Student loans and bursaries

Although Medicine and Dentistry degrees lead to a postgraduate qualification, they are regarded as integrated Masters courses and as such attract full undergraduate funding in the initial four years* of the course. 

*In the event of a repeat year within the first four years, the Student Loans Company will provide 1+ gift year of funding (as long as there is no other previous study). 

Undergraduate funding from the Student Loans Company (SLC) is aimed at students undertaking their first degree. However, because Medicine and Dentistry are on the SLC exceptions list it means students with a previous degree can get limited funding in the form of a Maintenance Loan only. As long as you meet standard eligibility criteria you can also apply to the NHS Bursary for support from your fifth year of study.  

The NHS will pay your tuition fees directly to the University. This is a non-means tested non-repayable grant. 

This is based on your household income and it doesn’t need to be repaid. 

The NHS Student Business Service Authority has an online application system for NHS Bursary students.

Around June time, the Funding team will email you to let you know that as a 'home' student who normally lives in England, we are anticipating you going into your fifth year of study.  We will email instructions telling you how to apply for an NHS Bursary.  

The University will advise the NHS of details of all dental and medical students whom we expect will be eligible to apply for NHS funding for the forthcoming academic year (in this case 2024/25).  

You will then need to create an online account with the NHS. Once you have done this, you can then submit an application for the bursary. 

Applications are not complete until the online application has been ‘Submitted’, and all your supporting evidence has been sent. 

This is not based on your household income and it doesn’t need to be repaid.

You may be eligible for a Reduced Rate Maintenance Loan (RRML) from the Student Loans Company in addition to the NHS Bursary.  Please ensure that you indicate on your online Student Loan application that you are also applying for an NHS Bursary.  This will ensure that you get the correct level of funding from them and this will avoid over-payments.  

The amount that you receive will depend on where you live term-time (with your parents, in London or elsewhere) as well as whether you are in your final year or non-final year. The length of year does not affect this loan.  It is a fixed amount regardless of the number of weeks in attendance.

Download the SFE Travel Grant fact sheet for information.