NHSBSA Learning Support Fund available to specific PTP trainees for clinical placement expenses

From the 2025/2026 academic year onwards, new and continuing trainees studying undergraduate pharmacy or pre-registration healthcare science courses will be able to access the travel and dual accommodation expenses provision of the Learning Support Fund. Pharmacy and healthcare science trainees on eligible courses who meet the general eligibility criteria sited in paragraph 2.4, will be able to register with the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) for a Learning Support Fund account prior to the start of the academic year in September 2025. Further guidance on the registration process will be published on the Learning Support Fund page of the NHS Business Services Authority website over the Summer.

The 9th edition of the Learning Support Fund rules for the 2025/2026 academic year are available online and will come into effect from September 2025. The changes are covered in paragraph 2.7(b) of the updated rules.

This latest update is an important step in helping to ensure that healthcare trainees who undertake mandatory placements as part of their course, are supported through travel and dual accommodation expenses cost reimbursement. This brings them in line with all other healthcare undergraduate courses which fall under clinical national education and training tariff arrangements. The Department of Health and Social Care said the Learning Support Fund eligibility rules will continue to be kept under review.

Graham Wilson, Training Programme Director for Undergraduate and Apprenticeships said;

it is hoped that this will be a significant help in the recruitment to healthcare science PTP undergraduate degrees