£10,000 Nursing bursary

Our NHS is only as strong as the people who work in it. Behind every appointment and every ward are nurses and midwives who keep services running and look after people at their most vulnerable. Making sure we steadily keep growing the number of midwives and nurses we have in the years to come starts with making it possible and accessible for people to train, regardless of their financial situation.

That’s why the Scottish Government’s commitment in 2021 to maintain the £10,000 annual nursing and midwifery bursary has been so significant.

Through the Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary, eligible students receive £10,000 each year of their studies. It is non-means tested and non-repayable, giving students a level of financial certainty that matters. This is especially important at a time when the cost of living is constantly on the rise. Alongside free university tuition, it remains one of the most generous packages of support available anywhere in the UK.

This has made a real difference. It has helped ensure that nursing and midwifery are realistic options for people from all backgrounds, not just those who can afford the costs associated with studying. By removing that financial barrier, more people can choose a career in healthcare and continue to care for our communities.

At a time when our NHS is under sustained pressure, that pipeline of new staff is essential. Increasing the number of trained nurses and midwives is key to improving access to care, reducing waiting times, and supporting the staff already working tirelessly across the system.

Maintaining this bursary is a clear example of how practical decisions can have a lasting impact. It is about backing students, strengthening our workforce, and making sure our NHS is there for people when they need it.