Funding and Financial Support for Midwifery Courses
Last reviewed: September 2026
Funding for an Access to HE Diploma is separate from funding for a university midwifery degree. NHS Learning Support Fund support is generally considered at university level for eligible healthcare students; it should not be treated as payment for the Access course.
Your position can depend on residency, previous study, the course and provider, household circumstances and the funding rules for the academic year. Use the official guidance linked below before making a financial commitment.
Funding at a glance
| Stage | What may be available | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Access to HE Diploma | A course fee paid before university. | Check the current provider fee, payment terms and what is included. Academy Online Learning includes registration fees in its Access course price. |
| Advanced Learner Loan | May be available for an eligible course with an approved provider in England. | Check the exact course and provider. Do not assume this course is eligible without current confirmation. |
| University tuition fees | Eligible students may be able to apply for tuition-fee support for a qualifying degree. | Check the student finance body for where you normally live, plus course, previous-study and residency rules. |
| University living costs | Eligible students may be able to apply for maintenance support. | Support is assessed under the relevant student finance rules and is not available to everyone. |
| NHS Learning Support Fund | Additional support may be available to eligible students on eligible university midwifery courses in England. | Check NHSBSA’s current rules, deadlines and course eligibility. This is not Access course funding. |
| Placement and travel costs | Some eligible students may claim support for qualifying placement travel or accommodation costs. | Check evidence, distance, claim and deadline rules before budgeting on reimbursement. |
| Childcare and hardship | Student finance, NHSBSA or university support may exist for eligible circumstances. | Check each scheme separately; eligibility and application routes differ. |
Paying for the Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) is studied before university and its fee is separate from university tuition fees. Academy Online Learning’s Midwifery course details show the current fee and payment options. Registration fees are included in Academy Online Learning’s course price, although that is not necessarily true of every provider.
If you use instalments with Academy Online Learning, check the total amount payable, payment dates and cancellation terms. University student finance does not pay for the Access course. Some NHS Trust employees have had an Access course paid for by their Trust; ask your HR team or manager whether any scheme exists for you, what it covers and what conditions apply. This is not guaranteed and should not be assumed when planning your route.
Advanced Learner Loans
GOV.UK describes Advanced Learner Loans as support for eligible further education courses delivered by approved providers in England. Eligibility depends on the course, provider and the applicant’s circumstances. For some eligible Access to HE routes, the outstanding loan balance may be written off after completion of an eligible higher education course, subject to the current rules and conditions.
Do not assume that an Advanced Learner Loan is available for Academy Online Learning’s course. If you are planning to use an Advanced Learner Loan, ask Academy Online Learning (Call us on 0161 726 5970) and check the official Advanced Learner Loan guidance and ask the provider about the exact course before relying on it in your budget.
Student finance for a midwifery degree
University student finance is separate from the Access course. Eligible students may be able to apply for tuition-fee and maintenance support for a qualifying midwifery degree, but the outcome depends on personal circumstances and the funding body for the nation where they normally live.
- Student finance for undergraduates in England
- Check student finance eligibility by nationality and residency
- Student Awards Agency Scotland
- Student Finance Wales
- Student Finance Northern Ireland
NHS Learning Support Fund
The NHS Learning Support Fund (NHS LSF) is additional support for eligible students on eligible healthcare courses in England, including midwifery. It is administered by NHS Business Services Authority and is separate from the Access to HE Diploma.
Current NHSBSA guidance covers provisions including the Training Grant, Parental Support, Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses, and the Exceptional Support Fund. The Specialist Subject Payment is limited to specified courses, so do not assume that it applies to midwifery. Each provision has conditions, and students generally need to meet the relevant student finance and course eligibility requirements. Amounts, deadlines and rules can change.
Read the current NHS Learning Support Fund guidance and the 2026 to 2027 NHS financial support rules before assuming that a payment applies to you.
Placement and household costs
Midwifery degrees include practice learning, which can create costs such as travel, parking, temporary accommodation, uniforms, equipment, childcare and changes to working hours. Ask each university how placements are organised and which costs students are expected to meet.
Some eligible students may be able to claim approved travel or dual-accommodation costs through NHSBSA. Claims are subject to evidence and deadlines, so keep receipts and check the current rules. A university hardship fund or disability support team may also be able to explain other help available to eligible students.
Questions to check before you commit
- What is the current Access course fee, and are registration fees included?
- Is any loan available for this exact Access course and provider?
- Which student finance body should I use for the university degree?
- Does my chosen midwifery degree qualify for NHS Learning Support Fund applications?
- What placement travel, accommodation, childcare and equipment costs should I budget for?
- Are there university hardship, disability or parental support services I should contact?