💷 Guide to Student Finance for Medical Students (UK)
Thinking about medical school? Here’s what you need to know about funding your studies.
Medicine is one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue, but let’s be honest- it’s also one of the most expensive. From tuition fees to living costs, the financial commitment can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there’s plenty of support available through UK government student finance, so don’t worry—you won’t be expected to pay everything upfront. Here’s a complete guide to help you understand how it works. 👇
🎓 Tuition Fees & the Tuition Fee Loan
Most UK medical schools charge the maximum undergraduate tuition fee of £9,250 per year. But here's the good news: you don’t have to pay this upfront. Instead, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from Student Finance.
✅ Covers full tuition fee
✅ Paid directly to your university
✅ Not means-tested (everyone is eligible)
You won’t see the money yourself; it goes directly to your university. However, this allows you to study without worrying about how to pay for your course.
🏠 Maintenance Loan: Help With Living Costs
This is where things get personal—the Maintenance Loan is intended to assist with everyday living expenses, including:
Rent or accommodation
Food and groceries
Travel
Books and equipment
Other essentials
The amount you receive depends on:
Your household income
Where you’ll live (at home, away from home, or in London)
Your course intensity (for part-time students)
👉 Typically, the lower your household income, the greater your maintenance loan.
💡 Example: Students from lower-income families studying in London may receive the maximum amount due to higher living costs in the capital.
But note: The Maintenance Loan is a contribution—not always sufficient to cover all expenses. Many students use a combination of:
Part-time work
Savings
Parental support
University bursaries or scholarships
Most medical schools provide bursaries for students from underrepresented or lower-income backgrounds, so be sure to check what options are available at your selected university.
📝 How & When to Apply for Student Finance
You’ll apply for student finance through the official government portal:
England: Student Finance England
Scotland: SAAS
Wales: Student Finance Wales
Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI
Applications for the 2025 entry opened in March 2025, with a priority deadline in May (for example, 16th May 2025).
👉 Apply early! You don’t need confirmed grades or a definite university choice to start your application. You can update your course and university later if necessary.
You’ll need to provide:
Your chosen course and university (you can change this later)
Your household income (if applying for the Maintenance Loan)
Your bank details (for payments)
Proof of identity (e.g. passport)
After submitting your part, your parent(s) or guardian(s) will receive a link to provide income details.
🔔 Top tip: Apply well before the deadline to avoid delays—late applications may cause your funds to arrive late, leaving you short during the first few weeks of term!
💡 Extra Support for Medical Students
Here are a few additional things to consider as a medical student:
📚 Years 1–4: You’ll receive standard Student Finance support.
🏥 Years 5+ (England): You may qualify for NHS Bursary funding, which can include:
A non-repayable bursary
A reduced Student Loan
Reimbursement for travel to placements
🧑👧 If you’re a mature student, have children, or have a disability, grants and additional allowances may be available.
💬 Check the NHS Business Services Authority or Student Finance websites for eligibility details.
💸 Repayment: When & How
Here’s the part that scares people—but really shouldn’t.
You don’t start repaying your loan until you earn above a certain salary threshold (currently £25,000 under Plan 5).
Repayments are 9% of your income above the threshold.
After a set number of years (usually 40 under Plan 5), any remaining debt is written off.
So, while the numbers may seem high, repayments are manageable and depend on what you earn—not what you owe.
📚 Where to Find Help
Stick to trusted sources for information:
gov.uk/student-finance
UCAS: Student Finance
Your school’s careers adviser
Your chosen university’s student funding team
Avoid relying on random forums or social media for advice—always verify information on official sites to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Applying for student finance may seem overwhelming, but once you break it down, it becomes totally manageable. Consider your loan as an investment in your future—after all, a medical career is a long-term journey.
✅ Apply early
✅ Double-check your documents
✅ Reach out if you’re unsure
And remember, in the future, you will appreciate your efforts in organising it on time! 😉
