requirements will be entitled to either a full bursary or a fees-only bursary.

The general immigration and residence requirements for NHS bursaries of students on these programmes are set out below. Changes to the general immigration and residence requirements for the 2026 to 2027 academic year are outlined in appendix 1. The NHS Bursary Scheme rules will only apply to continuing students in 2026 to 2027.

Immigration and residence requirements for those who first started their course before 1 August 2021

Immigration status: settled in the UK, other than by having acquired the right of permanent residence

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3 years preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of the period referred to in the bullet point above, been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet above does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: full bursary. 

Note: UK nationals and others settled in the UK who have always lived in the UK will qualify under this entry.

Immigration status: persons who have a right of permanent residence in the UK by virtue of the Withdrawal Agreement

This applies to continuing students from the 2021 to 2022 academic year who previously had right of permanent residence. A right of permanent residence under Directive 2004/38 can no longer be acquired following the end of the transition period. Those under Directive 2004/38 were required to apply for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) by 30 June 2021.

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3 years preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence in the bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

Eligibility: Full bursary.

Immigration status: a refugee

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since the person was recognised as a refugee
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a refugee and was the spouse or civil partner of the refugee on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• the leave to remain of the person granted refugee status is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a refugee or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a refugee, and on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum was the child of the refugee or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of the refugee on that date, and was under 18 on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• the leave to remain of the person granted refugee status is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted humanitarian protection

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• on the first day of an academic year of the course, they must be a ‘person granted humanitarian protection’ - this means a person:
  • who has been granted leave to remain in the UK under the immigration rules, on the grounds of humanitarian protection
  • whose leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending
  • who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted their humanitarian protection

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person granted humanitarian protection and was the spouse or civil partner of the person granted humanitarian protection on the date on which that person applied for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being given leave to enter or remain
• the leave to remain of the person granted humanitarian protection is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted humanitarian protection, or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a person granted humanitarian protection, and on the asylum application date was the child of that person or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of the person granted humanitarian protection on that date and was under 18 on the asylum application date

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they must have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being given leave to enter or remain
• the leave to remain of the person granted humanitarian protection is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: an EEA migrant worker or an EEA self-employed person, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a Swiss employed person or a Swiss self-employed person or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they:

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: an EEA frontier worker or an EEA frontier self-employed person, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirement is that they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the course start date.

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a Swiss frontier employed person or a Swiss frontier self-employed person, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirement is that they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the course start date. 

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: child of a former EEA migrant worker

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• are entitled to support by virtue of Article 12 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 on the freedom of movement of workers, as extended by the EEA agreement

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: settled in the UK and has exercised a right of residence elsewhere

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are ordinarily resident in England and settled in the UK immediately before leaving the UK and who has exercised a right of residence before the end of the transition period
• they are ordinarily resident in the UK on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence referred to in the above bullet was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the above bullet

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: an EU national on the first day of the first academic year of the course, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their ordinary residence in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland has not, during any part of the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course, been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the territory in question if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: an EU national on the first day of the first academic year of the course, other than a UK national

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 5-year period immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately prior to the period of ordinary residence referred to in the same bullet

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a child of a Swiss national exercising their free movement rights in the UK is entitled to support in the UK by Article 3(6) of annex 1 of the Swiss Agreement. This applies to students who started their course from the 2013 to 2014 academic year onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately prior to the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a Turkish worker. A Turkish worker is a Turkish national who is ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and is, or has been, lawfully employed or self-employed in the UK

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person with long residence in the UK. This applies to students from September 2016 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are under the age of 18 on the first day of the first academic year of the course and have lived in the UK throughout the 7-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course, or they are 18 or over and, preceding the course start date, have lived in the UK for either:
  • half their life
  • a period of 20 years (those aged 40 and over)
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above was not wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted stateless leave. This applies to new students commencing a course from 1 August 2018 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave who on the leave application date was the spouse or civil partner of that person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted stateless leave, or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave, and who on the leave application date was the child of a person granted stateless leave or the child of a person who, on the leave application date, was the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave and where the child was under 18 on the leave application date

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted leave to remain under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. This applies to students who started their course on or after 1 August 2019

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since the person was granted such leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the dependent child of a person granted leave to remain under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they were granted leave in line with the parent who holds section 67 leave
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since the person was granted such leave
• the leave to enter or remain of the person granted section 67 leave has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted Calais leave. This applies to new students who started their course on or after 1 August 2020

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they:

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted such leave
• have leave to enter or remain in the UK which has not expired since the course start date

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the dependent child of a person granted Calais leave

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted leave in line with the parent who holds Calais leave status
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the person was granted leave to enter or remain in the UK
• the leave to enter or remain of the person granted Calais leave has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary

Immigration status: a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they:

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted indefinite leave to enter or remain
• they are the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner
• on the leave application date, they were the child of the person granted indefinite leave to remain as a bereaved partner
• they were under 18 on the leave application date
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK or Islands since the person was granted such leave

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they:

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted indefinite leave to enter or remain
• they are the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse
• on the leave application date, they were the child of the person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse
• they were under 18 on the leave application date
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK or Islands since the person was granted such leave

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status and residence requirements for those who started their course on or after 1 August 2021

Immigration status: a person who is settled in the UK, other than those who have a right of permanent residence in the UK by virtue of the Withdrawal Agreement

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: full bursary.

Note: persons settled in the UK who have always lived in the UK will qualify under this entry.

Immigration status: persons who have a right of permanent residence in the UK by virtue of the Withdrawal Agreement 

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they have citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement and are settled in the UK, or they are the family member of a person of Northern Ireland who is settled in the UK by virtue of having obtained settled status under the EUSS. (EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members who are granted settled status under the EUSS, Irish citizens living in the UK before the end of the transition period and individuals who have an outstanding determination or appeal with the Home Office relating to their application for status under the EUSS can be included here)
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the course start date
• where the person’s ordinary residence as in the bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

For courses starting in the academic year 2022 to 2023 and after, where a person’s ordinary residence as referred to in the last bullet was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they may be eligible for fee support only if they were ordinarily resident in the overseas territories immediately before the period of ordinary residence in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course.

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: settled in the UK, does not have right of permanent residence in the UK by virtue of the Withdrawal Agreement, and does live in the common travel area (CTA) of UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been ordinarily resident in the CTA throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course and who has been ordinarily resident in the Republic of Ireland for at least part of that period
• their ordinary residence in the CTA has not during the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education
• they did not move to England from the Islands for the purpose of undertaking the current course or a course which, disregarding any intervening vacation, the person undertook immediately before undertaking the current course

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the territory in question if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question.

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: a refugee

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since the person was recognised as a refugee
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a refugee and who was the spouse or civil partner of the refugee on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• their leave to remain of the person awarded refugee status is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a refugee or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a refugee, and who on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum was the child of the refugee or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of the refugee on that date, and who was under 18 on the date on which the refugee made the application for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• their leave to remain of the person awarded refugee status is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted humanitarian protection

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• on the first day of an academic year of the course, they must be a ‘person granted humanitarian protection’ - this means a person:
  • who has been granted leave to remain in the UK under the immigration rules on the grounds of humanitarian protection
  • whose leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending
  • who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted such leave to remain

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person granted humanitarian protection and was the spouse or civil partner of the person granted humanitarian protection on the date on which that person applied for asylum

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• the leave to remain of the person granted humanitarian protection is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted humanitarian protection, or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a person granted humanitarian protection, and on the asylum application date was the child of that person or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of the person granted humanitarian protection on that date and was under 18 on the asylum application date

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• the leave to remain of the person granted humanitarian protection is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person with protected rights under the Withdrawal Agreement who is an EEA migrant worker or an EEA self-employed person, or a family member of such a person. This category includes a relevant person of Northern Ireland who would, if that person were an EEA national or solely an EEA national, be an EEA migrant worker or an EEA self-employed person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• have been granted pre-settled (less than 5 years of continuous residence in the UK) or settled status (5 or more years of continuous residence in the UK) under the EUSS. (Pre-settled status can be converted to settled status once the 5-year residence requirement is satisfied)
• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have maintained migrant worker status throughout the duration of the course

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: a person with protected rights under the Withdrawal Agreement who is a Swiss employed person or a Swiss self-employed person or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• have been granted pre-settled or settled status under the EUSS
• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have maintained migrant worker status throughout the duration of the course

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: an EEA frontier worker or an EEA frontier self-employed person within the meaning of regulation 3 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are a frontier worker granted a frontier worker permit as evidence of their frontier worker status under the Withdrawal Agreement (Irish citizens do not need this permit to work in the UK), or a family member of a frontier worker granted pre-settled status under the Withdrawal Agreement
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have maintained worker status throughout the duration of the course

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: a Swiss frontier employed person or a Swiss frontier self-employed person within the meaning of regulation 3 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, or a family member of such a person

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are a Swiss frontier worker granted a frontier worker permit as evidence of their frontier worker status under the Withdrawal Agreement, or a family member of a Swiss frontier worker granted pre-settled status under the Withdrawal Agreement
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have maintained worker status throughout the duration of the course

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: child with protected rights under the Withdrawal Agreement of a former EEA migrant worker. In Article 10 of the Workers Regulation, the reference to a ‘national of a member state’ is to be read as including a relevant person of Northern Ireland and the reference to ‘another member state’ is to be read as including the UK

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• are entitled to support by virtue of Article 10 of Regulation 492/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2011 on freedom of movement for workers within the Union (the Workers Regulation), as it had effect immediately before implementation period completion day, as extended by the EEA Agreement, as it had effect immediately before implementation period completion day

Those persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the course start date may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: settled in the UK and has exercised a right of residence elsewhere before the end of the transition period, starting a course on or before 31 December 2027

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England and settled in the UK immediately before leaving the UK and they have exercised a right of residence before the end of the transition period
• they are ordinarily resident in Gibraltar, the EEA or Switzerland immediately before the end of the transition period (or resident in the UK, having moved back from Gibraltar, the EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017) and they have remained ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the period beginning on the last day of the transition period and ending immediately before the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they are ordinarily resident in the UK on the day on which the first term of the first academic year begins
• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence in the UK on the day on which the first term of the first academic year begins was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: an EU national with protected rights, or a family member of such person. EU nationals and their family members with protected rights who are generally granted pre-settled (or settled) status under the EUSS, Irish nationals who are living in the UK by 31 December 2020 (who have protected rights but are not required to apply to the EUSS) and family members of people of Northern Ireland living in the UK by 31 December 2020 who have status under the EUSS. Those who are granted settled status under the EUSS should apply for full support as a settled person if they have 3 years of residence in the UK and Islands

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are an EU national on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland (and the overseas territories from the 2022 to 2023 academic year) throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their ordinary residence in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland has not during any part of the period referred to in the bullet above been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the territory in question if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: UK nationals and their non-UK national family members resident in the EEA and Switzerland by the end of the transition period, starting a course on or before 31 December 2027

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the EEA or Switzerland immediately before the end of the transition period (or resident in the UK, having moved back from the EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017). If the student is a family member, this also applies to the UK national
• they have been resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland for throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course. If the student is a family member, this also applies to the UK national
• they have remained ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland between the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) and the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland has not during any part of the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: Irish citizens who were ordinarily resident in the EEA and Switzerland at or before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), starting a course on or before 31 December 2027

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the EEA or Switzerland immediately before the end of the transition period (or resident in the UK, having moved back from the EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017)
• they have been resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have remained ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland between the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) and the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland has not during any part of the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: a person settled in the UK who has been ordinarily resident in the British Overseas Territories for at least part of the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year, starting a course from the 2022 to 2023 academic year

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in the UK, the Islands and the specified British Overseas Territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course (other than for the purposes of receiving full-time education)
• they did not move to England from the Islands for the purpose of undertaking the current course or a course which, disregarding any intervening vacation, the person undertook immediately before undertaking the current course
• their residence in the bullet above has not during any part of the period referred to been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the UK, the Islands and the specified British Overseas Territories if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: Chagossians and their descendants. In relation to a new academic year of a course that began on or after 1 August 2022 

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are a British citizen who either:
  • was born in the British Indian Ocean Territory or, prior to 8 November 1965, in those islands designated as the British Indian Ocean Territory on that date
  • is a direct descendant of a person who was born in the British Indian Ocean Territory or, prior to 8 November 1965, in those islands designated as the British Indian Ocean Territory on that date
• are undertaking a course in England
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, the Islands and the specified British Overseas Territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the specified British Overseas Territories for at least part of the 3-year period preceding the course start date
• are treated as being ordinarily resident in the specified British Overseas Territories in any period before the first day of the first academic year of the course in which they are not ordinarily resident in the UK or the Islands

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: the non-settled spouse or civil partner of a person settled in the UK where the spouse or civil partner has been resident in the UK and Islands for 3 years

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are the spouse or civil partner of a person who is settled in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of the period referred to in the bullet above been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education
• they did not move to England from the Islands for the purpose of undertaking the current course or a course which, disregarding any intervening vacation, the person undertook immediately before undertaking the current course

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: a direct descendant of a person settled in the UK or of that person’s spouse or civil partner who is under the age of 21, or a dependant of the person or the person’s spouse or civil partner 

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are a direct descendant of a person who is settled in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of the period referred to in the bullet above been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

The last bullet does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: a UK national or the family member of a UK national who in either case has resident status in Gibraltar granted by the government of Gibraltar

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course (other than for the purposes of receiving full-time education).

