Pharmacist Support launches 2026 Student Bursary Scheme with continued support from Alliance Healthcare

Pharmacist Support, the profession’s independent charity dedicated to championing the wellbeing of pharmacy students, trainees and pharmacists, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Student Bursary Scheme, supported by Cencora Alliance Healthcare.

Now in the third year of this valued partnership, Cencora Alliance Healthcare’s continued support ensures that pharmacy students facing unexpected challenges during their MPharm that have impacted them financially can access vital financial help at a critical point in their studies.

The Student Bursary Scheme will open to applications on 2 February 2026 and close on 20 April 2026. It offers awards of £3,000 or £5,000 to MPharm students entering their final year in September 2026 who have experienced an unexpected challenge that has had both a personal and financial impact since starting their degree.

A scheme with lasting impact

For more than a decade, the Student Bursary Scheme has quietly but powerfully changed lives. Since the scheme began in 2014, and up to 2025, 103 bursaries have been awarded, totalling £332,000, helping students stay on their courses, complete their degrees, and move forward into the profession.

Demand for support continues to grow. In the most recent scheme year, all 28 fully accredited pharmacy schools in GB agreed to take part, with 88 applications received from students across 24 universities—a clear reflection of both the need for, and trust in, the scheme.

Behind every application is a student with a story. One of those students, Sofia*, shared how the bursary became a turning point during an incredibly difficult time in her life:

“I was facing a set of circumstances that would have been impossible to overcome without financial assistance. I am a single mother of 2 babies and I lived on one side of this country and my university was on the other side. I had just gotten divorced and following that, I became homeless and was really struggling financially and even emotionally. I had no idea how I was going to make it work financially. This bursary has relieved so much of the burden that I was carrying alone on my shoulders. I don't know how I would have been able to finish my degree without the bursary and therefore I was facing the very real and heartbreaking possibility of being left without the qualifications I needed to become a pharmacist. As far as the impact it has had, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this bursary has altered the trajectory of my future and of course the futures of my 2 toddlers. They will get to see their mother graduate this summer thanks to this bursary. Isn’t that amazing?”

A partnership built on shared values

Pharmacist Support and Cencora Alliance Healthcare share a commitment to supporting the next generation of pharmacy professionals, not just academically, but as people navigating real-life challenges.

Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said:

“Students are the future of our profession, and too many face unexpected hardship that puts their studies, wellbeing, and confidence at risk. This bursary scheme is about more than financial support—it’s about belief, reassurance, and helping students stay the course. We are incredibly grateful to Cencora Alliance Healthcare for standing alongside us for a third year and helping us make this life-changing support possible.”

Marie Evans, Managing Director of Cencora Alliance Healthcare UK, said:

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Pharmacist Support and to support the Student Bursary Scheme for a third year. Pharmacy students are facing increasing pressures, and we believe it’s vital to help remove barriers that could prevent talented individuals from completing their training and entering the profession.”

Applications now open

The 2026 Student Bursary Scheme will be open to students at fully accredited pharmacy schools from 2 February to 20 April 2026. Full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidance can be found at: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/student-experience/bursary-scheme/