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Funding
What studying medicine costs in Scotland, and the funding, bursaries and scholarships that can help.
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What it costs
What does medicine cost?
If you're from Scotland and study in Scotland, SAAS pays your tuition fees. The bigger costs are living costs – rent, food and travel – over 5 or 6 years.
Tuition
£1,820 per year
Paid by SAAS for eligible Scottish students
Living costs
Loan + Bursary
From SAAS, based on your circumstances
Extras
Travel and kit
Placements can mean travel – look for travel bursaries
SAAS
The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) funds most Scottish students. Apply online each year – contact SAAS directly about payment plans or special circumstances.
What SAAS covers
Your tuition fees
A loan for living costs - you only repay once you're earning
Non-repayable bursaries, depending on your circumstances
One extra year if you repeat a year or intercalate
Good to know
Reapply every year – your funding depends on your circumstances
Matriculate (enrol) on time or your payments may be delayed
Paid monthly September to May, with a double payment at the start
If medicine is your second degree, SAAS won't pay tuition – but you may still get a living-cost loan
Working while you study
Many medical students work part-time, though it can be hard to fit around a busy timetable. Jobs like clinical support worker are popular – you get to know the wards and build your communication skills with the healthcare team.
University scholarships and bursaries
Every Scottish medical school has extra support. Some you're assessed for automatically; others need a nomination or application.
Aberdeen
Robertson Trust Scholarship
For pupils facing financial or social barriers – nominated by your school or a widening access programme
Cormack Family Foundation Scholarship
Gateway2Medicine students
Aberdeen Medics Scholarship Fund
Gateway2Medicine students
Entrance Scholarship Scheme
Check the university website for details
Dundee
Dow Memorial Trust Scholarship
You're automatically assessed for financial need
Edinburgh
Travel Bursary
All students in clinical years 4–6
Access Edinburgh Scholarship
Automatically assessed from your SAAS application
Robertson Trust Scholarship
Nomination-based
Andrea Levy Scholarship
Students of Black African or Caribbean heritage facing socio-economic challenges
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Disadvantaged Black British students
Unite Foundation Scholarship
Care-experienced or estranged students
Glasgow
Undergraduate Talent Scholarship
See the university website
Travel bursary
Up to £50 a month
Sanctuary Scholarship
Students who came to the UK on humanitarian grounds
James McCune Smith Scholarship
Students of African or African-Caribbean heritage
St Andrews
Scholarships list
St Andrews has a long list of scholarships - check their website
Other funding
Stapley Trust
For people studying medicine as a second degree
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust
If you, a parent or partner work in grocery, community pharmacy or commercial travel
Helena Kennedy Foundation
Bursaries and support for eligible students
Top tip: keep looking
Funding isn't just for first year. New scholarships, travel bursaries and hardship funds come up throughout medical school, so keep checking.
Useful Links
SAAS – apply for funding
Stapley Trust - second-degree students
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust - eligibility and how to apply
Helena Kennedy Foundation - bursaries