This does not apply to a person who is treated as being ordinarily resident in the area in question if that person would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line, their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question.

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: EU nationals with protected rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, with a genuine link with the UK 

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where the person’s ordinary residence referred to in the above bullet was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the above bullet

For courses starting in the academic year 2022 to 2023 and after, where a person’s ordinary residence in the second bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they may be eligible for fee support only if they were ordinarily resident in the overseas territories immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the second bullet above.

Eligibility: fees-only bursary.

Immigration status: a child of a Swiss national who is entitled to support in the UK by virtue of Article 18(2) of the Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland (and the overseas territories from the 2022 to 2023 academic year) throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• where their ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above was wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education, they were ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA and Switzerland immediately before the period of ordinary residence referred to in the bullet above

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: the child of a Turkish worker. The Turkish worker is in the UK by the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) and has been allowed by the Home Office to temporarily extend their leave in order to remain in the UK. The child of a Turkish worker must also have arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• have been ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course

Persons ordinarily resident in the territory comprising the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland and the overseas territories where at least part of that ordinary residence was in the overseas territories throughout the 3-year period preceding the first academic year of the course may be eligible for fee support only from academic year 2022 to 2023.

Eligibility: full bursary, except where part of the residence was in the overseas territory in which case it is fees only.

Immigration status: a person with long residence in the UK issued by the Home Office (limited leave, or discretionary leave to remain, or another form of leave to remain)

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are under the age of 18 on the first day of the first academic year of the course and have lived in the UK throughout the 7-year period preceding the course start date, or they are 18 or over and, preceding the course start date, have lived in the UK for either:
  • half their life
  • a period of 20 years (those aged 40 and over)
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first academic year of the course
• their residence in the UK and Islands has not during any part of the period referred to in the bullet above been wholly or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted stateless leave by the Home Office. This applies to new students commencing a course from 1 August 2018 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave who on the leave application date was the spouse or civil partner of that person. This applies to new students commencing a course from 1 August 2018 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• hold a valid form of limited leave or discretionary leave to remain in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of their course
• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted stateless leave, or the child of the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave, and who on the leave application date was the child of a person granted stateless leave or the child of a person who, on the leave application date, was the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave and where the child was under 18 on the leave application date. This applies to new students commencing a course from 1 August 2018 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• hold a valid form of limited leave or discretionary leave to remain in the UK on the course start date
• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted stateless leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted leave to remain under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since the person was granted such leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the dependent child of a person granted leave to remain under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted leave in line with the parent who holds section 67 leave
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since the person was granted such leave
• the leave to enter or remain of the person granted section 67 leave has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: a person granted Calais leave

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted such leave
• have leave to enter or remain which has not expired

Eligibility: full bursary. 

Immigration status: the dependent child of a person granted Calais leave

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they are granted leave in line with the person who holds Calais leave status
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the person was granted leave to enter or remain in the UK
• the leave to enter or remain of the person granted Calais leave has not since expired

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: persons granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or abuse

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted indefinite leave to enter or remain
• they are the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse
• on the leave application date, they were the child of the person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a victim of domestic violence or domestic abuse
• they were under 18 on the leave application date
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the person was granted such leave

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: persons granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner 

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that:

• they have been granted indefinite leave to enter or remain
• they are the child of a person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner
• on the leave application date, they were the child of the person granted indefinite leave to enter or remain as a bereaved partner
• they were under 18 on the leave application date
• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK or Islands since the person was granted such leave

From the 2025 to 2026 academic year, this category also includes the bereaved partners and the children with indefinite leave to enter or remain of bereaved partners of Gurkha and Hong Kong (GHK) military unit veterans who were discharged from service prior to 1997 and were granted indefinite leave to enter or remain under the following provisions of the immigration rules:

• under paragraph AF (GHK) 14.1 of Immigration rules appendix Gurkha and Hong Kong military unit veteran discharged before 1 July 1997, as a bereaved partner
• where such leave was granted prior to 5 October 2023, outside the immigration rules, on the basis that the person was a bereaved partner of a Gurkha discharged before 1 July 1997

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: person who has been granted leave under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). This applies to students starting courses from August 2022 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person who has been granted leave under the ARAP or the ACRS, who was the spouse or civil partner of that person on the date the application for leave was made. This applies to students starting courses from August 2022 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted
• the leave to remain of the person granted leave under the ARAP or the ACRS is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the dependent child or stepchild of a person who has been granted leave under the ARAP or the ACRS, who was the child of a person awarded leave under the ARAP or the ACRS or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of a person awarded leave under the ARAP or the ACRS on that date, and who was under 18 on the leave application date. This applies to students starting courses from August 2022 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since the leave was granted
• the leave to remain of the person granted leave under the ARAP or the ACRS is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: British national who has been evacuated from or assisted in leaving Afghanistan under Operation Pitting. As assistance in leaving Afghanistan under Operation Pitting had to commence before 6 January 2022, it will not be possible to become eligible as an event by becoming a person in this category after the start of the 2022 to 2023 academic year or future academic years

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that they: 

• are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands since they were evacuated from or assisted in leaving Afghanistan

Eligibility: full bursary.

Leave granted under the Ukraine scheme

All those who are granted leave under one of the Ukraine schemes are granted up to 3 years of limited leave to enter or remain in the UK. This includes: 

• those who have been granted leave for 3 years under a Ukraine scheme
• those who have been granted leave for 6 months outside the immigration rules, having either:
  • arrived at the UK border with a permission to travel document on the basis they fall within one of the Ukraine schemes
  • arrived at the UK border with another form of leave, which is transferred thereafter to 6 months of leave on the basis they will fall within one of the Ukraine schemes

Immigration status: person granted leave in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, the Ukraine Extension Scheme or the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being granted such leave
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the spouse or civil partner of a person who has been granted leave in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, the Ukraine Extension Scheme or the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, who was the spouse or civil partner of that person on the date the application for leave was made. This applies to new and existing students from 1 August 2023 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being granted such leave
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

Immigration status: the dependent child or stepchild of a person granted leave in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, the Ukraine Extension or the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme, who was the child of a person awarded leave under one of the Ukraine schemes or the child of a person who was the spouse or civil partner of a person awarded leave under one of the Ukraine schemes on that date, and who was under 18 on the leave application date. This applies to new and existing students from 1 August 2023 onwards

For a person of this immigration status, the associated residence requirements are that: 

• they are ordinarily resident in England on the course start date
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and have not ceased to be so resident since being granted such leave
• their leave to remain is ‘extant’, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending

Eligibility: full bursary.

3. Eligible courses

Course eligibility

Subject to the provisions detailed in section 1, a course is eligible for an NHS Bursary if it is a course leading to professional registration as a doctor or dentist, and it is a part of the course which is eligible for a bursary, as set out below.

Parts of a course eligible for an NHS Bursary

Only the later years of courses are eligible for an NHS Bursary. These years are set out below subject to the qualification concerning repeat years, also set out below. 

For pre-registration courses of 5 years or more (including any integral foundation or intercalated years at bachelor’s or master’s degree level): 

• years 1 to 4: not eligible
• year 5 onwards: NHS Bursary eligible

For accelerated 3-year pre-registration courses for graduates with relevant prior learning: 

• year 1: not eligible
• years 2 to 3: NHS Bursary eligible
• year 4 onwards: not applicable

For accelerated 4-year pre-registration courses for graduates with relevant prior learning: 

• year 1: not eligible
• years 2 to 4: NHS Bursary eligible
• year 5 onwards: not applicable

Repeat years of study 

A year of study required to be undertaken as a repeat of a year which was not itself eligible for a bursary is not eligible for a bursary. A year of study required to be undertaken as a repeat of a year which would have been eligible for a bursary may be eligible for a bursary under the rules in section 9.

Part-time, accelerated, postgraduate and international courses

For the avoidance of doubt, eligible courses can be part-time or full-time and include: 

• accelerated courses aimed at graduates from other disciplines
• international courses (sometimes undertaken as a study abroad option for part of a course)

Undergraduate medical or dental courses taken as a second degree 

Students who are undertaking an undergraduate medical or dental course as a second degree will still be able to apply for an NHS Bursary from the fifth year of study provided they:

• meet the residency criteria in section 2 (under ‘General immigration and residence requirements’)
• are in a bursary-eligible course year as set out in section 3

If a student has been permitted to join the course from a later study year due to prior learning or qualifications, for example course year 2 or 3 of a 5-year undergraduate programme, they would be eligible to apply for a bursary from course year 5.

Integral intercalated years 

Intercalated years at bachelor’s or master’s level (but not PhD) may be counted towards the qualifying fifth year of study for NHS Bursary funding if it is an integral part of the medical or dental course. It is considered integral if an intercalated year is a standard part of the academic programme for which every student on that course is expected or encouraged to undertake.

Students who undertook an integral intercalated year during the earlier part of their undergraduate degree will be eligible to apply for NHS Bursary funding from their fifth year of study, which because of the intercalated year, will be course year 4. This is explained in the example below.

Academic year	Course year	Year of study for NHS Bursary purpose
2020 to 2021	1	First
2021 to 2022	2	Second
2022 to 2023	Integral intercalated year	Third
2023 to 2024	3	Fourth
2024 to 2025	4	Fifth (NHS Bursary applies)
2025 to 2026	5	Sixth (NHS Bursary applies)

Students who undertake an integral intercalated year in their fifth year of an undergraduate course will be eligible to apply for NHS Bursary funding and, if their application is accepted, will receive a bursary for the intercalated year and course year 5. This is explained in the example below.

Academic year	Course year	Year of study for NHS Bursary purpose
2020 to 2021	1	First
2021 to 2022	2	Second
2022 to 2023	3	Third
2023 to 2024	4	Fourth
2024 to 2025	Integral intercalated year	Fifth (NHS Bursary funding applies)
2025 to 2026	5	Sixth (NHS Bursary funding applies)

4. Tuition fee contributions

The NHS Bursary Scheme will pay a contribution towards tuition fees, in the years set out in section 3 under ‘Parts of a course eligible for an NHS Bursary’, and only if the student is attending the course on 1 December of the year for which a fee is payable (see section 11 for exceptions to this). 

