Campaign reply - Write to your MP to support a #LiveableNHSBursary

Thank you for writing to me about financial support for medical students.

My understanding is that first time students on standard five or six year undergraduate medical and dental courses are eligible to apply for support on the same terms as other full-time students for the first four years. This allows medical students to access the tuition fee loan, living cost loan and targeted grants.  Students can also apply to Student Finance England for the non-income assessed reduced living cost loans for these years.

For years five onwards, students on a standard five or six year undergraduate medical and dental courses enter a bursary year whereby those eligible receive the NHS Bursary. Students benefit from having their tuition fees paid for by Health Education England and a non-means award of £1,000. Additionally there is an means-tested award of up to £3,191. In addition, there is also a reduced rate maintenance loan available via Student Finance England.

Furthermore, it is positive that maximum grants and loans for living and other costs for undergraduate courses and grants and loans for postgraduate courses will be increased by 2.3 per cent for 2022/23. This will mean that the support available for students on the lowest incomes will reach record levels in cash terms.

In addition, I understand that many providers have had hardship funds that students can apply to for assistance should the Covid-19 outbreak affect individuals’ finances in the academic year 2021/22. I would like to provide assurance that these arrangements - including the rates of payment for Travel and Dual Accommodation - are reviewed annually to ensure that students are appropriately supported.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.