NHS Wales bursary scheme extended to 2025 amid ongoing cost of living crisis

In response to the ongoing cost of living crisis, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has confirmed that the Welsh Government will extend the NHS Wales Bursary scheme to eligible healthcare students studying in the 2024-25 academic year.

Students will also be able to access the full amount of maintenance loan from Student Finance Wales, in addition to the bursary. This includes Medical and Dentistry students in their bursary years.

The NHS Bursary provides non-repayable support covering tuition fees and living costs for student nurses, midwives, and allied healthcare professionals who commit to working in Wales for up to two years after qualifying.

With this extension, Medical and Dentistry students who usually live in Wales will be able to access the full amount of maintenance loan in their bursary years, regardless of where they study in the UK.

This announcement provides certainty about the bursary arrangements until 2025, helping students and course providers plan for the future.

Additionally, the Welsh Government will hold a consultation during this extension period to determine the best way to continue supporting people studying healthcare programmes in Wales, ensuring the country continues to attract and retain the best students.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan stated, “We are determined to ensure Wales remains an attractive proposition for talented healthcare students.”

“That’s why we continue to invest in the training of dedicated nurses, midwives, and other highly-skilled professionals working in our NHS.”

“This bursary has helped so many people qualify and work in the NHS, bolstering our workforce.”

“Access to the full amount of maintenance loan will also help those beginning their healthcare, medical, and dental journeys combat financial hardship and poor mental health amid the continuing cost of living crisis.”

Education Minister Jeremy Miles echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of supporting healthcare students during the cost of living crisis to train and retain a skilled medical workforce in Wales.

“We are providing funding to enable NHS Bursary students to access the full maintenance loan, ensuring that financial hardship is not a factor in preventing students from studying here,” he said.

Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, Sue Tranka, expressed her delight at the extension of the NHS bursary, noting it demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring the future sustainability of the NHS workforce.

This move is a crucial part of the Welsh Government’s efforts to support healthcare students and professionals amid the ongoing challenges posed by the cost of living crisis.