Pursuing a career in nursing is not only fulfilling but also offers excellent job security and opportunities for advancement. However, the cost of nursing education can be a significant concern for many prospective students. Fortunately, various funding and financial support options are available to help ease the financial burden.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the financial resources available for nursing students in the UK, including those opting for Access to Higher Education Diplomas as a pathway into nursing.
Tuition Fees for Nursing Courses
Undergraduate Nursing Degrees
- Tuition Costs: In England, tuition fees for full-time undergraduate nursing degrees are typically up to £9,250 per year.
- Duration: Most nursing degrees last for three years, amounting to a total tuition cost of up to £27,750.
Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas
- Tuition Costs: The cost for an Access to HE Diploma in Nursing varies but generally ranges from £1,300 to £4,000. We are able to offer our Access to Nursing course at a lower cost because we don't have the large overheads associated with running a physical college campus.
- Duration: These diplomas usually take one academic year to complete (around 8 months). However, our flexible Access to Higher Education Diploma courses allow you to complete at your own pace.
Student Loans
Student loans are a primary source of funding for many nursing students.
Tuition Fee Loan
- Purpose: Covers the full cost of tuition fees.
- Repayment: Repayable after graduation once you earn above the repayment threshold.
Maintenance Loan
- Purpose: Helps with living costs such as accommodation, food, and travel.
- Amount: Varies based on household income, study location, and living arrangements.
- Examples:
- Living at Home: Up to £8,400 per year.
- Living Away from Home (Outside London): Up to £9,978 per year.
- Living Away from Home (In London): Up to £13,022 per year.
NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional financial support specifically for nursing students.
1. Training Grant
- Amount: A non-repayable grant of £5,000 per academic year.
- Eligibility: Available to all eligible new and continuing nursing students.
2. Specialist Subject Payment
- Amount: Additional £1,000 per year.
- Eligibility: For students specializing in areas with staffing shortages, such as mental health or learning disability nursing.
3. Parental Support
- Amount: Up to £2,000 per year.
- Eligibility: For students with at least one dependent child under the age of 15 (or under 17 if the child has special educational needs).
4. Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses
- Purpose: Reimburses additional travel and accommodation costs incurred due to attending practice placements.
- Eligibility: Costs must exceed the normal daily travel expenses to university.
5. Exceptional Support Fund
- Amount: Up to £3,000 per year.
- Eligibility: For students experiencing severe financial hardship.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Various bursaries and scholarships are available from universities, charitable organizations, and professional bodies.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Foundation Grants: Offers grants for nursing students facing financial hardship.
University Scholarships: Many universities provide merit-based or means-tested scholarships.
Local Charities and Trusts: Organizations like the Cavell Nurses' Trust offer financial support to nursing students.
Funding for Access to Higher Education Diplomas
Advanced Learner Loan
- Purpose: Covers the tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas.
- Eligibility: Available to students aged 19 or over.
- Loan Amount: Up to the full cost of your course fees.
- Application: Apply through the Student Loans Company.
Loan Repayment and the Access to HE Diploma
- Loan Write-Off: If you complete an Access to HE Diploma and then go on to complete a higher education course (like a nursing degree), the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan for the Access course is written off.
- Benefits:
- Financial Relief: Significant reduction in overall debt.
- Encouragement: Incentivizes progression to higher education.
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Apprenticeships in Nursing
Nursing Degree Apprenticeships
- Earn While You Learn: Work in a healthcare setting while studying part-time.
- Duration: Typically four years.
- Costs: Tuition fees are covered by your employer and the government.
- Salary: You receive a wage for your work.
- Eligibility: Must secure an apprenticeship position with a healthcare employer.
Additional Financial Support
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
- Purpose: Provides support for students with disabilities, mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties.
- Amount: Based on individual needs, not income.
- Covers: Specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, travel costs.
Childcare Grants
- Purpose: Helps with childcare costs for students with dependent children.
- Amount: Up to 85% of childcare costs.
- Eligibility: Means-tested based on household income.
Managing Your Finances
Budgeting
- Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to manage your funds effectively.
- Prioritize Essentials: Focus on rent, utilities, food, and course materials.
Part-Time Work
- Flexible Jobs: Consider part-time roles that fit around your study schedule.
- Healthcare Assistant Roles: Gain relevant experience while earning.
Financial Advice Services
- University Support: Most institutions offer financial advice and hardship funds.
- External Resources: Organizations like Citizens Advice provide free financial guidance.
FAQs
- 1. Can I receive both the NHS Learning Support Fund and student loans?
- Yes, you can receive funding from both the NHS Learning Support Fund and standard student loans, as they serve different purposes.
- 2. Is the NHS Training Grant repayable?
- No, the £5,000 NHS Training Grant is non-repayable.
- 3. How does the Advanced Learner Loan write-off work for Access to HE Diplomas?
- If you complete an Access to HE Diploma and then graduate from a higher education course like a nursing degree, any remaining balance on your Advanced Learner Loan for the Access course is written off.
- 4. Are there age limits for receiving student loans for nursing courses?
- No, there are no upper age limits for student loans in the UK, making nursing accessible for mature students.
- 5. Can international students access these funding options?
- Most funding options are available only to UK residents meeting specific eligibility criteria. International students should check with universities and may need to explore alternative funding sources.