Medicine as a second degree if you live in Scotland

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 Scotland.

Standard 5+ years medical degree

Years 1-4

You’ll have to pay the tuition fees yourself for the first four years if you study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland which is £9,790.

If you study in Scotland you will be charged £1,820 for the year.

For living costs you’ll be able to apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for:

  • Student loan for maintenance
  • Adult Dependant’s Grant
  • Lone Parents’ Grant
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance
  • Care Leaver’s Grant

Year 5

You will also be eligible to apply for SAAS to pay your tuition fees and a bursary.

This support is the same as that received in year 5 by students doing medicine as a first degree and is available whether you study in Scotland or the rest of the UK.

Accelerated 4 year graduate entry programme

If you study the Scottish graduate entry medicine (ScotGEM) degree, your tuition fees will be fully funded. You do not need to apply to SAAS for tuition fees.

HCP-Med is a specialised course from the University of Edinburgh aimed at students who are currently or previously working in healthcare careers. Fees for this are paid however no funding for living costs is provided other than small amounts for expenses.

For all other GEM programmes.

You’ll have to pay the tuition fees yourself throughout the course. Check the amount with your university before committing yourself.

For living costs you’ll be able to apply to SAAS for the:

  • Student loan for maintenance
  • Adult Dependant’s Grant
  • Lone Parents’ Grant
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance
  • Care leaver’s Grant

Living costs

See the article on financial support for students in Scotland for more detail on amounts for living costs.

Related articles

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