Fees and Funding for Graduate Entry Medicine

Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is a 4-year medical course for students who've already finished a different degree. In the UK, this course can be free or cost up to £9,250, depending on if you live in the area where you want to study. You can pay for this course with bursaries, help from charities and by loans.

So, you're thinking about diving into Graduate Entry Medicine? Well, you've come to the right place. In this guide, I'm going to break down all the nitty-gritty details of tuition fees, walk you through the different ways you can get graduate medicine funding, and give you a heads-up on some extra costs you'll want to keep in mind. Trust me, it's always better to know what you're signing up for, especially when it comes to your wallet. Let's get started!

Tuition fees for Graduate Entry Medicine

UK Students

Tuition fees for GEM vary across the UK, and it’s essential to understand the structure based on your residency:

• England: Currently, tuition fees are £9,250 per year. For your first year, you will need to pay £3,465 directly to your university and can apply for a loan from Student Finance England to cover the remaining £5,785. In years two to four, the NHS Bursary Scheme contributes £3,715 towards tuition fees, and you can apply for a loan for the remaining amount, which would be £5,535.
• Wales: Tuition fees are slightly lower at £9,000 per year. Similar to England, you will pay £3,465 in the first year and apply for financial support from Student Finance Wales and the NHS Wales Student Award Services in subsequent years. This financial structure is designed to ease the burden on students and encourage more individuals to pursue a career in medicine.
• Scotland: For Scottish students, tuition fees are £1,820 a year, however students from the rest of the UK and Ireland will have pay £9,250. The ScotGEM programme also offers a bursary of up to £4,000 per year for four years, with a commitment to work for NHS Scotland after graduation.
• Northern Ireland: Tuition fees are £4,750 for students from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, while students from England, Wales, and Scotland pay £9,250. Support for living costs is available through Student Finance Northern Ireland, ensuring that students can manage their expenses while focusing on their education.

International Students

International students should brace themselves for tuition fees that can be in the region of £16,000 - 50,000 a year. These fees can increase during clinical years, so it's essential to check with individual universities. Since August 2021, EU students who do not have settled status are also subject to the same international fee structure.

While funding options for international students are limited, there are still opportunities for Graduate Entry Medicine scholarships and bursaries offered by universities and charitable organisations. Many universities recognise the financial challenges faced by international students and have established specific scholarships to support them, making it vital to research and apply for these opportunities early.

Funding Streams and Financial Support

Student Finance

For UK students, applying for student finance is the first step to securing funding for your GEM degree. The amount you’re eligible for depends on your residency rather than the university you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the support available:

• Tuition Fee Loans: As mentioned, you can apply for loans to cover tuition fees. For the first year, a portion of the fees must be paid upfront, while the remainder can be covered by a loan. This arrangement allows students to manage their financial obligations effectively while pursuing their studies.
• Maintenance Loans: In your first year, you can apply for a means-tested maintenance loan to help cover living costs. This loan is assessed similarly to undergraduate loans. For years two to four, you’ll receive a reduced-rate maintenance loan that is non-means tested. This ensures that students can focus on their studies without the added stress of financial instability.

University Scholarships and Bursaries

Many universities offer their own scholarships and bursaries specifically for GEM students. These can include:

• Merit-based Scholarships: Awarded for academic excellence, these scholarships can ease the financial burden on high-achieving students.
• Needs-based Bursaries: Designed to assist students from lower-income backgrounds, these bursaries can provide essential support for living costs.
• Bursaries for Students with Dependents: Additional support for students with children or other dependents, recognising the unique challenges faced by these individuals.

Always check with your chosen university for specific funding opportunities available to GEM students, as these can vary widely and offer substantial financial relief.

Charities and Trusts

In addition to university funding, several charities and trusts offer financial assistance to medical students:

• British Medical Association (BMA) Charities Trust Fund: Provides financial support to medical students facing financial difficulties. This fund can be a lifeline for those unexpectedly facing challenges during their studies.
• Royal Medical Benevolent Fund: Offers assistance to students experiencing severe financial hardship during their final years of study, ensuring that those in need can continue their education without interruption.
• The Foulkes Foundation and The Ruth Hayman Trust: Both support students pursuing medical degrees, including those studying GEM. These organisations provide essential funding and resources to help students succeed in their studies.

Armed Forces Medical Bursaries

If you’re considering a career in the armed forces, you might explore bursaries offered by the Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy. These bursaries come with commitments to serve after graduation, making them an excellent option for those interested in military medicine. This pathway not only supports your education but also offers a unique career trajectory in the medical field.

Additional Costs to Consider

While tuition and living costs are primary concerns, there are additional expenses to consider when pursuing GEM:

 Admissions Process Costs

• Admissions Tests: As part of applying to GEM, you will likely have to sit an admissions test and pay the fees associated. Requirements vary by university but could include the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) which costs £286 in the UK or the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) which costs £70 within the UK or £115 if taken outside of the UK. You may also want to purchase books or attend courses to help prepare for these tests.

  Once you are ready to submit your application through UCAS, there is a small fee depending on whether you apply to one or more universities. International students may also need to consider the additional cost of English language tests.

• Interview Costs: Attending interviews may involve travel and accommodation expenses, especially if you need to visit multiple universities. It's essential to factor these costs into your budget.

 Clinical Placement Costs

During your studies, you’ll likely need to travel to various clinical placements. Some universities may offer bursaries to cover these travel expenses, so it’s worth checking with your institution. This support can alleviate some financial pressure as you gain invaluable practical experience in diverse medical settings.

Materials and Equipment

As a medical student, you'll need to budget for textbooks, clinical equipment like a stethoscope, uniforms for placements, and other essential materials. These costs can add up, so plan accordingly to avoid financial stress.

Post-Graduation Costs

Although it may feel far away, beyond medical school there are costs associated with your years as a junior doctor and years in specialty training. These include membership of relevant bodies and medical societies, course fees, conferences and essential exam costs required to progress in speciality training.

1. Grab a part-time job – If you can squeeze it into your busy life, snagging a part-time job can really help boost your cash flow. Just make sure to check with your school first, because they might have rules on how much you can work.
2. Talk to folks who've been there – Hit up students who are in the thick of it or those who've already crossed the finish line. They're a goldmine for tips on covering costs and might clue you in on stuff you haven't even thought of.
3. Be a savvy saver – Stretch that student budget by hunting down discounts, scooping up used textbooks, and living somewhere that won't break the bank. Every little bit you save means less stress on the wallet.