What’s on offer?
Bursaries are available for the HFMA qualifications at certificate and diploma level in healthcare business and finance. So far we have supported more than 20 finance staff in the East of England to achieve masters level qualifications through these bursaries.
Who can apply and when?
HFMA’s masters level qualification in healthcare business and finance is designed specifically for individuals working within the UK healthcare sector. It will help you to broaden your understanding of strategic management and business in the health service to help address the financial and operational challenges facing the system.
To be accepted to study on the HFMA qualifications programme you will need to demonstrate through your application that you can study at masters-level. To access a bursary you will need to work for an NHS organisation within the East of England. There are no other prerequisites required, and applications from finance professionals in a range of roles and bandings are welcome. To ensure that we support as many individuals as possible from the funding available we will restrict bursaries to one per person.
Candidates with less than two years of professional experience in healthcare must complete the module ‘Making finance work in the NHS’ as part of their HFMA diploma. Qualified accountants with more than 2 years’ experience working in healthcare can gain exemption from the first 60 credits with HFMA if applying to study, and wish to move onto the executive MBA.
The places are on offer for the October 2026 intake (subject to availability).
If you’d like to discuss your suitability for the programme please contact academy@hfma.org.uk
How do I find out more about the qualifications?
The easiest way is to come along to an information session. A recording of the Spotlight on Qualifications session is available here.
Or you can hear from one of our East of England participants, Neeraj Beeknoo, who talks about his experiences here.
If you have any further queries please contact academy@hfma.org.uk
How do I apply?
Please complete this application form (Select the Finance Academy button when asked for funding option)
Applications for bursaries will be reviewed by the finance academy to check that the bursary requirements are met and funding availability. Once approved the HFMA qualifications team will be in touch to complete your formal entry.
Deadlines for application
- Apply by early October 2026 for the October 26 intake (final date tbc) – register your interest before this date by emailing academy@hfma.org.uk
What support will I get as a learner?
The HFMA Academy will support learners throughout the application process, and once you are enrolled the HFMA qualification team provides:
- Support from expert tutors
- 24/7 accessible learning environment
- Weekly live evening sessions
- Guidance on academic study skills
- Study breaks to allow catch-up
Is there financial support available towards an Executive MBA?
Bursaries are available for completion of the certificate and diploma qualifications which are the building blocks towards an MBA. Due to the higher level of funding required for an MBA, bursaries are not available for the full cost, however individuals who have not previously received a bursary can apply to the academy for part-funding.
Colleagues with protected characteristics can apply for HFMA research fellowships towards the costs of an Executive MBA.
Please contact the East of England Finance Academy (jane.payling@eastamb.nhs.uk) for more information on funding for MBAs