The average medical student debt on graduation has risen from £23,909 to £24,092, the British Medical Association (BMA) reports.
Photo by upsuportsmouthPoorer medical students’ debts have also soared. Those from low-income backgrounds graduate over £13,000 more in debt than better off students – graduating with a projected debt of £37,588 (up from £26,324 in the past 12 months).
The survey from the BMA also reports that the number of medical students from the lowest income brackets is in decline over the past 12 months.
Co-chairwoman of the BMA Medical Student Committee Elly Pilavachi said:
“Medical students are now facing extremely high levels of graduation debt. Many are clearly heavily dependent on financial support from their families and friends to get through the intensive, five to six-year medical course. However, the picture for those from low-income backgrounds is particularly alarming with their debt levels a staggering £13,000 higher than those from higher income brackets.”
Clearly there is a lot to think about if you are planning on becoming a medical student, or already are one. What do you think about the current financial plight of med students?