The maximum amount of help the medical or dental student will get towards their tuition fees for each year is set out below. If a student’s tuition fees are less than this, the tuition fee contribution will be limited to the student’s actual fees. If the student’s tuition fees are higher the student will have to pay the remaining balance, although the student may be able to apply for a loan from SLC to cover the additional cost.

Maximum annual tuition fee contribution

The maximum annual tuition fee contribution is: 

• for any eligible academic year on a pre-registration course lasting 5 or more years (including any integral foundation or intercalated years at bachelor’s or master’s degree level): £9,790
• for any eligible academic year on an accelerated pre-registration course for graduates: £3,930
• for any eligible academic year of an international course where the periods of study at the institution in the UK are no more than 10 weeks full-time or 30 weeks part-time (excluding holidays): £4,897
• for any final year of a course that is ordinarily required to be completed after less than 15 weeks of attendance): £4,897

How the tuition fee contribution is paid

The tuition fee contribution is paid annually on behalf of the student, directly to the academic authority providing the course, provided the student is attending the course on 1 December of the year for which the fees are payable (see section 11 for exceptions to this).

5. Maintenance awards

The following groups, as outlined in section 2, are eligible for a fees-only bursary: 

• EU nationals
• persons settled in the UK who have lived in the British Overseas Territories
• Chagossians and their descendants
• family members of UK nationals
• UK nationals and EU nationals and their family members resident in Gibraltar

All other students who are eligible for an NHS Bursary are eligible for a full bursary including a maintenance award.

Calculation of the maintenance award

The amount of maintenance award payable is assessed for each academic year. The calculation for eligible students (eligibility criteria set out in section 3) is outlined below, subject to an adjustment for part-time courses as set out in section 5 under ‘Adjustments for part-time courses’. 

The amount of maintenance award payable is calculated by adding all non-means-tested allowances and means-tested allowances, then subtracting any deductions on account of other income.

Non-means-tested allowances include: 

• a non-means-tested grant as set out under ‘Maintenance award allowance’ below
• any disabled student’s allowance, as set out in section 6
• the reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses, as set out in section 7

Means-tested allowances include:

• the means-tested bursary as set out under ‘Maintenance award allowance’ below
• any extra weeks allowance, as set out in section 5 under ‘Extra weeks allowance for more intensive courses’
• any dependants’ allowance or parent learning allowance payable as set out in section 8
• any childcare allowance, payable under section 8

Deductions on account of income are set out in section 5 under ‘Deduction on account of the student’s income’. They include income received by the:

• student
• student’s parents
• student’s spouse, civil partner or partner

Adjustments for part-time courses

Where the course is part-time, the disabled student’s allowance payable under the rules in section 6, travel and dual accommodation expenses payable under section 7 and any childcare allowance payable under section 8 will be the same as for a full-time course.

Other elements of the maintenance award in each academic year will be a proportion of the amount payable for full-time courses. For courses that are normally 3 years full-time, this will be: 

• 75% for a 4-year part-time course
• 60% for a 5-year part-time course
• 50% for a 6-year part-time course

For all other courses the appropriate proportion of the full-time rate will take into account the relative length of the part-time course and the equivalent full-time course.

Maintenance award allowance

The amounts awarded to students from the maintenance award depend on where the student is studying and living. 

For students studying in London and living away from their parental home during the course, the amounts are: 

• non-means-tested grant - academic year: £1,081
• means-tested bursary - basic year rate: £3,447

For students studying outside London and living away from their parental home during the course, the amounts are: 

• non-means-tested grant - academic year: £1,081
• means-tested bursary - basic year rate: £2,855

For students living at their parental home during the course, the amounts are: 

• non-means-tested grant - academic year: £1,081
• means-tested bursary - basic year rate: £2,384

Extra weeks allowance for more intensive courses

If a student’s course runs during the academic year for a period of more than 30 weeks and 3 days excluding holidays, the student’s extra weeks allowance is determined by one of the following: 

• where the student’s course runs during the academic year for a period of less than 45 eligible weeks excluding holidays, the extra weeks allowance is the amount set out below multiplied by the number of additional eligible weeks of attendance over 30 weeks and 3 days, rounded up to the nearest whole week
• where the student’s course runs during the academic year for a period of 45 or more eligible weeks excluding holidays, the extra weeks allowance is the amount set out below multiplied by 22

Extra weeks allowance

The amounts awarded to students from the extra weeks allowance are subject to means-testing and depend upon where the student is studying and living. The maximum extra weeks allowance is: 

• for students studying in London and living away from the parental home during the course: £116
• for students studying outside London and living away from the parental home during the course: £91
• for students living at the parental home during the course: £61

How the maintenance award is paid

The maintenance award will continue to be paid directly to the student’s bank or building society account in instalments or after receipt of the appropriate claim. In particular: 

• any travel and dual accommodation expenses payments will only become payable after the relevant expenses claim has been received, approved and processed
• any disabled student’s allowance payments will only become payable after the appropriate documentation has been received, approved and processed
• all other elements of the maintenance award, including the non-means-tested grant and any extra weeks allowances will be paid in termly instalments

Deduction on account of the student’s income

The amount deducted from a maintenance award on account of a student’s own income is the student’s income after tax in the academic year from any source, but disregarding: 

• in relation to the specific types of income set out in section 5 under ‘Income which is exempt’, the whole amount of that income
• in relation to the specific types of income set out under student’s income which is disregarded, income of that type up to the maximum amount set out in section 5 under ‘Income which is disregarded’

Any payments that would be income if they were made to the student rather than to a third party on the student’s behalf will be deemed to be the student’s income. 

The amount of any payment for the maintenance of the student’s child or former spouse or civil partner under a court order or binding agreement, voluntary agreement, instrument or enactment will be deducted from the student’s income after tax before calculating the deduction from the maintenance award. 

Where the student’s spouse, civil partner, partner, child or stepchild is also in receipt of an NHS Bursary or other publicly funded student support, for which the student is deemed to make a contribution, the student’s contribution to their own support will be reduced in proportion to the number of persons for whom they are deemed to be making a contribution.

Income which is exempt

Income is exempt from the deductible amount from a maintenance award if it is: 

• any income received by a student, who is not an independent student, from a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner from whom a contribution is deemed to be made under these rules, including any such contribution made through a trust, covenant or other similar instrument
• any pension, allowance or other benefit paid by reason of a disability to which the student is subject
• any compensation paid by reason of injury, illness or bereavement due to service in the armed forces which the student is in receipt of, such as payments made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, War Pension Scheme and War Widow’s or War Widower’s Pension
• any bounty received as a reservist with the armed forces
• remuneration for work done during any academic year of the student’s course, if it is a full-time course
• any payment made for a specific educational purpose other than to meet such tuition fee contributions and maintenance requirements as are specified in the NHS Bursary Scheme
• any payment to the student by way of a student loan administered by SLC or from the academic authority’s own hardship funds, or an NHS Bursary Hardship Grant
• Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit under the Tax Credits Act 2002 and income support
• any housing benefit or Council Tax benefit under a statutory or local scheme under part VII of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 or any Council Tax benefit under a statutory or local scheme under that act
• Child Benefit under part IX of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
• any other payments made to the eligible student for the maintenance of a child legally in the student’s care by virtue of a court order or other binding agreement, voluntary agreement, instrument or enactment
• any capital gain under the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992

Income which is disregarded

Income is disregarded (up to the maximum amount shown) if it is: 

• income as described in section 2 under ‘Students with assistance from an organisation, employer or other scheme’, or remuneration for work done while on a part-time course: up to £5,315
• income under a trust deed or similar instrument where the student is an independent student: up to £2,491
• any pension, allowance or other benefit payable by reason of incapacity to which the student is subject, their old age, retirement, the death of a spouse, civil partner, parent or other person on whom the student was dependent, or by reason of their military or public service: up to £4,276
• any income not otherwise disregarded for a single parent: up to £2,452
• any income not otherwise disregarded for a single independent student: up to £9,603
• any income not otherwise disregarded for any other student: up to £1,128

Contribution by a student’s parents

Unless the student is an independent student, a contribution towards the student’s maintenance is assumed to be made by any parent if their total income before tax and after any deductions allowed from the income of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner is in excess of the threshold set out in section 5 under ‘Threshold, rates of contribution and deductions from the contribution of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner’. If it is, the excess is the parents’ residual income for the purpose of determining the assumed contribution as outlined under ‘Amount of any contribution’.

Where the student’s parents are no longer ordinarily living with each other NHSBSA will take into account the income of the parent they consider to be the more appropriate in the circumstances.

Where the student’s parents are assumed to make a contribution, the amount is determined under the rules under ‘Amount of any contribution’, and this amount is deducted from the student’s maintenance award irrespective of the actual contribution, if any, made by the parents.

Where the student’s parent or parents are in receipt of publicly funded student support or they are deemed to provide a contribution to another child or children who is or are in receipt of publicly funded student support, their contribution shall be reduced in proportion to the number of persons for whom they are deemed to be making a contribution.

Contribution from a spouse, civil partner or partner

A contribution towards the student’s maintenance is assumed to be made by a student’s spouse, civil partner or partner, provided they are not separated and the spouse, civil partner or partner has an income before tax, after any deductions allowed, in excess of the threshold set out under ‘Threshold, rates of contribution and deductions from the contribution of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner’. Where it is in excess of the threshold, the excess is the spouse’s, civil partner’s or partner’s residual income for the purpose of determining the assumed contribution under ‘Amount of any contribution’. 

Where the student’s spouse, civil partner or partner is assumed to make a contribution, the amount is determined under the rules under ‘Amount of any contribution’, and this amount is deducted from the student’s maintenance award irrespective of the actual contribution, if any, made by the spouse, civil partner or partner.

Amount of any contribution

The amount of the contribution assessed and to be deducted from the student’s maintenance award is the amount in relation to the student’s parents, spouse, civil partner or partner’s residual income that is set out under ‘Threshold, rates of contribution and deductions from the contribution of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner’, less any deduction allowed for other children, and subject to the minimum contribution. 

For the purposes of paragraphs under ‘Contribution by a student’s parents’, the income before tax of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner will be assessed for the last UK tax year ending before the academic year for which the maintenance award is being determined unless NHSBSA is satisfied that either of the following applies: 

• the income of a parent or spouse or civil partner or partner is wholly or mainly derived from the profits of a business or profession carried out by that person, in which case their income from that business will be assessed by reference to the latest available annual accounts of that profession or business (see section 11 for exceptions to this)
• for reasons outside the control of a parent or spouse or civil partner or partner, their income before tax in the academic year for which their contribution is being assessed is likely to be no more than 85% of their income in the last UK tax year ending before that academic year, in which case the assessment will be made by taking as the residual income the average of the residual income for each of the tax years in which that academic year falls

Deductions allowed from the income of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner

The following sources of income of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner are wholly deductible: 

• any income which is wholly exempt from tax under the Income Tax Acts or would be wholly exempt under those acts if the income were taxable in the UK rather than overseas. This includes any compensation paid by reason of injury, illness or bereavement due to service in the armed forces, such as payments made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, War Pension Scheme and War Widow’s or War Widower’s Pension
• any capital gain under the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992
• pension contributions which are eligible for tax relief in the UK or would be eligible for relief if the income applied to them were taxable in the UK rather than overseas
• any payments made under an order of a competent court for the benefit of a child who is not the parent’s child, but for whom they have custody or care or for whom they provide accommodation

Threshold, rates of contribution and deductions from the contribution of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner

The contribution threshold for a parent’s, spouse’s, civil partner’s or partner’s income is calculated at £1 in £9.50 on residual income of £28,166 and over, plus £45. There is also a deduction of £95 for each child of the parent or the parent’s spouse or civil partner or partner, other than the student.

