NHS Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

The NHS Bursary currently pays your university tuition fees and may also provide a contribution towards living costs and certain placement-related expenses.

When combined with Student Finance support, the bursary can offer a significant financial benefit throughout your studies. However, whether the bursary is the most appropriate option will depend on your individual circumstances and financial arrangements. We strongly recommend that you review the available information carefully before making a decision.

Please note that students who accept an NHS Bursary are normally required to work for NHS Wales for two years following graduation, provided an appropriate post is available within a reasonable period.

You can begin the application process once you have received an offer for the programme.

Bursary applications cannot be fully processed until you have enrolled at Cardiff Met. If necessary, applications can still be submitted during the first few weeks of your first term.

For further information about student finance, please visit our Fees and Finance pages.

Cardiff Met accepts a range of recognised equivalent qualifications, including:

• University of South Wales equivalencies
• Aberystwyth University equivalencies
• Mathematics Equivalency Module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 and 2)
• English Equivalency Module (English Language Skills)

Equivalent qualifications must be awarded by a recognised and reputable organisation.

If you are unsure whether your qualification is acceptable, please contact Admissions at askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk for advice before applying.

The equivalency of overseas qualifications is assessed through UK ENIC (formerly NARIC).

Please note that NHS Commissioned Programmes are generally not available to international students. If you are a Home-fee applicant with qualifications obtained overseas, please contact Admissions for individual advice regarding your eligibility and qualifications.

Applications for NHS Commissioned Programmes must be submitted through UCAS.

For 2027 entry, the UCAS Equal Consideration deadline is: 13 January 2027

Applications submitted after this date may still be considered where places remain available.

No.

All applications for undergraduate NHS Commissioned Programmes must be submitted through the UCAS Undergraduate system.

Further information about applying can be found at: https://www.ucas.com

Yes.

Entry to NHS Commissioned Programmes is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete the specific DBS process required by Cardiff Met and we encourage joining the DBS Update Service. Existing DBS certificates cannot normally be accepted unless the appropriate Update

Service checks can be completed.

Please note that enrolment cannot take place until all required checks have been satisfactorily completed.

We warmly welcome Welsh-medium applicants.

You should apply through UCAS in the usual way and are encouraged to indicate your interest in studying through the medium of Welsh within your application and personal statement.

Further information about studying through the medium of Welsh.

If your application meets our entry requirements, you will receive communications from Cardiff Met confirming that your application is being considered.

Following the UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, applicants selected for interview will normally receive an invitation by email. In some circumstances, invitations may be issued before the Equal Consideration deadline.

Please ensure that you regularly check the email account associated with your UCAS application.

Interview invitations and instructions will be sent by email.

Once confirmed, your interview details will also appear in your UCAS Hub. You may additionally receive communications by telephone, text message or WhatsApp.

Important: If you do not respond to interview communications within a reasonable timeframe (normally 10 days from the date of the email), we may assume that you no longer wish to be considered and your application may be withdrawn.

Interview dates vary between programmes and are arranged according to programme requirements and staff availability.

Applicants will always be given sufficient notice to prepare.

For programmes other than Podiatry, interviews for 2027 entry will begin during the week commencing 25 January 2027.

Podiatry applicants will be contacted separately once applications have been processed.

Strong applicants typically demonstrate:

• A clear understanding of the profession they are applying for
• Knowledge of the role within the NHS
• Awareness of NHS values and their importance in professional practice
• Relevant experiences that demonstrate these values

You may find it helpful to:

• Attend a Cardiff Met Open Day
• Participate in programme experience days where available
• Research the relevant professional body
• Learn about different clinical settings and career pathways
• Shadow a healthcare professional where possible

We encourage applicants to spend time exploring the profession thoroughly before attending interview.

NHS Commissioned Programmes are linked to commissioned student numbers and placement capacity. Due to this, deferrals are not normally permitted.

Due to the professional and placement-based nature of NHS Commissioned Programmes, students should avoid making holiday bookings during term time.

Programmes typically begin in early September and conclude in July. However, placement commitments may occasionally fall outside these dates and must always take priority over personal travel arrangements.

We strongly recommend waiting until your academic and placement commitments are confirmed before making any holiday bookings.