Department of Health - NHS bursary

What the NHS Bursary gives you

You will receive a lump-sum grant of around 1,240 EUR (£1,081) per year, which every eligible student receives. In addition, there is an income-related component (an amount that depends on your family’s income). This amounts to up to approximately 3,950 EUR (£3,447) per year if you are studying in London and do not live at home, up to approximately 3,270 EUR (£2,855) outside London if you do not live at home, and up to approximately 2,730 EUR (£2,384) if you still live with your parents. The scheme also pays part of your tuition fees directly to your university. You may be eligible for additional grants if you have children, have a disability, or incur travel costs for clinical placements. It is run on behalf of the UK Department of Health and provides funding for trainee doctors and dentists in England.

Who can apply

• Field of study: People study medicine or dentistry to become a doctor or a dentist.
• Stage of your course: You are in a later, funded year of study: from the 5 or 6 academic year of a 5 or 6-year Bachelor’s degree programme, or from the 2academic year of a 3- or 4-year degree programme for first-year students with a higher education qualification. The first years of study are not funded.
• Where you study: Your degree programme is one of the medical or dental programmes recorded by the Office for Students. A second degree in medicine or dentistry may also be recognised.
• Where you live: You normally live in England and settled there on the first day of your first year of study. If you have moved to England from another part of the United Kingdom solely for the purpose of studying, you do not meet the requirements.
• Immigration status: You must have residence status in the United Kingdom or a comparable status, such as EU residence status, provided you are a student continuing your studies.
• Financial need: The means-tested portion is based on the income of your parents, your spouse or partner, and any passive income you may have (pensions, rental income or dividends). Income from part-time or casual work is not taken into account.

How to apply

You apply online via your NHS Scholarship account. Please submit your application within nine months of the start of your academic year. The application window for 2026/2027 is already open. There is neither an interview nor a selection process. Staff will simply check that you meet the eligibility criteria.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a selection process with a limited number of places. If you meet the specified criteria, you will be awarded the scholarship: you must be studying medicine or dentistry in an eligible academic year, have your usual place of residence in England, and hold the required residence status. Your chances therefore depend on whether you meet the eligibility criteria, not on competition. Apply within the nine-month window and have your proof of income to hand.