Definition of an independent student

A student is regarded as an independent student if they can demonstrate that they meet one of the following (see section 11 for exceptions to this). They:

• have supported themselves out of their own earnings before the first academic year they join the course for periods aggregating at least 3 years
• would meet the condition of having supported themselves out of their own earnings outlined above if any period or periods were included for which they were:
  • participating in arrangements for training for the unemployed under any scheme operated, sponsored or funded by a state authority
  • in receipt of benefits payable by a state authority in respect of a person who is unemployed but available for work
  • available for employment and have complied with any requirement imposed by a state authority as a condition of receiving benefits or training described in the 2 bullets above
  • in receipt of a state studentship or similar award
  • in receipt of any pension, allowance or other benefit paid by reason of a disability to which they are subject, or by reason of maternity, injury or sickness, paid by any person
• are or have been married or in a civil partnership at the start of an academic year
• have no parent living
• are irreconcilably estranged from their parents
• have satisfied NHSBSA that their parents cannot be found or that it is not reasonably practicable to get in touch with them
• are a care leaver
• are a member of a religious order who lives in a house of their order
• are a student whose parents are residing outside the EU in circumstances where the assessment of a parental contribution would put them in jeopardy or that it would not be reasonably practicable for them to send any such contribution to the UK
• are responsible or have joint custody for the care of a person under the age of 18 who is dependent on them. Students who qualify on this ground retain that status for the period of eligibility

6. Disabled Student’s Allowance

Where a disabled student qualifies for a full bursary, an allowance of up to £28,397 for the following costs will be added to their maintenance award, subject to the conditions below, provided NHSBSA are satisfied in each case that it is reasonable in the light of that student’s assessed needs for the student to have incurred that additional expenditure to participate in the course. 

Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) can pay for the costs of: 

• specialist equipment, for example a computer if one is needed because of a disability
• non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language interpreter or specialist note taker
• extra travel to attend a course or placement because of a disability
• other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proofreading

A student will be eligible for DSA if it appears to NHSBSA that the student is likely to satisfy the definition of a disabled person contained in the Equality Act 2010. To assist NHSBSA in forming a reasonable view of the student’s needs, the student must provide an assessment of their study needs, made by an assessment centre approved by the Department for Education (DfE).

Any requests made by a disabled student’s non-medical helper to NHSBSA for additional funding for the student will be considered by NHSBSA in conjunction with the non-medical helper and/or the assessment centre that carried out the original assessment. Once a decision is made, NHSBSA will inform all parties of the outcome. Where the request is a significant increase, the student may need to be reassessed. 

A disabled student’s allowance is personal to the student and may not be used to contribute to the infrastructure, administrative or pastoral costs of the academic authority concerned, or to other services that it might reasonably be expected to provide. The allowance may not be paid to any third party without the written consent of NHSBSA and the student. 

Any equipment purchased becomes and remains the property of the student. 

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has the discretion to determine whether the additional costs a student is obliged to incur in connection with undertaking a course because of their disability will be covered by DSA. This reflects the support that academic authorities should be providing under their duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. The detail on how this discretion will be exercised is published by NHSBSA.

Since the academic year beginning 1 September 2016, all disabled students applying for DSA for the first time are required to contribute £200 towards the cost of any computer provided under the DSA. This is the minimum cost that any student is likely to incur when buying a computer. 

Under the DSA travel allowance, reimbursement to the student of the receipted cost of taxi journeys will be limited to less than 15 return taxi journeys, or 30 single taxi journeys per academic year. For those students who require more than 15 return or 30 single taxi journeys per academic year, NHSBSA will require an account to be set up with the taxi company listed on the student’s DSA funding award letter and payment will be made directly to that company (on receipt of an appropriate invoice) by NHSBSA for the student’s agreed journeys.

The public transport equivalent cost (PTEC) is a standard public transport cost contribution that all DSA students must make to their DSA travel allowance costs. The amount is deducted from the student’s DSA funding that NHSBSA pay directly to a taxi provider. Students are responsible for meeting the PTEC themselves. Students with an approved DSA application who also qualify for a full NHS Bursary may claim the PTEC back through travel and dual accommodation expenses (TDAE) for travel undertaken for practice placements. This reimbursement is not available for travel between the student’s home and university when no placement is being attended. See What is the public transport equivalent cost (PTEC) and how do I claim it? on NHSBSA’s website for more details on how to apply to have the PTEC covered through TDAE.

7. Travel and dual accommodation expenses

Students who qualify for a full bursary are entitled to have some of the additional costs arising from attendance at a practice placement added to their maintenance award, provided the placement activity contributes towards an NHS Bursary study year and a valid claim is made within 9 months of the cost being incurred. These costs are specified below and calculated based on the rules under ‘Calculation of the amount to be reimbursed’, subject to the limits set out at the end of this section. 

The costs that are added to the maintenance award must: 

• be necessarily and reasonably incurred as part of attending a necessary part of the course which constitutes supervised clinical practice at premises other than those of the academic authority providing the course (those premises may be located either within the UK or overseas)
• not be already covered in full or in part by the DSA set out at section 6, except that DSA-related PTEC may be reclaimed through TDAE for placement travel in accordance with section 6

The types of cost that can be added while on practice placement include: 

• the cost of temporary accommodation near the clinical practice site where it is not practicable for the student to travel there from their normal accommodation on a daily basis, provided that the temporary accommodation is not the parental home
• the cost of travel arising from the practice placement which exceeds the cost of travel in term time between the student’s normal accommodation and the academic authority providing their course, as follows:
  • for students attending a full-time course, this is the daily cost of their daily travel between their normal accommodation and higher education institution
  • for students attending a part-time course, this is the cost of their weekly travel between their normal accommodation and higher education institution

The cost of travel will be one of the following: 

• any excess cost arising from daily travel between the student’s normal accommodation and the practice placement site
• any excess cost arising from one weekly return journey between the student’s normal accommodation and their temporary accommodation
• any excess cost arising from daily travel from the temporary accommodation to the practice placement site
• the additional cost of being required to travel to visit other practice placement sites or the homes of patients while on practice placement, where the student is not given free transport
• where the student is attending a part of the course overseas, the additional travelling costs necessarily incurred within or outside the UK that are in excess of the student’s normal daily cost of travel between their normal accommodation and the academic authority they usually attend, and any essential associated costs for accommodation, medical insurance, tests and any fees for visas

Other costs arising in connection with practice placements such as the costs of refreshments, tips and phone calls will not be reimbursed.

Means of travel

Students will be reimbursed for travel by the cheapest form of transport available where it is reasonably practical to do so. A student may claim reimbursement of the cost of using a private motor vehicle if this is their preferred method of travel. The student must ensure they use the most cost-effective routes for all journeys for which they are claiming, where practicable. 

Students who choose to travel in their own private motor vehicle should: 

• ensure that they have adequate insurance cover for all risks associated with this use of the motor vehicle
• understand that if they are travelling in their own private motor vehicle they do so at their own risk
• be aware that the provision in these rules for reimbursement of the costs of travel by private motor vehicle do not constitute any acceptance of liability by the academic authority, NHSBSA or any other NHS body for the risks arising from the use of the private motor vehicle concerned

Calculation of the amount to be reimbursed

For the purposes of these rules, the cost to be reimbursed is calculated on the following basis. 

For travel, the costs are either: 

• the receipted cost of travel by the most direct route by public transport using the most favourable rates, concessionary schemes or facilities available to the student
• where the student travels in a private motor vehicle, or hire car where appropriate, the distance travelled by the most direct route at the mileage rate set out below under ‘Limits on reimbursable travel and dual accommodation expenses’, and the actual receipted cost of any parking, tolls or ferries necessarily incurred on that journey

The cost of daily or weekly travel in term time (as described above where we set out the types of cost that can be added while on practice placement) between the student’s normal accommodation and the student’s academic authority for the relevant period is then deducted from the above.

For temporary accommodation, the costs are the actual receipted cost of the temporary accommodation up to the limits set out in this section. Receipts should be in the format prescribed by NHSBSA and should: 

• be addressed to, or otherwise include, the name of the student making the claim
• include all dates for which the accommodation was both booked and used, as well as the exact nightly costs that were charged for each night

For all other costs reimbursable under the rules above, the costs are the actual receipted cost.

Application for reimbursement

Students must submit claims for travel and dual accommodation expenses, including the appropriate receipts, to their academic authority in the format required by NHSBSA. 

All claims must be checked by the academic authority before they are sent to NHSBSA. It is their responsibility to authorise and confirm the validity of each student’s claim in line with the requirements set out in this section. 

Without exception, reimbursement for travel and dual accommodation expenditure will only be issued to the student and not to a third party. 

Where practice placement accommodation is booked by the academic authority on behalf of the student, any invoices issued to the student for payment of the accommodation must include both: 

• the start and end dates of the booking
• the actual nightly cost charged by the accommodation provider, which may not necessarily be the same as the maximum nightly rate limit

NHSBSA may consider the reimbursement of cost-effective block bookings made by the student, or on their behalf by the academic authority, where weekends may be required to be included as part of the booking. 

Time limit

No reimbursement will be made in respect of claims presented more than 9 months after the relevant costs were incurred.

Limits on reimbursable travel and dual accommodation expenses

The rates for different types of transport are: 

• public transport: actual cost
• travel on the student’s own pedal cycle: 30p per mile
• travel in or on the student’s own motor vehicle: 42p per mile
• additional reimbursement for a student passenger who is also travelling to a practice placement: 7.5p per mile
• parking, tolls and ferries: actual cost

The limits for different types of accommodation are: 

• commercial accommodation: up to £82.50 per night
• non-commercial accommodation: up to £37.50 per night

8. Other allowances

Students who are eligible for a full bursary may also qualify for: 

• a dependants’ allowance
• a parent learning allowance
• a childcare allowance

Dependants’ allowance

Where a student qualifies for a full bursary, a dependants’ allowance will be added to the student’s maintenance award in respect of those persons ordinarily resident in the UK who are wholly or mainly dependent on the student, and who are not (see section 11 for exceptions to this): 

• in receipt of an NHS Bursary or other publicly funded student support
• a spouse, civil partner or partner with whom the student no longer ordinarily lives (whether or not there is a formal separation)

Subject to the rules below, the amount of dependants’ allowance to be added to the student’s maintenance award in each academic year will be any positive result determined by deducting the total of their dependants’ net incomes (TDNI), after income disregards as calculated below, from the total of the entire dependants’ allowances (TDA) as set out under ‘Rates of dependants’ allowances’.

TDNI for the purposes of determining how much dependants’ allowance is payable is:

• the total income after tax of all the dependants in the last UK tax year prior to the commencement of the course year concerned, after disregarding any pensions, allowances or benefits (including those paid to them by reason of their disability) and income that is not subject to tax under the Income Tax Acts (see section 11 for exceptions to this)
• less so much of the total amount of income disregarded when the income disregards specified for each dependant, as outlined under ‘Rates of dependants’ allowances’, are added together, as does not exceed the total income after tax calculated under the bullet above

Where the spouse, partner or civil partner makes any recurrent mortgage or rent payments that were previously made by the student under an obligation incurred before the first academic year of the student’s course, an amount equivalent to these payments will be disregarded from their income.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the following paid to the student in relation to the dependent are not regarded as part of the the dependant’s income for the purposes of the calculation above: 

• any child benefit paid to the student under part IX of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
• any other payments made to the eligible student for the maintenance of a child legally in their care by virtue of a court order or other binding agreement, voluntary agreement, instrument or enactment
• any payment made by an adoption agency under regulations under section 4 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002
• any payment of a guardian’s allowance under section 77 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
• any payment made under section 22C of the Children Act 1989 in respect of a child in the care of a local authority who is boarded out with the student
• any payment made under an order made under section 34 of the Children Act 1975 in respect of a child who is not a child of the student or the student’s spouse, civil partner or partner
• any payment made under section 15 and schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989 in respect of a child who is not a child of the student or the student’s spouse, civil partner or partner
• any assistance given by a local authority under section 24 of the Children Act 1989 in respect of a child who is not a child of the student or the student’s spouse, civil partner or partner

If a dependant is also the dependant of the student’s spouse or civil partner, and the spouse or civil partner is receiving publicly funded student support that takes account of the requirements of the dependant, then the amount added to the dependants’ allowance in respect of that dependant is half the amount determined above.

