NHS LSF for Speech and Language degree ~ am I eligible as already have a first degree

I have one student loan from SLC England dating back to my first degree. I am looking to complete a degree in speech and language therapy and would like to claim the NHS LSF £5k grant. I understand that I need to be eligible for the student loan to claim the grant. However I am concerned that having a first degree already means I am not eligible. Can anyone advise? Is Speech and language therapy as an allied health course exempt from the rule?

Also I wouldn’t want the actual student loan as would self fund with some savings and then the grant, what evidence is needed for eligibility proof if I am not even taking the student loan.

For reference the course I am interested in is Keele uni and the four year integrated masters in Speech and Language therapy.
Thanks.

Reply 1

Lexie1995

I would double check with SF if it’s for speech and language. I have a degree already in art and I am getting full funding for my nursing degree. As far as I’m aware, they’ll give you a second student finance full loans if it’s for a healthcare course such as any branch of nursing, midwifery and paramedic. I am not sure if speech and language is part of it though sorry! Student finance are really good on the phone so it’ll be worth calling ☺️

Reply 2

Lexie1995

Original post by Hola25,

I have one student loan from SLC England dating back to my first degree. I am looking to complete a degree in speech and language therapy and would like to claim the NHS LSF £5k grant. I understand that I need to be eligible for the student loan to claim the grant. However I am concerned that having a first degree already means I am not eligible. Can anyone advise? Is Speech and language therapy as an allied health course exempt from the rule?
Also I wouldn’t want the actual student loan as would self fund with some savings and then the grant, what evidence is needed for eligibility proof if I am not even taking the student loan.
For reference the course I am interested in is Keele uni and the four year integrated masters in Speech and Language therapy.
Thanks.

This link may help https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/considering-or-university/financial-support-university

Reply 3

SLT2024

Yes speech and language therapy is entitled to a full second loan, you can see the list of subjects here: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/considering-or-university/financial-support-university

I’m pretty sure you can still claim the LSF even if you decide to not actually take the student loan out, you just have to prove that you are eligible : “If you’ve not applied for a student loan, you may still be eligible for NHS LSF. You’ll need to show us that you still meet the relevant eligibility criteria for SFE, SFW, SFNI or SAAS.”

You can read more in depth info here: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2024-04/NHS%20LSF%20guidance%20booklet%202023-24%20%28V3%29%2004.2024%20-%20ac%20checked.pdf