A Second Degree with Full Funding? Yes, It's Real.
Student Finance England (SFE) typically does not fund a second undergraduate degree. This is known as the Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) rule. However, the UK government has created critical exceptions for courses in healthcare, social work, teaching, and other high-demand fields. If you already hold a degree and want to retrain, this is your pathway to a second degree funded through Student Finance England loans.
What Funding Is Available?
Eligible students receive the full standard SFE package, identical to first-time students:
- Full Tuition Fee Loan: Covers the entire cost of tuition (up to £9,250/year), paid directly to the university.
- Full Maintenance Loan: Up to £13,022/year in London or £9,978/year elsewhere, to cover living costs.
The NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF)
On top of the SFE package, healthcare students receive additional non-repayable support from the NHS:
- Training Grant: £5,000 per year — non-means-tested, non-repayable.
- Specialist Subject Payment: An extra £1,000/year for high-shortage courses (e.g., mental health nursing, learning disability nursing, radiography).
- Parental Support: £2,000/year for students with at least one dependent child.
- Travel & Dual Accommodation Expenses: Reimbursement for excess travel costs during clinical placements.
- Exceptional Support Fund: Up to £3,000/year for students facing financial hardship.
Which Courses Qualify for Full Second Degree Funding?
| Category | Qualifying Courses |
|---|---|
| Healthcare & Allied Health | Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Learning Disability), Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics, Radiography (Diagnostic & Therapeutic), Paramedic Science, Operating Department Practice, Podiatry, Dental Hygiene & Therapy, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Orthoptics |
| Social Work | BA (Hons) Social Work |
| Medicine & Dentistry | Graduate-entry programmes |
| Teaching | Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to QTS |
| Architecture | MArch (RIBA Part 2) |
| Veterinary Science | Veterinary Science degrees |
Universities Offering These Programmes
| University | Key Courses Available |
|---|---|
| Birmingham City University | Nursing (4 pathways), Midwifery, Social Work, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, ODP |
| Sheffield Hallam University | Nursing (3 pathways), Midwifery, Social Work, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography |
| University of Salford | Nursing, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry |
| University of Bradford | Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Diagnostic Radiography |
| Oxford Brookes University | Nursing (3 pathways), Occupational Therapy |
| Edge Hill University | Nursing, Social Work, ODP, Paramedic Practice |
| University of Chester | Nursing, Social Work, Midwifery |
| University of Northampton | Nursing, Paramedic Science, Occupational Therapy |
| Liverpool John Moores University | Nursing, Paramedic Science |
How to Apply
The application process is the same as for first-time students: apply through UCAS, then apply for Student Finance separately. EduForYou guides you through every step — from choosing the right course to completing your SFE application. Our service is 100% free.
Ready to start? Check your eligibility now or sign up for the waitlist below to receive priority information about second degree programmes.