Rates of dependants’ allowances

The rates of dependants’ allowances are: 

• for a spouse, civil partner, partner or other dependent adult: £2,644 (£1,000 income disregarded)
• for a first child if there are no dependent adults: £2,644 (£1,000 income disregarded)
• for any other children whose age on the first day of the academic year is under 19: £593 (£1,000 income disregarded)

Parent learning allowance

A student who is entitled to receive a dependants’ allowance in respect of a child under the age of 19 years will receive an adjustment. This will be the most favourable of the following:

• the amount of the student’s own income which is disregarded for the purposes of the maintenance award is increased as specified in the first 2 bullets of ‘Rates of parent learning allowance’ below
• the dependants’ allowance is increased by the amount of the parent learning allowance as specified in the third bullet of ‘Rates of parent learning allowance’ below
• a higher amount of their own income is disregarded as specified in the fourth and fifth bullets of ‘Rates of parent learning allowance’ below

Rates of parent learning allowance

The rates of parent learning allowance are: 

• higher standard income disregard: £2,452
• single independent student disregard: £9,603
• parent learning allowance: £1,300
• parent learning allowance disregard for a first child for an independent student: £3,279
• parent learning allowance disregard for each subsequent child for an independent student: £1,036

Childcare allowance

A childcare allowance in relation to childcare will be added to the student’s maintenance award where a student: 

• qualifies for a full bursary
• has parental responsibility for a child who is either:
  • under 15 years of age on the first day of the academic year
  • under 17 years of age if the child is registered with special educational needs within the meaning of section 20 of the Children and Families Act 2014

This allowance is in relation to childcare of a type set out below. It is in respect of childcare costs up to the maximum amount and at the rate set out under ‘Rates of childcare allowance’, subject to the exclusions set out under ‘Childcare allowance exclusions’.

The types of childcare for which a childcare allowance is payable are: 

• childcare provided by persons registered under the Childcare Act 2006 and on either:
  • the Ofsted Early Years Register for children under 5
  • the Ofsted compulsory part of the Childcare Register for children aged 5 to 7
  • the Ofsted voluntary part of the Childcare Register for children aged 8 or over
• childcare provided by out of school clubs run on school premises by a school or a local authority or by a third party provider who is registered with Ofsted or an equivalent body
• childcare provided in the child’s own home by a domiciliary care worker or nurse from an agency registered with the Care Quality Commission under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and who is expected to comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009 as appropriate
• care provided by an approved foster carer (the care must be for a child who is not being fostered by the foster carer) who is also registered with Ofsted either on the Early Years Register or the Childcare Register
• childcare provided in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and registered by either:
  • Care Inspectorate Wales or under the Approval of Home Childcare Providers (Wales) Scheme 2021 where the childcare is provided in the child’s own home
  • Care Inspectorate Scotland
  • the local health and social care trust (Northern Ireland) or approved by the Tax Credits (Approval of Home Child Care Providers) Scheme (Northern Ireland) 2006, if the care is in the child’s home

Childcare allowance exclusions

No childcare allowance will be payable where the student, spouse, civil partner or partner is in receipt of: 

• the childcare element of Working Tax Credit or the child element of Universal Credit
• tax-free childcare
• financial support for childcare provided under the:
  • Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011, as amended
  • Nursing and Midwifery Student Allowances (Scotland) Regulations 2007, as amended
  • Education (Access Funds) (Scotland) Regulations 1990
  • Education (Student Support) (No 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2009, as amended
  • Education (Student Support) (Wales) Regulations 2017
  • NHS Wales Bursary Scheme

Similarly, no childcare allowance will be payable in respect of: 

• normal education provided by local authority, religious or private schools
• free early education provided by the local authority
• childcare where the registered provider is the student’s spouse, civil partner or partner
• childcare provided by a close relative of the child in the child’s own home
• childcare provided by a close relative of the child away from the child’s own home where the care is solely for the student’s children, or the student’s children and the close relative’s children

Rates of childcare allowance

Students can receive 85% of their childcare costs or a fixed maximum amount, whichever is less. The maximum a student can receive is: 

• £204.03 a week for one child
• £349.80 a week for 2 or more children

9. Change in circumstance

Any relevant changes in a student’s circumstances must be notified to NHSBSA within one month of the change happening. These are any instances where a student’s circumstances change in a way that may affect, for example:

• their eligibility for an NHS Bursary
• the payments they are entitled to under an NHS Bursary
• the student’s ability to meet the conditions attached to an NHS Bursary

Withdrawal from training

Where a student withdraws from a course, the student must notify NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than one month after the event. 

Where NHSBSA becomes aware that a student has withdrawn from a course, the NHS Bursary award will be terminated with effect from the date on which they withdraw. 

Inability to complete the course

Where a student ceases to be able to complete the course and qualify in the relevant profession, the student and academic authority should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible, and no later than one month after the situation becomes clear. 

Where NHSBSA becomes aware that a student will not be able to complete the course and qualify in the relevant profession, the NHS Bursary award will be terminated from the student’s last date of attendance as advised by the academic authority.

Moving away from or back to home

Where a student changes their normal accommodation away from or to their parental home during an academic year, the student must notify NHSBSA. 

In these cases, the amount of the basic allowance and the amount of any extra weeks allowance, both set out in section 5, will be the aggregate of the basic allowance for the different locations for the parts of the year to which they apply. In calculating the amount due, NHSBSA may treat part of the allowance as being in respect of holidays.

Transferring to another course

If the academic authorities concerned agree that a student who is in receipt of an NHS Bursary should transfer to another course, the student’s NHS Bursary award may be transferred to the new course if it:

• is also eligible for an NHS Bursary under section 3
• does not require the student to restart the course from the first day

If the requirements above are met, the student’s NHS Bursary award may be extended for up to 12 months to allow the student to continue to receive an NHS Bursary for the period ordinarily required to complete the new course.

Illness or injury

Eligible students may continue to receive their NHS Bursary for periods of authorised absence due to an illness or injury of up to 60 days in an academic year, including any academic holidays which intervene between continuous periods of absence due to illness or injury at the end of one term and the beginning of the next (see section 11 for exceptions to this). 

If a student’s illness or injury requires more than 60 days’ leave to be taken in an academic year, the student must inform the academic authority and NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than one month after it is known that more than 60 days’ leave will be required. An NHS Bursary award will be suspended from the 61st day of absence until the student returns to the course. If during or after the 60 days, the student informs the academic authority and NHSBSA that they will not be returning to the course, then NHSBSA will withdraw the NHS Bursary award from the day it becomes known that the student will not be returning. An NHS Bursary award may also be withdrawn if, after consulting the academic authority concerned, NHSBSA consider that the student is unlikely to be able to complete the course and qualify in the relevant profession. 

Where a student becomes disabled during the course, they should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible, to establish whether a disabled student’s allowance is payable.

Maternity

A student who is eligible for a full bursary is entitled to a maternity award of up to 12 months’ maintenance award in respect of maternity leave authorised by the academic authority providing the course (see section 11 for exceptions to this). 

A maternity award includes all elements of the maintenance award except those relating to actual attendance at the course. These elements are (see section 11 for exceptions to this): 

• travel and dual accommodation expenses
• childcare allowance
• those elements of the disabled student’s allowances that relate solely to attendance at the course

A student must apply for a maternity award in the form required by NHSBSA, including confirmation by the academic authority of the period for which maternity leave has been granted. 

The student should inform NHSBSA when they return from maternity leave to ensure their maintenance award continues after the end of their maternity leave, and that any additional allowances in relation to their child can be added to the maintenance award. 

Only one maternity award will be made in relation to a single pregnancy, irrespective of how many children are born. The maternity award remains payable irrespective of whether the child or children concerned are stillborn or die after birth.

Maternity support

Subject to the conditions set out in this section, a maintenance award will continue to be paid to a student for up to 4 weeks’ authorised leave granted to enable the student to provide support to a mother and child during and after childbirth. This is known as a maternity support award. 

A student applying for a maternity support award will need to sign a declaration stating that they: 

• are taking leave to care for the newborn child and mother
• has, or expects to have, responsibility for the upbringing of the child
• are the spouse, civil partner or partner of the child’s mother or is the biological or adoptive parent or nominated carer of the child

A maternity support award applies to leave taken during and after the birth of the child, but not to leave taken before the birth of a child to support the mother during pregnancy. The leave may be taken at any time within the first year after the birth of the child, either as one 4-week period or in several shorter periods that add up to 4 weeks. The maternity support award remains payable irrespective of whether the child or children concerned are stillborn or die after birth. 

Only one maternity support award will be made in relation to a single pregnancy, irrespective of how many children are born.

Adoption

When a student who is eligible for a full bursary expects to become the primary carer for a child under 18 which they have adopted, they are entitled to an adoption award of up to 12 months’ maintenance award in respect of adoption leave authorised by the academic authority providing the course (see section 11 for exceptions to this). 

The adoption award runs from the date of placement of the child and includes all elements of the maintenance award except: 

• travel and dual accommodation expenses
• childcare allowance
• where applicable, those elements of the disabled student’s allowance that relate solely to attendance at the course

A student must apply for an adoption award in the form required by NHSBSA, including confirmation by the academic authority of the period for which adoption leave has been granted. 

Only one adoption award will be made in relation to a single adoption event, irrespective of how many children are adopted.

Extending the time normally required to complete the course

The NHS Bursary will be extended for up to 12 months to allow the student to complete the course if a student cannot complete the course in the time normally required because of:

• maternity
• maternity support
• adoption leave

Where the academic authority, with the prior approval of the commissioner or funding body, requires the student to repeat part of the course, the bursary may be extended for 12 months to allow the student to complete the course, provided the year being repeated was itself eligible for a bursary. 

If a student cannot complete the course in the time normally required for any other reason, such as disability, an NHS Bursary may be extended for up to 12 months to allow the student to complete the course. In these circumstances an extension will only be granted if NHSBSA, after consulting the academic authority and the course commissioner or funding body, conclude that there is a reasonable prospect of the student qualifying. No further bursary funding can be awarded if a student needs more than one 12-month period of repeat study, except in extremely unusual circumstances that are outside of the student’s control, in which case NHSBSA may exercise discretion to extend the student’s NHS Bursary for a second 12-month period.

Marriage, civil partnership or living with a partner

When a student marries, enters a civil partnership or starts living with a partner, they should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than 3 months after the event to establish whether the marriage, civil partnership or partnership affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. 

Where the spouse, civil partner or partner is required to make a contribution under these rules, the contribution in the academic year in which the marriage, civil partnership or partnership has started will be reduced in proportion to the part of the year in which the marriage, civil partnership or partnership existed.

Loss of a spouse, civil partner or partner

When a student loses a spouse, civil partner or partner through death, divorce or separation, they should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible after the event to establish whether the death, divorce or separation affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. 

Where the spouse, civil partner or partner was required to make a contribution under these rules, the contribution in the academic year in which the loss occurs will be reduced in proportion to the part of the year which falls after the death, divorce or separation.

Loss of a parent

When a student loses a parent through death, they should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible after the event to establish whether the death affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. 

Where a parent dies after the parental contribution was assessed but before the academic year begins, any parental contribution in the academic year will be assessed solely in relation to any surviving parent unless the loss of the parent means the student has become independent as outlined in section 5 under ‘Definition of an independent student’. 

