Because of the introduction of certain emergency standards for education and the widespread disruption of COVID-19 many healthcare students may need or have needed to extend their studies beyond the dates when they originally anticipated qualifying.
We have continued to pressure decision-makers throughout the pandemic to ensure that students that require additional time in studies are financially supported and do not accumulate further debt because of these delays.
What support is available?
Additional financial support for students in this position is available through the NHS BSA website.
This funding support is available for final year health students only in England.
Students will be entitled to;
- A continuing pro-rata payment of their annual, non means-tested training grant (£96 a week)
- A pro-rata amount of their £2000 parental support if they have children – (£38.50 per student if they have at-least one child)
- An additional ‘temporary extension support payment’ of £90 per week outside London and £121 per week if studying in London
- Continued access to travel and dual accommodation expenses through the Learning Support Fund
- Continued further access to the Exceptional Support Fund which can provide health students with a grant of £3000 if they have exhausted other options to meet their day-to-day spending.
Universities in England are also currently distributing a share of funding for COVID-19 student hardship for all students.
Universities have different eligibility criteria for this funding and healthcare students with access to all the above may not necessarily be eligible. This option could be explored, however, with any students who contact UNISON because of financial hardship.
How can students claim this support?
Students who feel they require an extension due to COVID-19 should raise this with their university.
The university should agree the length of extension required and then submit this information to the NHSBSA.
When a student is eligible they will be contacted by the NHSBSA to set out the support that they are entitled to.
UNISON organisers can assist students in doing so. You can contact the NHSBSA here.
Is this support repayable?
No. The funds that students have access to as described above are grants, students will not accumulate further debt by accessing them.
Can students access further student loans if the above is not suitable?
Yes. It is not anticipated many healthcare students would need additional financial support in addition to what has been described above but if they require it, students are still able to apply to the SLC (Student Loans Company) for further loans.
Will students need to pay additional tuition fees for their extended study time?
No. We have been informed that it is the expectation of both the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Education that students in this situation will not be charged additional tuition fees.
If students report that they are being expected to incur additional tuition fees for extensions related to COVID-19 this should be challenged. If universities persevere please escalate this to the national UNISON Health team to look into (health@unison.co.uk).