There are no readily available statistics specifically detailing how many second-degree medical students drop out of university in the UK, as most studies focus on overall medical attrition rates or data for all undergraduates. However, medical course attrition rates are generally low compared to other programmes, with past studies showing UK rates from 6% to 14%, and a 2025 study by the British Medical Association (BMA) found around one in five medical students overall considered dropping out.
With the maximum tuition fees universities and colleges in England can charge increasing from £9,250 to £9,535 for the 2025-26 academic year, it will be more financially challenging for postgraduate students to study for a second degree. For those students who, like so many others, have been hit by the cost of living crisis, the possibility of further study at degree level seems even more remote.
To help address this gap in financial support, the Charity’s Board has taken the decision to offer an annual scholarship of up to £9,535 which will be awarded as either an individual scholarship or split between up to three applicants. The fund will be named The Leslie Fitch Scholarship in memory of a devoted Friend of the Hospital at Rye who generously donated £350,000 to be used in the best interests of the Charity. What better use of these funds than to support the further education of talented individuals who would otherwise have missed the opportunity to pursue careers in NHS clinical services.
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, please refer to the specific eligibility criteria.
– If you would prefer to apply in writing, please email Francesca Clent, our Charity Office Manager, at francesca@ryehospital.org.uk to receive a hard copy of the application form.
– If you are unsuccessful in your application, please consider contacting the organisations below as they may be able to assist you.
