We know that the financial aspects of higher education can be daunting for some students, perhaps now more than ever, so it’s key that they are aware of any available funding that will support them with their studies. Many are not aware of the NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF), so we’ve put together a handy guide for you and your students.
The NHS LSF is additional funding for eligible
university students. The payments are grants,
so they don’t need to be paid back. As it is an
additional pot of free money, it also has no
impact on eligibility for student finance.
The below financial support is available:
Training grant:
A non-means tested grant of £5,000
each
academic year, with an additional £1,000 also
up for grabs in certain subjects.
Parental support:
A £2,000
grant per year for students with
parental responsibility for a child who is either
aged under 15 or under 17 and registered with
special educational needs. Note: this grant does not impact access to child
support or other funding.
Travel and dual accommodation expenses:
Reimbursement of additional travel and
accommodation costs students might have
whilst on placement (above their regular
commute).
One of the Podiatry students at the University of
Salford shared that this allowed them to ‘apply
for the exact placement opportunities needed,
without worry about the extra commuting costs’.
However, it is important that students know that
they will still need to budget and keep a log of their expenses to claim them back.
Exceptional support fund: An income-assessed grant of up to £3,000
per academic year for eligible students who
experience unforeseen financial hardship.
At a basic level, to be eligible for the NHS LSF
students need to be...
• Actively studying an eligible course at an
English university.
• Eligible for maintenance and tuition fee
support from the Student Loans Company.
The following pre-registration courses (at
undergraduate or postgraduate level) are
eligible:
• dental therapy or dental hygiene (level 5
and 6 courses)
• dietetics
• midwifery
• nursing (adult, child, mental health*,
learning disability*, joint nursing/social
work)
• occupational therapy
• operating department practitioner (level 5
and 6 courses)
• orthoptics*
• orthotics and prosthetics*
• paramedicine
• physiotherapy
• podiatry* or chiropody
• radiography (diagnostic and therapeutic)*
• speech and language therapy.
Applications open in spring and students will
need to create an account and apply online (link to apply: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf
Like with student finance, they will also need to
re-apply each academic year.
The NHS LSF is paid in three instalments across the academic year, but at different intervals to student finance loans.
Two of our wonderful healthcare students have shared their ‘top tips’ for Careers Advisors and Teachers...
“Remember that it isn’t means tested or linked to the student loan – and that not all courses qualify!”
“If you’re unsure about anything, ask for advice – there are people that can help!”
So – encourage relevant students to check out the NHS LSF and if you have any questions just get in touch! In the age-old words of Dr Pepper, what’s the worst that could happen? Find out more: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-learning-support-fund-lsf
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