Hello,

I am a 25 year old looking to apply to Medical School for 2012.  I am replying to this topic as the bursary for years 2-4 in graduate entry medicine is currently unknown to apply beyond 2011.  As a mature student, I currently do not qualify for a tuition fee loan to cover the costs of studying Medicine due to completing my BSc in Medical Sciences as well as my MSc in Cancer Pharmacology (although this MSc was self-funded).

In this position, I can just about afford to stump up £9000 to cover the first years costs, if the funding stays in place for years 2-4 in graduate entry medicine.  If, however, this funding was revoked and not replaced in some way, I (as well as the vast majority of graduates) would be priced out of going to medical school. 

This would be a disaster as it would effectively end graduate entry medicine or if it still existed, would simply allow the rich to go into medicine at the expense of the middle and lower classes.  I don't think anyone would argue this being a positive.

It is a daunting prospect of having to find up to £36'000 to cover the cost of medical school for four year, especially since entry in 2011 is only £3250 for the first year with the rest being covered by the department of health.  This is an astronomical increase over one year that should not be overlooked.  A lot of students who chose to apply in 2012 last year over entry in 2011 to better prepare themselves financially are reeling at the speed at which this is being pushed through by the government.

This would have a negative impact on the future or healthcare as you would be blocking thousands of potential doctors over the coming years that have been through previous study or life experiences that I believe is extremely beneficial in any profession.  I am asking for is for some sort of funding support or access to a tuition fee loan for courses such as Medicine.  What makes this even more difficult is the withdraw of Professional Studies Loans (from Natwest etc.) that would allow private funding that could be paid back once we’ve completed our training.  Debt is obviously a concern to all of us, however to pursue our dream of becoming a doctor is a price I am personally willing to pay.  With no funding support and a overall cost of up to £36’000, only a very few select group of wealthy students would be able to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor.

Regards,

Andrew Dickins