Medicine as a second degree if you live in England

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 England

Standard 5+ years medical degree

Years 1-4

You’ll have to pay the tuition fees yourself for the first four years. This is normally the standard rate of £9,250 but check the amount with individual medical schools before you commit yourself to the course.

For living costs, you’ll be eligible to apply to Student Finance England Finance 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 NHS Business Services Authority for living cost and tuition fee support – 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 financial support section for England for more detail.

This page is provided on the basis of current information from the Student Finance England Assessing eligibility Guidance and the NHS Bursary Scheme Rules, 5th edition.

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. You’ll have to pay the first £3,465 yourself but you can apply to Student Finance England for a tuition fee loan to fund the difference between £3,465 to a maximum of £9,250.

These figures are adjusted if tuition fees rise in line with inflation.

For living costs you’ll be eligible to apply to Student Finance England for:

  • Student loan for maintenance
  • Adult Dependants’ Grant
  • Childcare Grant
  • Parents’ Learning Allowance
  • Disabled Students’ Allowances
  • Travel Expenses for medical students

Years 2 to 4

During these years you’ll be eligible for support from NHS Student Bursaries (England).

The Department of Health will contribute the first £3,715 towards the tuition costs and graduates can apply for a tuition fee loan for the £5,535 difference up to £9,250. 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 medical students in England for more detail.

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