The funding you can receive studying medicine as a second degree differs according to which scheme you are enrolled on. You can study a standard 5 year programme (some universities also have a 6 year programme with foundation) or an accelerated 4 year programme which may require some experience in a medical setting and/or a science-based first degree.
This information relates to students normally living in Wales.
Standard 5 + years medical degree
Years 1-4
You will have to pay the tuition fees (normally £9,000 in Wales and Northern Ireland and £9,250 in England and Scotland) yourself for the first four years.
Check the amount with individual medical schools before you commit yourself to the course and check with Student Finance Wales and the NHS Wales Student Awards Unit on the latest position before you make a decision.
For living costs you’ll be eligible to apply to Student Finance Wales for:
- Student loan for maintenance
- Adult Dependants’ Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Parents’ Learning Allowance
- Disabled Students’ Allowance
- Travel Expenses for medical students
Year 5
You’ll be eligible for support from the NHS Wales Student Awards Unit for living cost and tuition fee support, i.e. your tuition fees will be paid in full. This support is the same as that received in year 5 by students doing medicine as a first degree depending on when you start your course. See the article on financial support for students in Wales for more detail.
Accelerated 4 year graduate entry programme
First year
You can be charged up to a maximum of £9,250 for the year in tuition fees, depending on where you study. You’ll have to pay the first £3,465 yourself but you can apply to Student Finance Wales for a tuition fee loan to fund the difference between £3,465 to a maximum of £9,000.
For living costs you’ll be eligible to apply to Student Finance Wales for:
- Student loan for maintenance
- Adult Dependants’ Grant
- Childcare Grant
- Parents’ Learning Allowance
- Disabled Students’ Allowances
- Travel Expenses for medical students
Years 2-4
You’ll be eligible for support from the NHS Wales Student Awards Unit.
The NHS Student Awards Unit will pay £3,465 towards your yearly tuition fees which can be up to £9,000 per year. You can finance the difference between the two amounts with a tuition fee loan from Student Finance Wales. Your living cost support will be the same as that received in year 5 by students doing medicine as a first degree. See the article on financial support for students in Wales for more details.
Related articles
- Medicine as a second degree if you live in England
- Medicine as a second degree if you live in Northern Ireland
- Medicine as a second degree if you live in Scotland