As you get ready to apply to university, it’s important to understand your funding options. From student loans and grants to NHS bursaries and scholarships, there are various ways to help cover your costs.
We’ve worked with Charmaine Valente at the Student Loans Company to provide detail to applicants to medicine and dentistry, and teachers/ advisors supporting them, on the funding available to medical and dental students. The resource includes funding scenarios and differences for those on standard entry and graduate entry courses. Please note that this guide is for England students only.
The application process usually launches in February but in some years it may open in March (as shown on slide 6 of the downloadable presentation).
Students are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as the application process launches. You should also:
When you apply to universities, your fee status will be categorised as either Home or International. To be considered a Home student (UK), you usually need to meet all of the following requirements on the first day of your course:
Fees for Home students can differ depending on whether you’re studying in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, so always check the specific university’s website for up-to-date fees.
If you don’t meet the Home student criteria, you’ll be considered an International student and you’ll pay higher international fees. These fees can vary by university and are listed on each university’s website. Make sure you’re financially prepared for tuition fees before committing to a course.
UK students can apply for tuition fee loans and maintenance loans through Student Finance. Some students might also be eligible for extra support like grants or NHS bursaries.
It’s best to apply for student finance as soon as you’ve submitted your UCAS application. However, if you’ve already had student finance for a different degree, you might not be eligible for more loans (with some exceptions for graduate entry courses).
Check with the relevant student finance authority depending on where you live:
If you’re from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or other UK Islands, different rules may apply. Be sure to contact your island’s education office for specific details.
Please note: International students are not eligible for UK government financial support.
Sign up for up-to- date alerts and information from Student Finance England.
Look out for requests which:
You should:
The lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) will transform the post-18 student finance system to create a single funding system for residents in England (Student Finance England), from January 2027. It will replace:
From Autumn 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.
Currently if you’re an English student applying for a 4-year graduate entry dentistry course, you can apply for partial tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and NHS bursaries. You’ll need to cover the remaining fees yourself.
If you’re studying a standard undergraduate dentistry programme as a second degree, you won’t be eligible for tuition fee loans, but you can still apply for maintenance support. In your final year, NHS bursaries may be available to help with tuition costs. The SLC’s guide also includes information on graduate funding.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), coming into effect for courses starting from January 2027, is expected to change funding arrangements for second-degree medical and dental students. Students who choose medicine or dentistry as a second degree under the LLE will be able to access full tuition fee and standard maintenance support for those years not covered by the NHS bursary. LLE will be available for courses starting from 1 January 2027.
Student finance if your course starts on or after 1 January 2027
Many universities offer their own scholarships and bursaries, so it’s a good idea to research what’s available on the university websites.
Other government grants available for UK students include:
International students might find it harder to access financial support but check with your university to see if you’re eligible for any bursaries. You can also find potential funding through the British Council or the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Commonwealth citizens might be able to apply for grants from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.