Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Fund free prescriptions for English university students

Closed 69 signatures

What the petition asks

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free. We think English university students should also be able to get their prescriptions for free too.
Currently, students in full time education can only access free prescriptions up to 18. This should be raised to university age (e.g. at least 21).

We believe everyone is feeling the impact of the current cost of living crisis, especially students - many of whom already sacrifice their studying to work. Prescriptions are an additional expense students could do without.

The age for English students in full time education getting free prescriptions should be raised from 18 to university age (at least 21).

Timeline

14 Jul 2025 Petition opened for signatures
14 Jan 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 69
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 14 Jul 2025
Closed 14 Jan 2026

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 16 Aug 2026.