We are pleased to announce our 2026 Healthcare Science training award bursary is now open for applications. This bursary is for a contribution of up to £4,000, by PSD Scotland, for an in-service NHS Scotland Healthcare Scientist (Bands 2-9) to undertake an academic programme, professional qualification or professional examination to assist in further development.

You CANNOT apply for this award fund if you are:

• not employed on a permanent NHS Scotland contract (not eligible if on a fixed-term, temporary or honorary contract)
• currently on a PSD Scotland funded training post (e.g. STP/STP equivalence/HSST equivalence)
• a previously successful applicant with 3 or more such bursary awards
• applying for funds to undertake research not associated with an academic programme or qualification
• applying for funds to assist with equivalence applications (ACS, AHCS or IBMS)
• applying for a degree assessment (IBMS, UKENIC)
• applying for funds to attend conferences

Please note this bursary provides funding for one year only, and must be claimed in full within the 2026/27 financial year. If funding is required beyond this duration then further funding must be re-applied for in subsequent bursaries and is not guaranteed. For further guidance please read our Applicant Guidance document by selecting the following link: PSDS 2026 HCS Training Award Bursary - Applicant Guidance.

Submit your application using our MS Forms, but please note that this will close on Friday 5^th June @ 17:00.

We commission around 20 supernumerary trainee Clinical Scientists annually to ensure that NHS Scotland has a direct entry pathway for able science applicants. Training involves either 3-year Scientist Training Programme (STP), or if no STP is commissioned within Scotland for that discipline an equivalent M-level programme.

Clinical Scientist commissions for 2027 will be announced in June 2026. All information will be posted on our website here