Department of Health and Social Care - Parents Learning Allowance

Benefit

You will receive a extra grant of up to about EUR 124 per year on top of your NHS Bursary if you are studying medicine or dentistry in England and have a child to support. The NHS grant is the financial support provided by the NHS to healthcare students. The amount depends on your income (means-tested) and does not need to be repaid. It is added to your annual living allowance, so you will receive it along with the rest of your grant. The scheme is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care and applies in England.

Eligibility

• Field of study: You are studying medicine or dentistry in a year of study that is eligible for the NHS scholarship.
• Full bursary: You are entitled to a full NHS scholarship, not just help with tuition fees.
• Your children: You have parental responsibility for a child.
• Income: The amount you receive depends on your income.
• Residence: You normally live in England and have the right to reside in the United Kingdom. There are various types of residence status, including ‘settled status’, refugee status and humanitarian protection.
• No double funding: Your other scholarships or grants do not mean that you exceed the maximum amount of the scholarship.

How to apply

You apply for this online via your NHS Learning Support account with NHSBSA Student Services, at the same time as applying for a grant. You must submit supporting documents, such as your child’s birth certificate. You must reapply each year, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competition that you win against others. Every eligible student receives this grant. If you are studying medicine or dentistry in England, are entitled to a full NHS grant and have a child, you will receive this grant once your income has been assessed. The amount of the grant depends on your income, so it varies from student to student.