Where a parent dies during the academic year, the parental contribution will be determined by reference to the income of both parents for the part of the academic year before the death occurred, and by reference to the income of the surviving parent in relation to the part of the academic year after the death occurred, subject to a maximum of the same proportion of the student’s maintenance requirement.

Separation of parents

When a student’s parents separate, the student should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible and in any event within 3 months to establish whether the separation affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. 

Where a student’s parents separate after the parental contribution was assessed but before the academic year begins, any parental contribution in the academic year will be re-assessed by reference to the income of the parent NHSBSA considers to be the more appropriate in the circumstances.

Where a student’s parents separate after the academic year has begun, the parental contribution will be determined based on the income of both parents for the part of the academic year before the separation. For the part of the year after the separation, the parental contribution will be determined by reference to the income of the parent NHSBSA considers to be the more appropriate in the circumstances. But in no case will the single parent be assumed to make a contribution that is higher, as a proportion of the maximum maintenance grant that the student would receive in the absence of a parental contribution, than was the case before the separation.

Changes in the dependency of adults or children

When an adult or child either becomes dependent on the student or ceases to be dependent on the student, the student should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than one month after the event to establish whether the change in dependants affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. 

Changes in eligibility for a bursary part way through or across academic years

Where a student sees a change to their listed immigration status in section 2 during and across academic years, the student should contact NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than one month after the event. 

Where NHSBSA conclude that the person has become eligible, and a bursary is awarded following a successful application, any maintenance award will be paid for that part of the academic year falling after the person became eligible and the amount payable for the year as a whole will be reduced accordingly. 

Where NHSBSA conclude that the person has ceased to be eligible for an NHS Bursary, and where the NHS Bursary includes a maintenance award, the maintenance award will cease from the point at which the person ceased to be eligible, and the amount payable for the year as a whole will be reduced accordingly. 

Students with protection-based status and their family members, and students with indefinite leave as a victim of domestic violence or as a bereaved partner, and who acquire the relevant status after the date on which the first term of the first academic year of the course actually starts, will not need to demonstrate their residence in England was lawful on the course start date.

A material change in the student’s income, or the income of the student’s parent, spouse, civil partner or partner

If there is a material change in a student’s own income, or if there is a material change in the income of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner, the student should notify NHSBSA as soon as possible and no later than one month after the event to establish whether the change in income affects the amount of maintenance award to which they are entitled. If the dependant’s income used to assess the dependants’ award in section 8 under ‘Dependants’ allowance’ reduces by 15% or more in the current academic year, then the student can apply for reassessment.

Cases of hardship

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has asked NHSBSA to make a hardship grant to students who: 

• are eligible for a full bursary
• are in genuine hardship
• are unable to manage any shortfall between income and expenditure by their own actions
• have already exhausted all other available sources of funding, such as student loans administered by SLC (except for students who cannot take out an interest accruing loan because of religious beliefs) and hardship funds available from their higher education institution

An application for a hardship grant must be made in such a form and with such supporting information as NHSBSA may require to assess the application. This should include details of the student’s income and expenditure and whether the application is supported by the academic authority providing the course. 

Where NHSBSA agrees that a student meets the conditions outlined above, a hardship grant of between £100 and £3,000 may be made to assist the student.

In deciding the level of hardship grant to be made, NHSBSA will not make allowance for: 

• making good a default in a contribution by a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner
• meeting travel and dual accommodation expenses originally assessed as able to be met from the student’s own income
• meeting a temporary shortfall in income, such as where the student is awaiting payment of a maintenance award or reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses or requires a loan

A hardship grant will only be paid where the student signs an undertaking to repay any sums which are overpaid or paid in circumstances where it later becomes clear that the student was ineligible for the grant.

10. Conditions applying to an NHS Bursary award

For an NHS Bursary to be awarded and paid, the student must: 

• continue to attend the course for which the bursary has been awarded, unless granted authorised leave of absence under ‘Illness or injury’, ‘Maternity’, ‘Maternity support’ or ‘Adoption’, or a course transfer is approved under ‘Transferring to another course’ (all in section 9)
• not be expelled from the course or refused permission to complete the course
• complete the course within the period ordinarily required for completion of the course unless a repeat year or other extension is approved under ‘Extending the time normally required to complete the course’ in section 9
• supply NHSBSA with such information it considers necessary to determine eligibility for a fees-only bursary or full bursary and any payment pursuant to it within one month of the request being made
• inform NHSBSA as soon as possible, and in any event within one month, if they:
  • abandon or withdraw from the course
  • are expelled from the course
  • cease to attend the course and do not intend or are not permitted to return
  • transfer to another course, whether or not the new course is an eligible course and whether or not it is at the same institution
  • interrupt training temporarily for reasons of pregnancy, childbirth, maternity support or adoption
  • are absent from the course for more than 60 days because of illness or injury
  • are absent from the course without the prior agreement of the academic authority for any period for any other reason
  • know the date for starting or completing the course has changed
  • evidently cannot complete the course and qualify in the relevant healthcare profession (see section 3)
  • change their contact details
  • change the bank or building society account into which NHS Bursary payments are to be made
• not have knowingly or recklessly supplied NHSBSA with information which is false in a material particular
• promptly repay any overpayment of an NHS Bursary when requested to do so by NHSBSA
• not have fraudulently obtained or fraudulently attempted to obtain an NHS Bursary or a payment under an NHS Bursary
• not have in any other way shown by their conduct that it would be inappropriate to grant them an NHS Bursary award

NHSBSA may suspend, reduce or terminate an NHS Bursary award if:

• after consulting the academic authority, it appears to them that the student is in breach of the conditions outlined above
• any other misconduct by the student while receiving a bursary is such as to show that it would be inappropriate to grant them an NHS Bursary award
• requested to do so by NHS Protect or NHSBSA Local Counter Fraud Specialists pending enquiries concerning possible fraud in relation to the payment of an NHS Bursary

NHSBSA may disqualify a student from future eligibility for a bursary if:

• after consultation with an NHSBSA Local Counter Fraud Specialist, they conclude that the student has knowingly or recklessly supplied NHSBSA with information which is false in a material particular
• any other misconduct by the student while receiving a bursary is such as to show that it would be inappropriate to grant them an NHS Bursary award at any point in the future

Where NHSBSA suspends or reduces an NHS Bursary award because of the student’s unauthorised absence, or the student’s suspension by the academic authority, the suspension or reduction of the bursary may only be in relation to the period, including any holidays, between the start of the unauthorised absence or suspension and the student’s return to the course. 

Where an award is terminated, NHSBSA will decide the date of termination. This date may be different to the date on which the student abandoned, withdrew or was expelled from the course.

11. Exceptions

The following sets out some exceptions that the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has authorised NHSBSA to make to the normal rules. 

Tuition fee contributions (section 4)

If a student is not in attendance on the course on 1 December of the year for which a fee is payable because of illness or injury but they return to the course in the same academic year, they are eligible for a contribution towards tuition fees (following section 4).

Income from a business or profession (section 5)

If there are no recent accounts available for the business or profession of the parent, spouse, civil partner or partner (under ‘Amount of any contribution’), NHSBSA will accept a self-assessment used for tax purposes or an equivalent assessment. 

Definition of an independent student (section 5)

A student does not have to demonstrate that they meet the requirements set out in section 5 under ‘Definition of an independent student’ if they were supported by Student Finance England in the earlier years of their course and (either):

• was deemed by them to be an independent student under DfE Student Support Regulations
• would be deemed to be independent under Student Support Regulations in a bursary-eligible year

Dependants’ allowance (section 8)

Where a student is maintaining a dependant, who is ordinarily resident outside the UK, NHSBSA may add an allowance for that dependant at a rate which they consider reasonable in all the circumstances, provided the amount does not exceed the amount that would have been allowed had the dependant been ordinarily resident in the UK. 

Dependants’ income (section 8)

Where a dependant who is paid a pension, allowance or other benefit by reason of their disability, and that payment is taxable under the tax legislation of an EU state other than the UK but would not be taxable if that legislation made equivalent provision to UK tax legislation, the dependant’s pension, allowance or other benefit paid by reason of their disability is disregarded in the calculation of the dependant’s income. 

Absence due to illness or injury (section 9)

Where a disabled student is absent from the course due to illness or injury for more than 60 days, NHSBSA in liaison with the academic authority will consider whether in the circumstances of the student’s disability it would be reasonable to extend the 60-day limit. 

Maternity award (section 9)

Where a student on maternity leave is suffering from post-natal depression or another pregnancy related illness or is coping with the serious illness or loss of a baby, NHSBSA may extend the maximum 12-month period for a maternity award, subject to medical evidence. 

Childcare allowance (section 8)

Where a student was in receipt of a childcare allowance before going on maternity leave and has ongoing contractual commitments to pay childcare costs, NHSBSA may continue to pay a childcare allowance in respect of those costs while the commitment continues, provided they are satisfied that the commitment was reasonably incurred. 

Adoption award (section 9)

Where a student on adoption leave is coping with the serious illness or loss of the adopted child, NHSBSA may extend the maximum 12-month period for an adoption award, subject to medical evidence. 

Proof of eligibility (section 12)

Where a student was born in the UK but their birth was not registered and no adoption certificate is available, they may provide alternative documentation after consulting the Office of National Statistics. However, NHSBSA does not have to accept alternative documentation that they consider unsatisfactory.

12. How to apply

Students must first register for an NHS Bursary account. Once they have created an account, they can sign in and make an application.

A student must apply to NHSBSA:

• for each academic year in which the course runs, as required by NHSBSA
• within the first 9 months of the current academic year of study

The re-application for another year’s funding under an existing NHS Bursary must be:

• in the form prescribed by NHSBSA
• within the first 9 months of the current academic year of study

The applicant must give a written undertaking that:

• the particulars given are correct to the best of their knowledge and belief
• they will notify NHSBSA promptly of any change that might affect their eligibility for an NHS Bursary or the payments they receive under an NHS Bursary
• they will, if asked, repay any payment under an NHS Bursary that exceeds the amount payable under these rules for the academic year concerned (if the applicant is under 18 a person with parental responsibility for them must give this written undertaking)

The applicant must provide evidence to NHSBSA to demonstrate their eligibility for a bursary. Ordinarily this evidence should be provided in the form of a Notification of Entitlement letter issued by Student Finance England in the UK.

Other evidence that NHSBSA may require includes, but is not limited to: 

• if the student was born in the UK, their birth certificate, or, if adopted, the adoption certificate (see section 11 for exceptions to this)
• if the student was born outside the UK, including in the Islands, their passport and a letter or other document (which could be the student’s birth certificate) giving details of the student’s place and country of birth and of the student’s name at birth, signed by a:
  • consular officer
  • minister of religion
  • medical or legal practitioner
  • established civil servant
  • teacher
  • police officer
• if the student believes they have refugee status, or leave to enter or remain in the UK, biometric residence permits or a valid share code issued by the Home Office Immigration Service and a letter or other document (which could be the student’s birth certificate) giving details of the student’s place and country of birth and the student’s name at birth, signed by a:
  • consular officer
  • minister of religion
  • medical or legal practitioner
  • established civil servant
  • teacher
  • police officer

For students on courses leading to professional registration as a doctor or dentist, the academic authority will notify NHSBSA of any students who will be starting a year of the course that is eligible for an NHS Bursary. Students need to apply directly to NHSBSA for their NHS Bursary.

If a student is already in receipt of an NHS Bursary, NHSBSA will contact them with information on how to apply for a further year’s funding.

A student who is expecting to attend another year of a course that they believe to be eligible for an NHS Bursary, should apply online as soon as they believe they are eligible.

13. Complaints, appeals and reviews

Complaints

A student can raise a complaint if they are concerned about the handling of an NHS Bursary application, bursary payment or any other matter in relation to an NHS Bursary.

