NHS Bursary - Independent Status

**amy2705598** · 03-02-2007, 08:10 PM

Depends what you mean by new students. It doesn't affect students that have already started their medical courses, but will potentially affect all students starting their medicine degrees this September, whether or not you already have a first degree. If you have been studying at university and your parents have been means tested for your student loan then go back to live at home or support yourself for only two years you will not (as far as I can make out) be considered independent, even if you are thirty-odd.

This to me seems ridiculous (please let me know if you think I have misunderstood this). I thought you were considered to be an independent adult at 18 in this country, not still dependent on your parents income. I want to support myself and feel awful for having to ask my parents to help support me again. I will just have to take out a professional studies loan, which I didn't really want to do, but at least it will get me through the course

.

**Meg01** · 03-02-2007, 08:19 PM

If it works the same way as your LEA, you are only considered independent if you have supported yourself (and can prove this) financially for 3 calender years (being in ft education does not count regardless of who paid/supported you), or are married/have children. The only exception is if you have been bought up in social/foster care or have legal evidence of separation from your parents. of course, this is only under 25 for the LEAs, and when you hit 25 you should be re-assessed as independent. In terms of the NHS bursary, removing the 25 cut off seems to be making the whole system more stupid. They have framed the whole thing as great news for all those people under 25 who were losing out, but I can't help thinking there are now repurcussoins for even more people! Still, I don't have the full facts yet, so not totally sure ...

**shar** · 03-02-2007, 08:28 PM

hi to all, i really need some advice plz......I'm 24 years old, and will be studying medicine this year. I was told by LEA as i've already had grant for tuition fees i wont get any help for my 5 year medicine course. I also understand that the NHS bursary is only given in the final year. I'm from a low income family and dont know what to do, the last thing i need is another loan. can anyone help me plz....thanks

**Meg01** · 03-02-2007, 08:35 PM

If you are doing a 5 year course you will only get the bursary in year 5. As you have been told you will not get any fees support (if you are based in England, expect to pay £3000 per annum), but you do get a student loan, and if you are from a low income family, regardless of whether you will be independent or not, you should get the full whack.

I'm afraid there aren't really any alternatives - this is the position that so many of us are in, and one of the major sacrifices. You could look into a career development loan, and there are many charity organisations and univeristy hardship funs, but this cannot be relied up and is a bit hit and miss from my experience. You can get a part time job (I work 16 hours per week) and it is definately do-able on a 5 year course.

Sorry not to be more positive - this is the way it is unfortunately. Those on the fast track 4 year courses are better off I think (unless they are scots

), but ultimately we're all in the same boat!

**Balder** · 03-02-2007, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Meg01

If it works the same way as your LEA, you are only considered independent if you have supported yourself (and can prove this) financially for 3 calender years (being in ft education does not count regardless of who paid/supported you), or are married/have children.

I wonder whether the LEAs will have to alter their rules to avoid age discrimination, too?

Suppose someone graduated, worked for 3 years before losing job and moving in with parents for a year. Are they eligible for the bursary? Or how about someone who is just 25 after starting university late? There are many scenarios where somebody would be considered an independent adult, yet suffers the indignity of having their parents' income tested.

**shar** · 03-02-2007, 08:52 PM

thanks meg01, eventhough your reply is what i expected to hear. looks like i'll have to use all my savings on medicine.

**exms** · 03-02-2007, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by Balder

What offence? That is rather like saying 'with all due respect' - a feigned courtesy that implies none.

Feigned courtesy? Now *I'm* offended - it was genuine courtesy!

Yours courteously,

-- A.

**exms** · 03-02-2007, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by amy2705598

I will just have to take out a professional studies loan, which I didn't really want to do, but at least it will get me through the course

.

Amy, I'm afraid a PSL/CDL was pretty much inevitable even before the increased course fees and these proposed changes; I know some people who managed to work through the first years of the course, and I really admire them for it - no way could I have done that AND got the work done!

-- A.

**exms** · 03-02-2007, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Balder

Suppose someone graduated, worked for 3 years before losing job and moving in with parents for a year. Are they eligible for the bursary?

Surely they would be because they would have supported themselves for three years? Is the requirement to have supported yourself for three years or to have supported yourself for the three years before the start of the course?

-- A.