To be eligible for NHS LSF support you must be:
- studying on an eligible course at a university in England
- actively in study, whether academic or practice learning
- ordinarily resident in the UK
- eligible for tuition fee and maintenance support from the Student Loans Company
Your support from the Student Loans Company can be with either:
- Student Finance England
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Awards Agency for Scotland
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
If you are eligible for a student loan but choose not to apply for personal or religious reasons, we will assess your eligibility on a case-by-case basis. You must show that you meet the required eligibility criteria as set out by the Student Loans Company.
You must also confirm on the claim form what provisions you’ve made to cover your tuition fee and day to day living expenses, knowing you will not have any student loan support during your course.
You will not be eligible for NHS LSF if:
- you’re paid for time off by your employer to attend the course and continue to receive a wage or salary whilst you train
- you’re receiving financial support while you train, such as salary support or paid sandwich years, as provided by an NHS trust or other NHS entity, including Health Education England
- if you're receiving an NHS Bursary or Social Work Bursary
If you leave your NHS Bursary funded course and return to study, you will not be eligible for NHS LSF if your bursary resumes. However, if you return to study and your bursary does not resume you may be eligible for NHS LSF.
Studying a second degree
If you are taking a second degree you may be eligible for NHS LSF. You must qualify for a maintenance loan and tuition fee support from the Student Loans Company.
You must not already be professionally registered in the profession of the subject you are studying.