Finance
Medical school is long and expensive, so it’s always useful to make or save a bit of money here and there. There are a few ways in the world of medicine to achieve this:
Prizes
Both the medical school and a number of separate organisations offer prizes for various subjects, which can be applied for by students.
Bursaries
As well as various bursaries from the university, medics are entitled to apply for an NHS bursary from their fifth year of study.
Galenicals Discounts
We’re always negotiating new deals to be had with your Galenicals cards, in addition to those available on your NHS card.
Prizes
A range of regular and one-off prizes are available from the faculty, as well as external organisations. We are currently seeking information on yearly prizes, but for news of prizes as they are released, click here.
Bursaries
After their fourth year of study, healthcare professionals who will be working in the NHS have an entitlement to apply for an NHS bursary. At Bristol, if you intercalated then this will cover years 4 and 5, otherwise you will receive it in year 5 only.
There are two options then applying – income assessed, and non income assessed. Both of these require the same form, and the option to to opt out of income assessment is usually very well hidden (but it is there)!
Towards the end of your fourth year of study, the university will send out a letter with a personal code, which must then be entered onto the form to prove your entitlement.
Income Assessed
If applying for an income assessed loan, it is adviseable to get moving sooner rather than later. This method of applying requires a very large amount of documentation to be sent with it as proof of income and expenditure.
If successful, you will have your tuition fees paid by the NHS, as well as granted an extra amount which they determine based on your income.
Non Income Assessed
If you can find the option on the form (it’s pretty well hidden!), you can ignore the income assessment part of the form, and simply apply to have your tuition fees paid by the NHS. Bear in mind that this is not a loan – the money goes straight to the university without even entering your account.
Whether you apply for income assessed or non income assessed your main student loan will be reduced by the student loans company. At the end of the day, though, you get the same amount of money – except the NHS bit doesn’t need to be paid back!
Discounts
Where will my Galenicals card get me discounts?
We are currently seeking new arrangements with businesses in Bristol, and will post these as they happen.
In the meantime, there’s plenty of places you can use your NHS card for discounts. Again, we’re building a list, but if in doubt give it a try.
