Previously, unlike their peers in other healthcare degree programmes such as nursing, midwifery, and medicine, pharmacy students were excluded from the entire LSF, including the TDAE which reimburses travel and accommodation costs associated with attending placements. Whilst many Schools of Pharmacy provided some money towards these expenses, the disparity still left many pharmacy students with additional expense.
Recognising the inequity, PDA Student members launched and led the Fair Funding Campaign in November 2023. The campaign saw students speak directly to Westminster, with hundreds of MPharm students writing to their MPs. The campaign highlighted the inequality and the importance, for patients and the NHS, of supporting the future pharmacy workforce.
Their advocacy gained traction, and the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that pharmacy students would finally be included in the TDAE scheme. As of the 2025/26 academic year. Eligible MPharm students on clinical placements can claim a reimbursement for excess travel and accommodation costs, helping to level the playing field with students in other health disciplines.
This win represents a broader shift in recognising the vital role pharmacists play in the NHS and a clear message that student voices, when organised and supported, can bring about real policy change.
What this means for MPharm students
- Fairer access: Financial support for placement-related costs removes a key barrier for students, particularly from lower-income households.
- No more financial burden on students: Students can undertake placements in diverse healthcare settings without worrying about cost, and make sure, for all students, that the way they get to their placements is the safest, not the cheapest way to travel.
- Stronger representation: The success of the campaign reinforces the value of collective advocacy through membership organisations like the PDA.
Molly Charlton Chambers, 4th year PDA Student Rep for Kingston University said, “As one of the PDA Student Reps involved in the PDA Fair Funding campaign from the start, I am delighted that pharmacy students can now access the Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) portion of the Learning Support Fund (LSF).
The increased demand for clinical placements since the incorporation of Independent Prescribing has meant many students must travel a considerable distance to attend them, with some needing to stay in temporary accommodation. The inclusion of pharmacy students in the TDAE scheme means that eligible students will now be able to claim for excess travel and accommodation costs, helping to significantly reduce the financial burden faced by many students. It also demonstrates recognition of the importance of pharmacists and the need to support the future of the pharmacy workforce.
Thank you to all students who took part in the Fair Funding Campaign, including those 4th years who will not benefit directly from the change, but whose efforts will make a real impact on the next generations of pharmacy students. This is a milestone to celebrate and demonstrates the impact of hundreds of pharmacy students across England campaigning together. Pharmacy students should remain committed to securing the full benefits offered by the LSF, such as the Training Grant of £5,000 per academic year. I look forward to seeing how the next generation continue the campaign.”
PDA Student Committee Member for Keele University, Elif Akseki, first raised concerns over inequitable funding for MPharm students at a PDA Student Committee meeting in 2023. Together, the Student Committee and Student Reps planned and actioned the Fair Funding Campaign, engaging pharmacy student on campuses in England. Elif said, “Pharmacy students are crucial members of the multidisciplinary team and deserve fair funding to be able to attend placements like our peers on other healthcare courses. It’s a privilege to have been able work with PDA Student Reps and fellow pharmacy students to speak up and drive change. This is an example of how student voices can make a meaningful impact.”
Looking ahead
The Fair Funding Campaign marks the first student led campaign for the PDA, the pharmacy sector’s only independent trade union exclusively for pharmacists and demonstrates how student-led activism can shape the future of pharmacy education. The PDA and its student members continue to advocate for MPharm students in England to be fully included in the LSF.
MPharm students have shown that together, they can influence national policy and build a fairer, more accessible future for pharmacy.
Following today’s government announcement, the PDA will monitor how the LSF is implemented and continue to campaign with, and speak up for, MPharm students.
Learn more
- A step towards success for the PDA’s campaign for fair funding for MPharm students
- PDA students continue to campaign for fair funding – now with the support of their MPs!
- PDA student campaign is making an impact on NHS LSF exclusion issue
- PDA Student Reps lead campaign to secure fair financial support for MPharm students
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.