If a student believes the decision regarding an NHS Bursary is incorrect according to these rules and a change in the NHSBSA decision is sought, they should instead follow the review process below.

To raise a complaint, the student should first call the NHS Bursary Helpline on 0300 330 1345. This is likely to be the fastest way to resolve any issues about a current payment or application. 

If a student remains dissatisfied with the way in which an NHS Bursary application, bursary payment or any other matter in relation to an NHS Bursary has been handled, they can make a formal complaint to NHSBSA in writing to: 

The Review Section
NHSBSA
Student Services
Bickerstaffe House
1 Bickerstaffe Square
Talbot Road
Blackpool
FY1 3AH

Or they can email: bursarycomplaints@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has asked NHSBSA to:

• treat all complaints in a fair, objective and consistent manner
• take corrective and remedial action where possible
• identify any areas for improvement in the operation of the NHS Bursary Scheme

If a student has exhausted NHSBSA formal complaints procedure and believes their complaint has been inappropriately or unfairly dealt with by NHSBSA, they can email their complaint to: educationandtraining@dhsc.gov.uk.

Or they can write to: 

NHS Bursary Complaint 
NHS Workforce Supply
Department of Health and Social Care
Quarry House 
Quarry Hill 
Leeds
LS2 7UE

The student should include in their complaint their explicit consent that the necessary personal information may be shared between DHSC, NHSBSA and NHS England or the relevant local office of NHS England to help them investigate fully. This is to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act. The department aims to respond to complaints within 20 working days.

Reviews

Where a student believes NHSBSA has misinterpreted or misapplied these rules and has made an incorrect decision, and they are seeking a change of this decision, they can ask for the decision to be reviewed. Such a review can include, but is not limited to: 

• the outcome of a bursary application
• a decision on the amount of bursary payable
• suspension, reduction or termination of a bursary

The request for a review should be made within 28 days of notification of the decision.

The request a review, the student should write to:

The Review Section
NHSBSA
Student Services
Bickerstaffe House
1 Bickerstaffe Square
Talbot Road 
Blackpool
FY1 3AH 

Or they can email: bursarycomplaints@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.

Appeals

If after being informed of the result of a review, a student continues to believe that a decision made by NHSBSA in relation to an NHS Bursary is incorrect, the student can appeal to DHSC. 

The request for an appeal should be made after the review process has been completed by NHSBSA and within 28 days of notification of the decision of the review. The department aims to respond to appeals within 20 working days. 

To request an appeal, the student should email: educationandtraining@dhsc.gov.uk.

Or they can write to: 

NHS Bursary Appeal
NHS Workforce Supply 
Department of Health and Social Care
Quarry House
Quarry Hill
Leeds 
LS2 7UE

The request should contain their explicit consent that the necessary personal information may be shared between DHSC, NHSBSA and NHS England or the relevant local office of NHS England to help them investigate fully. This is to ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act.

If a student is still not satisfied with the way in which their appeal has been handled, they may refer their case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who will consider their appeal independently.

To contact the Ombudsman, the student should write to: 

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Citygate
Mosley Street
Manchester
M2 3HQ

Or they can telephone 0345 015 4033.

Glossary

Words and phrases which have a particular meaning in these rules are set out in this glossary. Where the rules contain the following words and phrases, they must be interpreted as having the meaning set out below. 

Academic authority 

The institution of higher education that is providing the course for which a particular NHS Bursary has been awarded, including a person acting with the authority of such an institution.

Academic year

The period of 12 months beginning on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 September of the calendar year in which the academic year of the course in question begins, according to whether that academic year begins on or after:

• 1 January and before 1 April
• 1 April and before 1 July
• 1 July and before 1 August
• 1 August and on or before 31 December

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) 

Since 1 April 2021, the Ministry of Defence and Home Office have provided an ARAP to offer relocation or other assistance to former locally employed staff in Afghanistan to reflect the changing situation in Afghanistan. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for relocation under the ARAP will have the opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to enter the UK. The ARAP remains open.

Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) 

Formally opened by the UK on 6 January 2022, under the ACRS on 6 January 2022 anyone who is resettled through the ACRS will receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK and will be able to apply for British citizenship after 5 years in the UK under existing rules.

Article 10 of Regulation 492/2011 

Under Article 10 of Regulation 492/2011 (the Workers Regulation), the children of a national of a member state who is or has been employed in the territory of another member state shall be admitted to that state’s general educational, apprenticeship and vocational training courses under the same conditions as the nationals of that state, if such children are residing in its territory. 

Calais leave 

Awarded as either indefinite or limited leave to remain in the UK to a person who has extant leave to remain in the UK under paragraph 352J, 352K, 352L or 352T (Calais leave and ‘leave in line’ granted by virtue of being a dependent child of a person granted Calais leave) of the immigration rules, as defined in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971. 

Care leaver 

A person who, as a result of an order of a competent court, was in care for at least 3 months up to or after their 16th birthday and has not since been returned to the care of their parents. In this context ‘in care’ means in the custody or care, or provided accommodation by a state authority, or national, or regional or local authority, or a voluntary or charitable organisation, or any other person who is not their parent.

Child of a person granted Calais leave 

A person granted leave in line under paragraph 352T of the Immigration Act 1971 by virtue of being a dependent child of a person granted Calais leave. 

Child of a person granted section 67 leave 

The dependent child of a person with section 67 leave, who has been granted leave for the same period and who was under 18 on the date the application was made and for whom the person granted section 67 leave has parental responsibility. 

Child of a former EEA migrant worker 

A person who is the natural or adopted child, or stepchild or ward of someone who was an EEA migrant worker in the UK and who has remained in this country in order to complete their studies while they were dependent or under 21.

Child of a refugee 

A person who is the natural or adopted child, or stepchild or ward of a refugee and who was under 18 when the refugee made their asylum application or, if no such application was made, under 18 when leave to enter or remain was granted.

Child of a Swiss national 

A person who is the natural or adopted child, or stepchild or ward of a Swiss national and who is either under 21 or dependent on that Swiss national. 

Child of a Turkish worker 

A person who is the natural or adopted child, or stepchild or ward of a Turkish national who is ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and is or was lawfully employed in the UK, provided the child is under 21 or dependent on that Turkish national. 

Close relative 

A parent, step-parent, foster-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, uncle, aunt, brother or sister. 

Commercial accommodation 

Accommodation whereby a commercial rental agreement is in place that, whether a tenancy or a licence, imposes conditions upon the parties to the agreement, including payment, that are enforceable by law. 

Commissioner 

The NHS organisation that has commissioned the course for which an NHS Bursary has been awarded, or a person acting with the authority of such an institution in relation to the commissioning of the course.

Common travel area

The CTA is a long-standing arrangement between the UK, the Crown Dependencies (Bailiwick of Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey and the Isle of Man) and Ireland that pre-dates both British and Irish membership of the EU. 

Course start date

The course start date is the day on which the first term of the first academic year of a course begins.

Dependent 

A person is dependent if they wholly or mainly financially rely on another person for their day-to-day needs. However, a person is not dependent if they are wholly or mainly supported by state benefits.

Directive 2004/38 

Directive 2004/38 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 of the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely in the territory of the member states. 

EEA 

The area comprising the European Economic Area states, which includes the member states of the EU, plus Iceland, Norway (including Svalbard) and Lichtenstein. 

EEA frontier self-employed person 

An EEA national who is a self-employed person in the UK and resides in Switzerland or the territory of an EEA state other than the UK and returns to their residence in Switzerland or that EEA state daily or at least once a week. 

EEA frontier worker 

An EEA national who is a worker in the UK but resides in Switzerland or an EEA state other than the UK and returns to their residence in Switzerland or that EEA state daily or at least once a week. 

EEA migrant worker 

An EEA national who is a worker, other than an EEA frontier worker, in the UK.

EEA national 

A national of an EEA state. 

EEA self-employed person 

An EEA national who is a self-employed person, other than an EEA frontier self-employed person, in the UK. 

Eligible week 

An eligible week consists of any educational time spent in attendance on the course at an academic authority or on a clinical placement.

EU 

The European Union, which includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (but not Greenland or the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Finland (including the Åland Islands), France (including the départements d’outre-mer en Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guyana and Reunion, but not including the territoires d’outre-mer or Monaco), Germany (including Heligoland), Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy (but not San Marino or the Vatican), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores but not Macau), Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain (including the Balearics, the Canaries, Ceuta and Melila but not Andorra) and Sweden.

EU national 

A national of a member state of the EU. 

EU Settlement Scheme

From 30 March 2019, the EUSS provided a basis for EEA and Swiss citizens resident in the UK by the end of the transition period to apply for the UK immigration status that they need to remain in the UK after 30 June 2021. Those agreements now have effect in UK law through the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020.

Family member 

In relation to an EEA frontier worker, an EEA migrant worker, an EEA frontier self-employed person, or an EEA self-employed person, a family member may be: 

• that person’s spouse or civil partner
• a direct descendant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner who is:
  • under 21
  • a dependant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner
  • a dependent direct relative in the ascending line of that person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner

In relation to a Swiss employed person, a Swiss frontier employed person, a Swiss frontier self-employed person or a Swiss self-employed person, a family member may be: 

• that person’s spouse or civil partner
• that person’s child or the child of that person’s spouse or civil partner

In relation to an EU national who falls within Article 7(1)(c) of Directive 2004/38, a family member may be: 

• that person’s spouse or civil partner
• a direct descendant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner who is:
  • under 21
  • a dependant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner

In relation to an EU national who falls within Article 7(1)(b) of Directive 2004/38, a family member may be: 

• that person’s spouse or civil partner
• a direct descendant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner who is:
  • under 21
  • a dependant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner
  • a dependent direct relative in the person’s ascending line or that of the person’s spouse or civil partner

For the purposes of an EU national on the first day of the first academic year of the course, or a family member of such a person, a family member may be: 

• the person’s spouse or civil partner
• a direct descendant of the person or the person’s spouse or civil partner who is:
  • under 21
  • a dependant of the person or of the person’s spouse or civil partner

Fees-only bursary 

A bursary that only includes help with tuition fees. 

Full bursary 

A bursary that includes eligibility for a maintenance award.

Full-time 

In relation to an eligible course, a course in which the student is required to:

• attend the course for:

  • at least 30 weeks in each academic year except the final year of a multi-year course
  • at least 8 weeks in the final academic year of a multi-year course

• undertake in each academic year an average of at least 21 hours a week in study or practice placement or other work experience required by the course

In relation to a student, a student attending such a course.

Funding body 

The NHS organisation that provides the funding for the course for which an NHS Bursary has been awarded.

Homes for Ukraine sponsorship 

Launched on 18 March 2022, the scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have an approved sponsor under this scheme. 

Income after tax 

All income, including overseas income, after deduction of Income Tax and National Insurance contributions or equivalent taxes overseas. Where the income is in a currency other than sterling, the sterling equivalent will be used in any calculations on the actual sum in sterling received by the student or, where this is not known, the amount in sterling that the income would purchase using the average rate for the year it is received.

Income before tax 

All income, including overseas income, before deduction of tax or National Insurance payments, including any sums exempt from tax. Where the income is in a currency other than sterling, the sterling equivalent will be used in any calculations on the actual sum in sterling received by the student or, where this is not known, the amount in sterling that the income would purchase using the average rate for the year it is received. 

Independent student 

A student who can demonstrate that they are independent of their parents under the rules in section 5. 

Integral intercalated year 

An intercalated year that is a standard part of the academic programme for which every student on that course is expected or encouraged to undertake.

International course 

A first-degree course provided by a publicly funded institution in England in conjunction with an overseas institution, where part of the course takes place abroad. 

Irreconcilably estranged 

The student has not communicated with either of their parents for a period of at least one year, or otherwise demonstrated to the satisfaction of NHSBSA that they have no association with either parent and that this situation cannot reasonably be expected to change. 

