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Funding your healthcare course

There are two funding options available to new students who plan to start a healthcare-related course from September 2026.

You will have a choice between two funding options if you choose to study one of the following courses at Cardiff University:

  • Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging (BSc)
  • Occupational Therapy (BSc)
  • Nursing (BN)
  • Midwifery (BMid)
  • Radiotherapy and Oncology (BSc)
  • Physiotherapy (BSc)
  • Dental Therapy and Hygiene (BSc)
  • Dental Hygiene (DipHE)

Subject to the terms and conditions of the funding bodies, the two funding options are:

  1. NHS Wales Bursary Scheme is available via the NHS Wales Student Awards Service. The Welsh Government has confirmed that the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme will continue to be available for new UK students starting in September 2026. To receive this funding, you will need to make a commitment to work in Wales for the NHS for 2 years after qualification, OR
  2. Full funding via your student finance body. This will be dependent on where you are ordinarily resident before you start your course. If you choose this funding option, you will have to formally opt out of the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme to be correctly assessed by your finance body

To determine which funding option is best for you, we advise that you compare both systems and consider:

  • your anticipated living costs, the two funding systems offer different upfront living costs funding and loan amounts
  • your commitment to work for the NHS in Wales for 2 years after you finish your course

You can find further information about the terms and conditions of the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme via the NHS Wales Student Awards Service.

Funding for specific healthcare courses

Find out more about the funding options available for a specific healthcare course:

If you plan to study:

  • Pre-Registration Physiotherapy (MSc)
  • Pre-Registration Occupational Therapy (MSc)

More information is available on NHS funding specific to these courses.

Get in touch

If you have any queries about funding for your course, contact the Student Funding and Advice team:

Student Funding and Advice team