top of page
Search

NHS Financial Support at University: What You Need to Know

nurse and patient

Thinking of studying nursing, midwifery, or another health-related degree? Good news — the NHS could help fund your studies.

Many students (and even parents) don’t realise that the NHS offers generous financial support for healthcare degrees — and the best part? Most of it doesn’t need to be repaid.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s available and how to apply, explained simply.


What Is the NHS Learning Support Fund?

The NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF) is designed to support students studying healthcare-related degrees in England.

If you’re eligible, you can receive several types of non-repayable grants while you study.

What You Could Get:

  • £5,000 training grant per year — every year of your degree

  • £2,000 parental support per year (if you have children)

  • £1,000 specialist subject payment for degrees where more healthcare staff are needed (like mental health nursing, radiography, or podiatry)

  • Travel & accommodation support for clinical placements that are far from home

  • Up to £3,000 hardship fund if you face unexpected financial difficulties

👉 From September 2025, students studying pharmacy or healthcare science will also be eligible for help with travel and accommodation costs.

Do I Still Qualify for a Student Loan?

Yes — in most cases, you can still take out a Student Loan from the Student Loans Company alongside the NHS Learning Support Fund.

Even if this is your second degree, you might still qualify for financial help.

The only exception right now is for paramedic science students studying a second degree, who are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you’ll need to:

  • Be studying in England

  • Be eligible for student finance support (including residency requirements)

  • Be enrolled in a qualifying degree, such as:

    • Nursing (adult, child, mental health, learning disability)

    • Midwifery

    • Paramedicine

    • Physiotherapy

    • Occupational therapy

    • Radiography (diagnostic or therapeutic)

    • Speech and language therapy

    • Dietetics, orthoptics, prosthetics and orthotics

    • Dental hygiene or therapy

If you’re studying one of these subjects, you can apply online through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website.

What If I Already Have a Degree?

You can still apply.The NHS Learning Support Fund is open to eligible graduates taking another undergraduate or postgraduate healthcare degree — including nursing, midwifery, and allied health professions.

This means if you’re looking to change career paths or retrain in healthcare, the NHS may support your journey.

How Do I Apply?

Applications are made online via the NHSBSA portal, which manages the NHS Learning Support Fund.

🕓 You’ll need:

  • Proof of your course and university

  • Details of your student finance eligibility

  • Supporting documents (if applying for parental or hardship payments)

Once your course is verified, you’ll receive confirmation of your grant and payment schedule.

What About Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?

Financial support differs slightly across the UK.Here’s where to look for country-specific information:

  • Northern Ireland: NI Direct Government Services

  • Scotland: Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)

  • Wales: Student Finance Wales

Extra Help You Might Qualify For

Alongside the NHS LSF, there are other sources of support worth exploring:

  • Disabled Students’ Allowance — if you have a disability or long-term condition

  • Childcare & Adult Dependents’ Grants

  • University-specific bursaries or hardship funds

  • Scholarships for under-represented groups or local students

Your student welfare office or university support team can guide you through what’s available.

Final Thoughts

Education shouldn’t be held back by finances, especially when you’re training to support others.

The NHS Learning Support Fund exists to help passionate students enter healthcare careers without the financial stress.If you’re planning your university route, make sure you check your eligibility early — and don’t leave money on the table.

Useful Links

  • NHS Learning Support Fund – Official Site (NHSBSA)

  • Gov.uk – Student Finance

  • College of Paramedics – Funding Information

👋 From Educo London

At Educo, we help students plan not just for exams, but for life after them.We believe in building confidence-first learners who can make informed choices about their education and careers.

If you found this useful, share it with a friend or parent who’s exploring healthcare degrees. And check out our Resources Hub for more practical advice on study skills, university prep, and student life.

Comments

bottom of page