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Opting out of NHS funding

Last updated: 10/08/2023 10:12

If you plan not to commit to working in Wales for two years after qualifying, you can still study a healthcare course in Wales and apply for funding through Student Finance. You will need to opt out of the commitment to work in Wales after qualifying to be eligible for full Student Finance funding.

Information about what Student Finance funding you can apply for and are entitled to receive, including instructions on how to opt out of the NHS Wales commitment is available on our student finance funding webpages.

Changing your mind

You have up to 10 weeks after starting your course to change your mind after making your commitment to work in Wales post-qualification and receive NHS funding.

To opt-out of the commitment you will need to:

  1. Cancel your NHS Wales Bursary application.  You can do this by emailing the NHS Student Awards Service (SAS) on abm.sas@wales.nhs.uk to explain that you want to opt out from the NHS Bursary and request that your application is cancelled. You will need to include your SAS reference number or date of birth.
  2. Register again as a new student on the NHS Wales Student Awards Service website using a new username and a new email address. This time register your decision to opt out. You should receive an email that confirms you have opted out.
  3. Pass on the e-mail to Student Finance. You can upload the opt out confirmation email to your Student Finance account via the new digital evidence upload option or send it to the designated email address. It would be helpful to do both to make sure Student Finance has the opt out confirmation:

If you're applying to Student Finance Wales (SFW)

Complete and submit the following 3 forms:

  1. PFF2 - Assessment of financial circumstances 2023 to 2024 form.
  2. NMT to MT form (23/24) (applying for student finance based on your household income form).
  3. Tuition Fee Loan request form (23/24).

If you are a single independent student, you don’t need to do the PFF2 form.

You can upload the completed forms and evidence via the new digital upload option on your SFW account. Alternatively, you can send everything by post to the address on the forms.

Keep checking your SFW online account or telephone SFW for updates on the progress of your application.

If you're applying to Student Finance England (SFE)

Complete and submit the following 3 forms:

  1. PFF2 - Assessment of financial circumstances 2023 to 2024 form.
  2. Applying for student finance based on your household income form 2023/24 form.
  3. Tuition Fee Loan request form - call Student Finance England to request this form.

If you are a single independent student, you don’t need to do the PFF2 form.

You can upload the completed forms and evidence via the new digital upload option on your SFE account. Alternatively, you can send everything by post to the address on the forms.

Keep checking your SFE online account or telephone SFE for updates on the progress of your application.

Further advice

If you have any questions about funding your healthcare course and how to apply for funding contact:

Student Funding and Advice Team