NHS Scotland Physiotherapy funded places scheme

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NHS Scotland Physiotherapy Funded Places Scheme 

The scheme is currently closed to applications and all 2024/25 funded places have been allocated.  An update on funding to support entry to MSc (Pre-Registration) Physiotherapy programmes commencing in September 2025 and January 2026 will be shared when information is available.

 

Updated: 11.10.24.

 

What is the Physiotherapy Funded Places Scheme?

In response to the national workforce demand the Scottish Government commissioned NHS Education for Scotland to facilitate implementation of the Funded Places Scheme.  The purpose of the scheme is to support students who fully intend to develop their future career within NHS Scotland to enter and undertake an MSc (Pre-Registration) Physiotherapy course at one of the Scottish HEIs.  The scheme offers payment of tuition fees for 2 years and agreement that a minimum of 50% of practice-based learning placements will be located within one health board area; or within NHS Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles in the case of the Inter Isles opportunity. Information on the geographical health boards that are part of the scheme can be found at the bottom of this webpage.

Please note the scheme covers tuition fees.  Placement and other expenses will still apply.

Further information on the scheme is available within this short video: video link and below.

How do I apply to the scheme?

The Physiotherapy Funded Places Scheme 2024/25 is now closed to applications.  Further information on 2025/26 opportunities will follow in 2025.

 

In order to be eligible to apply for the scheme you must hold an offer or be in the process of applying to the MSc (Pre-Registration) Physiotherapy programmes at Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen Margaret University or Robert Gordon University Aberdeen. The funding scheme application is completed separately to university application.

 

The application guidance contains the scheme's inclusion criteria. Please contact nes.nhspa@nhs.scot with any queries.

 

Higher Education Institute Application Timeframes

In order to be eligible to apply for to the Physiotherapy Funded Places Scheme 2024/25 you must hold an offer for or be in the process of applying for September 2024 or January 2025 intake on the MSc (Pre-registration) 2-year course at one of the Scottish Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) listed: Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow Caledonian University, Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, or Robert Gordon University Aberdeen.  Evidence of HEI application is required as part of your funded places scheme application.  

 

Timeframes to apply for a university place are different for each Higher Education Institute.  A summary can be found below for 2024/25 applications. Please note that the deadline for applying for a funded place through the NHS Funded Places Scheme is the same regardless of which university you apply / have applied to.

  • Edinburgh Napier University: Closed to university applications for January 2025 intake.
  • Glasgow Caledonian University: Closed to university applications for January 2025 intake.
  • Queen Margaret University Edinburgh: Closed to university applications for September 2024 and January 2025.
  • Robert Gordon University Aberdeen: Operates a rolling programme with no fixed deadline for applications.
Information from NHS boards who support the funded places scheme

Board Information

Information to consider at point of application and to assist identification of Board preferences. Please note that if successful a minimum of 50% of your practice-based learning placements will take place within your host board, this may be within any area of the host board. Please note NHS Orkney, NHS Shetland and NHS Western Isles are offering an inter isles experience and therefore this can be selected as one Board preference instead of selecting these Boards individually.