University offers last chance to secure nursing bursary

Bursaries for students starting undergraduate nursing degree courses in England may be history after the scheme was officially scrapped on 1 August. But there is one last chance to secure a nursing bursary for postgraduate studies.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is advertising a number of postgraduate nursing diploma courses, for pre-registration, non-nurse graduates.

While students on undergraduate pre-registration courses will have to pay tuition fees and take out student loans, those who secure a place on the two-year nursing diploma will have all of their tuition fees paid by the Department of Health.

Availability

Bucks New University in High Wycombe is one of the institutions with places still available.

The course is open to those with either a minimum of a 2.2 in a relevant degree, such as biology or psychology, or 2.1 in a non-relevant degree.

As well as the bursary, eligible students will be able to apply for a non-means tested annual grant of £1,000 from the NHS Bursary Scheme.

The funding is only in place for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Two weeks to secure place

Bucks New University dean of the Faculty of Society and Health Sue West said: ‘A career in nursing is one of the most fulfilling careers with lots of scope and opportunity for growth and development.

‘It’s a career that gives you access to work across a variety of care settings – be it hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes or the community.’

Although there is no hard deadline for applications, the university recommends applications should be made within the next two weeks to secure a place, as there are interviews and tests to be completed before the course starts in September.

Applications must be made through UCAS. Those looking to swap degree course may do so through clearing.

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