Course expenses: what the NHS 4–6 week standard actually says

Bottom line

NHS England’s 10 Point Plan says resident doctors should receive reimbursement for course-related expenses within 4 to 6 weeks of submitting valid claims. Its April 2026 update reported that 93% of trusts were reimbursing course expenses within six weeks.

What the national standard does not remove

Prior approval, local study-leave policy, eligible cost categories, receipt requirements and the correct submission route still matter. The national timing ambition does not make every expense reimbursable.

Keep a small evidence trail

• The course or activity approval and any agreed funding limit.
• Receipts and proof of payment for each cost claimed.
• The submitted claim and the date, portal or address used.
• Any acknowledgement, request for more information or rejection reason.
• The local policy version and contact route that applied when you submitted.

When six weeks passes

Check whether the claim was accepted as complete, then use the local payroll, expenses or medical-education contact route. Quote the submission date and claim reference. This briefing does not determine entitlement or the correct local escalation route.