From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, eligible students with full access to the NHS Learning Support Fund will be able to receive advance payments for placement-related travel and accommodation costs as part of the Government's 10-Year Plan commitments.

Health minister, Alison McGovern said: ‘No student training to care for patients should be held back because they cannot afford the upfront cost of getting to a placement.

‘These advance payments will put money in students' pockets before costs hit, easing pressure on budgets and helping NHS staff get the experience they need, whether that is in a city hospital or a remote coastal community.

‘This is another step in delivering our 10-Year Health Plan, backing students, breaking down barriers to training, and building the NHS workforce patients need for the future.'

Professor Suzanne Rastrick, chief allied health professions officer for England, added: ‘I am delighted eligible allied health professional students will be able to start their courses this year without having to worry about paying for their placement costs upfront.

‘We know that these upfront costs such as travel or accommodation are a challenge for our future workforce – so we want to make sure they can focus all their efforts on their training instead of worrying about these costs.'