Medical students at universities across England are taking part in a BMA-backed national campaign day on Wednesday, 11 February, calling for full finance maintenance for the entirety of their course.

A new BMA report on medical student finance, published that morning, lays bare the damage a gap in funding has on many students – with many struggling to afford food or heating. 

The report finds the existing system fails many students, with the severe pressure on their finances forcing some to consider dropping out of their course.  

The ‘Fix our Funding’ forum events, led by the BMA’s Medical Student Committee, will bring the campaign directly to campuses, raising awareness of how this drop in funding harms students’ wellbeing, education, and career prospects.

Unlike most undergraduates, medical students study for five or six years, and in the later years of their degree they lose access to full student finance maintenance loans, and move onto a reduced rate loan, alongside a much smaller NHS Bursary. In the 2025/2026 university year alone, some students moving from full student finance to the NHS Bursary will see a drop of more than £4,500 - forcing many into financial hardship.  

A BMA survey of more than 3,500 medical students, published in the report, found that financial pressures are already taking a serious toll. Four-in-ten students said they’ve considered leaving or pausing their course because they’re worried about being able to pay for it. Nine-in-ten said it has a detrimental effect on their mental health.  

Many reported cutting back on essentials such as food and heating, relying on overdrafts or private loans, juggling multiple jobs alongside full-time study, or turning to family, friends, and hardship funds to get by. Over 100 respondents reported using food banks.

Speaking ahead of the national awareness day, BMA medical school committee’s deputy co-chair for finance Yalna Pouya said:

“Too many students are struggling to afford the basics while they’re studying hard to become the doctors of the future. They’re burning out trying to work multiple jobs to keep afloat, and in too many cases questioning whether they can continue training as doctors at all. The NHS can’t afford to lose them.”

Fellow co-chair Anusha Gajanan added:  

“This awareness day is not about disruption or confrontation. It’s about awareness, education and unity. By bringing the campaign onto campus, students can show just how widespread and serious this issue has become, and why the Government needs to pay attention and act.

“Making sure medical students receive full maintenance funding for the entirety of their studies is a small change that would make a real difference - not just for us students, but for the sustainability and diversity of the future NHS workforce.”

The BMA says restoring full maintenance funding throughout medical degrees would cost the Treasury £29 million, around 0.147% of Student Finance England’s annual lending, but would make a significant difference in helping students complete their training.

Failing to address the funding gap risks undermining the future medical workforce, the BMA warns, as financial hardship deters students from less advantaged backgrounds from entering or remaining in the profession at a time when the NHS is under intense pressure. 

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.

You can download a copy of the MSC's 'Fix our Funding' report here. 

The following universities will host campus events on the campaign day:

Anglia Ruskin University 
Bangor University 
University of Birmingham
University of Exeter
King’s College London 
Newcastle University 
University of Leeds  
University of Lancashire 
University of Nottingham 
University of Sheffield 
University of Sunderland 
University of Surrey 

You can find more information and campaign materials on the MSC’s Instagram profile.