Chamber and committees

We recognise the financial challenges faced by all students, including nursing and midwifery students, and know that this has been exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.

At this juncture, there are no definitive plans to increase the student nurse bursary, however, following the publication of the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) report ‘Nursing Student Finance: the true cost of becoming a nurse’ improvements have been made in response to the recommendations within the report surrounding student clinical placement expenses (which include travel and accommodation costs). Those improvements were taken forward in collaboration with the RCN and further work is planned to review the full package of support for those in receipt of the nursing, midwifery and paramedic student bursary. This work will be taken forward in conjunction with the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, which will shortly be making recommendations about the education and development of students and the existing workforce as part of its’ wider remit to make Scotland the best place to be a nurse or midwife.

The Scottish Government package of support for Scottish student nurses and midwives is at its highest level and remains the highest level of support available to nursing and midwifery students across the UK. The annual £10,000 bursary is non-means tested and non-repayable. Eligible pre-registration students also receive free tuition and funding for placement expenses – this includes travel and where appropriate accommodation expenses. Furthermore, uniforms, disclosure checks and health checks are also provided.

Students may also choose to explore registering with the Bank of healthcare workers at local NHS Boards which can provide a variety of paid opportunities, indeed many already take this up to supplement their income and experience. Whilst Bank work does not provide guaranteed work, it allows NHS Boards to offer students employment as and/or when the need arises in their local area. Once a student is registered with the Bank some Boards may also offer students a part time fixed term contract at a maximum of 15 hours per week. The opportunities which are available will vary between Boards, depending on their current and future requirements.