The Islands 

The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. 

Leave application date 

The date on which a person granted stateless leave made an application to remain in the UK as a stateless person under the immigration rules (within the meaning given in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971). 

Leave to enter or remain 

An unexpired grant of leave to enter or remain in the UK given on behalf of the Secretary of State to a person recognised as a refugee or given humanitarian protection, or to a family member of a person granted recognition as a refugee or given humanitarian protection.

Local office of NHS England 

Local offices of NHS England are the designated offices that have responsibility for commissioning relevant pre-registration programmes at a range of higher education institutions within the remit of the local office. 

London 

The area comprising the City of London and the Metropolitan Police District as defined by section 76 of the Greater London Act 1963 prior to its substitution by section 323(1) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999.

Maintenance award 

The collective term for that part of the NHS Bursary that is paid to a student to help support them while attending the course. The types of support provided, and the overall amount payable, will depend on the nature of the course and on the student’s circumstances as set out in section 5. The types of support that may be included are:

• a basic allowance
• an extra week’s allowance
• disabled student’s allowance
• a dependants’ allowance
• a childcare allowance
• parents learning allowance
• reimbursement of travel and dual accommodation expenses

Maternity award 

The continued payment of an NHS Bursary during authorised absence on maternity leave.

NHS Bursary Scheme 

The arrangements established by the Secretary of State to pay allowances to students under section 63(6) of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968.

NHS England

NHS England leads the NHS in England. Following the merger with Health Education England in 2022, NHS England is the national leadership organisation for education, training and workforce development in the health sector. 

Maintenance-only bursary 

A bursary which only includes support of the maintenance award element. A maintenance-only bursary is a bursary that is available to those students (in paragraph 3.3) attending a part-time healthcare course starting from 1 August 2017, consisting of a non-means-tested grant and means-tested bursary, not including a tuition fee contribution, disabled student’s allowance or other allowances that are instead administered by Student Finance England. 

Non-commercial accommodation 

Generally, where the student is staying with friends or relatives and/or in a room in a private house, where there is no formal tenancy or contract in place, without a formal rental payment. 

Normal accommodation 

A student’s primary accommodation during term time, whether at the parental home or away from the parental home.

Operation Pitting 

Operation Pitting was a British military operation, the purpose of which was to evacuate British nationals and eligible Afghan nationals from Afghanistan between 14 and 28 August 2021, following the Taliban offensive. Assistance was also provided to British nationals and eligible Afghan nationals by the UK Government to leave Afghanistan after Operation Pitting.

Ordinarily resident 

Lawful and habitual residence through choice and for a settled purpose throughout the period concerned. 

A person is to be treated as ordinarily resident in the area in question if they would have been so resident but for the fact that they, their spouse or civil partner, their parent or (in the case of a dependent direct relative in the ascending line) their child or child’s spouse or civil partner is or was temporarily employed outside the area in question. 

For the purposes of this definition, temporary employment is as defined in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2021.

Parent or parents 

A parent or parents by nature or legal adoption. This does not include a guardian step-parent or foster parent (unless they have legally adopted the student concerned). 

Parental home 

The home of a parent or guardian of the student or, for members of a religious order, a house belonging to that religious order. 

Parental responsibility 

Exists where a person has the same legal rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority as a parent for a child and for the child’s property. 

Partner 

A person who is ordinarily living with the student as if they were the student’s spouse or civil partner.

Part-time 

In relation to a course, any course that does not satisfy the definition of a full-time course.

In relation to a student, any student attending a course that does not satisfy the definition of a full-time course.

Period ordinarily required to complete the course 

The period ordinarily required to complete the course by a student who is not excused part of the course on account of them having attended a previous course. 

Person granted humanitarian protection 

A person who on the grounds of humanitarian protection has been granted leave to remain under the immigration rules as defined in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971, whose leave to remain is extant, or in respect of whose leave to remain an appeal is pending within section 104 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were granted such leave to remain.

Person granted indefinite leave as a victim of domestic violence or abuse 

A person who has been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK under any of the following provisions of the immigration rules, as defined in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971(4):

• paragraph 289B (victims of domestic violence)
• paragraph D-DVILR.1.1. of Appendix FM (victims of domestic abuse)
• paragraph 40 of Appendix Armed Forces (victims of domestic violence: partners of members of the armed forces)

Person granted leave to remain under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 

A person who has been granted leave to remain in the UK under section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child. 

Person granted stateless leave 

A person who has extant leave to remain as a stateless person under the immigration rules within the meaning given in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971 and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since being granted such leave.

Person who is settled in the UK 

A person who is settled in the UK within the meaning of section 33(2A) of the Immigration Act 1971, which is to be ordinarily resident there without being subject to any restriction on the period for which they may remain. 

Pre-registration student 

A student on a course leading to professional registration who is not already registered in the same field of healthcare. 

Private vehicle 

Includes a pedal cycle or motor vehicle owned by the student or otherwise used by the student with the owner’s consent, other than a hire vehicle and subject to the requirements in section 7 under ‘Means of travel’.

Publicly funded student support 

Any award bestowed, grant paid or other support provided by virtue of the Education Act 1962 or the Teacher and Higher Education Act 1998 or any comparable award, grant or other support paid out of money provided by any UK Parliament.

Refugee 

A person recognised by HM Government as a refugee within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees signed at Geneva on 28 July 1951 as extended by the protocol which entered force on 4 October 1967. 

Residual income 

For a parent, the amount determined in accordance with paragraph 5.12 in these rules. For a spouse, civil partner or partner, it is the amount determined in accordance with section 5 under ‘Contribution by a student’s parents’ (paragraphs 2 and 3). 

Right of permanent residence 

A right arising under Directive 2004/38 to reside in the UK permanently without restriction.

Right of residence 

A right of residence under Article 7 of Directive 2004/38, or an equivalent right granted under the EEA agreement or the Swiss agreement. 

Secondment 

A secondment is where a student remains employed by an organisation but is relieved of their normal duties or is given leave of absence to enable them to attend the course. 

Self-employed person 

In relation to an EEA national, a person who is self-employed within the meaning of Article 7 of Directive 2004/38 or the EEA agreement. In relation to a Swiss national, a person who is self-employed within the meaning of annex 1 to the Swiss agreement.

Settled in the UK 

Settled within the meaning of section 33(2A) of the Immigration Act 1971 - that is ordinarily resident in the UK without being subject under the immigration laws to any restriction on the period for which they may remain in the UK. (This will apply to UK nationals born in the UK and who have always lived in the UK.) 

Settled in the UK and has exercised a right of residence elsewhere 

A UK national, a family member of a UK national for the purposes of Article 7 of Directive 2004/38 (or corresponding purposes under the EEA agreement or Swiss agreement), or a person who has a right of permanent residence, who has exercised a right under Article 7 of Directive 2004/38 or any equivalent right under the EEA agreement or Swiss agreement in a state other than the UK, or, in the case of a person who is settled in the UK and has a right of permanent residence, if the person goes to the state within the territory comprising the EEA and Switzerland of which the person is a national or of which the person in relation to whom the person is a family member is a national

Single parent 

A person with parental responsibility for a child who does not ordinarily live with a spouse or civil partner or partner. 

Special educational needs 

A child or young person has special educational needs within the meaning of the Children and Families Act 2014 if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision to be made for them.

Sponsorship income 

Any scholarship, studentship, exhibition, award, grant, allowance or benefit however described, payable in connection with the student’s attendance on the course, or any earnings from employment in respect of any period in which the student has leave of absence for the purpose of attending the course. 

State authority 

A state authority or agency, whether national, regional or local. 

State studentship 

Funding provided by the state to support a postgraduate student undertaking research as well as study. This is normally arranged through various UK research councils.

Student loan 

A loan administered by the Student Loans Company. 

Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement 

The agreement between the EU and its member states, of the one part, and the Swiss Confederation, of the other, on the Free Movement of Persons signed at Luxembourg on 21 June 1999 and which came into force on 1 June 2002. 

Swiss employed person 

A Swiss national who is an employed person other than a Swiss frontier employed person, in the UK. 

Swiss frontier employed person 

A Swiss national who is an employed person in the UK and resides in Switzerland or in the territory of an EEA state other than the UK and returns to their residence in Switzerland or that EEA state daily, or at least once a week. 

Temporary accommodation 

Secondary accommodation taken by a student for the purposes of attending a compulsory practice placement that forms part of their course, where it is not practical for them to travel to the placement site from their normal accommodation on a daily basis.

Turkish worker 

A Turkish national who is ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands and is, or has been, lawfully employed in the UK. 

UK 

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, comprising England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but not the Islands. 

UK nationals 

British citizens, persons who are British subjects by virtue of part IV of the British Nationality Act 1981, and who have the right of abode in the UK and are therefore exempt from UK immigration control, and British overseas territories citizens who acquire their citizenship from a connection with Gibraltar.

UK tax year 

A UK tax year begins on 6 April and runs for a 12-month period. 

Ukraine Extension Scheme 

Launched on 3 May 2022, the scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members who already have leave to remain in the UK to extend their leave in the UK because they cannot return to Ukraine. 

Worker 

A person who is a worker within the meaning of Article 7 of Directive 2004/38 and who is not removed from the definition of ‘qualified person’ in regulation 6 of the immigration (EEA) Regulations 2006 by the Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations 2006 or a worker within the meaning of the EEA agreement or Swiss agreement.

Appendix 1: summary of changes

The NHS Bursary Scheme new rules is the 15th edition of the rules. The rules are applicable for the academic year 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027. Changes from the 14th edition of the NHS Bursary Scheme rules published in 2025 are outlined below. 

Section 2: the residency criteria for students and their family members who have been granted leave under the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme has been clarified.

Section 4: maximum annual tuition fee contributions have been updated.

Section 4: separate tuition fee contribution rate for Northern Ireland has been removed.

Section 5: rates of maintenance award allowance have been updated.

Section 5: rates of extra weeks allowance have been updated.

Section 5: income which is disregarded rates have been updated.

Section 5: threshold, rates of contribution and deductions from the contribution of a parent, spouse, civil partner or partner have been updated.

Section 5: the treatment of armed forces compensation during the means-testing process has been clarified.

Section 6: rate of disabled student’s allowance has been updated.

Section 6: the rules around reclaiming PTEC have been clarified.

Section 7: it has been clarified that students can access NHS Bursary TDAE provision where placement activity contributes towards an NHS Bursary study year, provided they meet the criteria under section 7 of the rules.

Section 8: rates of dependants’ allowances have been updated.

Section 8: rates of parent learning allowance have been updated.

Section 8: rates of childcare allowance have been updated.

Section 13: minor amendments to clarify the difference between a complaint and an appeal.

A number of other minor and inconsequential changes, such as wording tweaks, have been made throughout the rest of the text compared to the earlier published rules.

Appendix 2: organisations that may be able to help

NHS Bursary enquiries

England

Telephone: 0300 330 1345 

Website: NHSBSA: student services

Wales

Telephone: 029 21 500 400

Email: abm.sas@wales.nhs.uk

Website: NHS Wales Shared Partnership Services: student awards services

Scotland

Telephone: 0300 555 0505

Website: Student Awards Agency for Scotland: contact us

Northern Ireland

Website: nidirect: health professional courses

Student Finance England 

Website: Contact Student Finance England

Independent organisations representing health professions

British Dental Association

Telephone: 020 7935 0875

Website: British Dental Association 

British Medical Association

Telephone: 0300 123 1233 (members only)

Website: British Medical Association: how to contact us

General Dental Council

Telephone: 020 7167 6000

Website: General Dental Council

General Medical Council

Telephone: 0161 923 6602

Website: General Medical Council

National Union of Students

Telephone: 0300 303 8602

Website: National Union of Students