NHS Business Services Authority - Dietetics – HHDIET

What you get

Whilst studying nutritional science, you will receive a sum of Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year (about 5,850 EUR), which you will never have to repay. For a three-year full-time degree, this amount is £15,000 (approximately 17,600 EUR) and is in addition to the standard student loan you take out to cover tuition fees and living costs. The NHS Business Services Authority pays out the grant via the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF).

In addition, various extras can be added:

• Child support: £2,000 per year (approximately 2,340 EUR) if you have at least one dependent child under the age of 15 or under the age of 17 with special educational needs.
• Placement costs: Additional travel and accommodation costs incurred during clinical placements will be reimbursed.
• Hardship payment: a one-off payment of up to £3,000 (approximately 3,500 EUR) from the special relief fund, should you find yourself in unexpected financial difficulty.

Part-time students receive a pro rata amount.

Who can apply

• Field of study: You are studying nutritional science on a recognised degree programme that qualifies you to practise the profession (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree). Foundation years are not counted towards this.
• Where you study: Your university is located in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems, each with their own regulations.
• Enrolment: You’re in the middle of your degree, whether you’re attending lectures or on a work placement.
• Student finance: You are entitled to support towards your tuition fees and living costs from the Student Loans Company, even if you have not yet actually taken out the loan.
• Nationality: Anyone who meets the above eligibility criteria for student finance may apply. There are no specific restrictions regarding nationality.
• Not on the old scheme: If you are already in receipt of the older NHS grant, you are not eligible for the LSF.

How to apply

Register online for an NHS LSF account and submit your application there. You must submit your application within 6 months of the start of your academic year and renew it every year. Students who are already enrolled will receive an email reminder to resubmit their application.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a right, not a competition. The funding is not awarded to a handful of winners, but is paid to every eligible nutrition student in England who submits an application. If you are studying an accredited degree programme and meet the eligibility criteria for student finance, the £5,000 grant is virtually guaranteed. The biggest risk is missing the 6-month application window. You should therefore apply for the grant right at the start of your academic year.