Nursing and Midwifery Bursaries
Purpose of Funding
Did you know that as an applicant for a pre-registration nursing or midwifery course, if you are resident in Scotland*, then you might be eligible not only to have your annual academic fees paid by SAAS, but you could also receive a self-requested Bursary of up to £10,000 per annum. (Terms and conditions apply, so please read the information below to confirm if you qualify.)
This is not a student loan, it is a payment to you to cover your living and travel costs while a pre-registration nursing or midwifery student, at either undergraduate or post-graduate level.
This is because nursing and midwifery education in Scotland is supported through dedicated funding mechanisms designed to:
- Support the ongoing development of healthcare workforce
- Reduce financial barriers to education
- Encourage students to enter critical healthcare professions
Who Provides the Funding?
The primary funding bodies include:
- Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
- Professional and Nursing Midwifery Student Bursary (PNMSB)
- Scottish Government
Important: This is not NHS funding, but government-supported financial assistance for students.
Who Can Apply for Nursing and Midwifery Funding?
Eligibility Criteria
Funding is primarily available for:
- Scottish domiciled students (permanent home address in Scotland) and
- New students entering pre-registration programs
- Full-time and part-time students
- Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) pre-registration nursing and midwifery courses are included.
Specific Eligibility Requirements
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a Scottish resident for at least three years before starting your course, and
- Are studying an approved nursing or midwifery program
- Are a new student (pre-registration) in nursing or midwifery
- Meet residency and academic requirements
Funding for Students from Rest of the UK
Students from other UK nations should contact their respective student finance bodies regarding Access and Merit bursaries:
- England: Student Finance England
- Wales: Student Finance Wales
- Northern Ireland: Student Finance Northern Ireland
- Each organization has specific application processes and funding structures
Funding Amount and Coverage
Tuition Costs
Your full tuition fees for each year of your course are typically covered. However, if you have had fees paid for a previous course then this will impact on the number of years additional funding you can still apply for. If successful, this means that your annual tuition fee will be paid for you by SAAS.
- No upfront tuition fees required for eligible students
- Funding directly paid to the university
Additional University Funding Options
In addition to the SAAS Bursary, universities also offer some other routes to financial support that you might be eligible for, based on your own personal circumstances. These routes include:
- Nursing and Midwifery Discretionary Fund
Receipt of a bursary from SAAS might impact on your existing allowances, such as Childcare Support
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- There are also some Scholarships available based on financial hardship. Please contact our Student Wellbeing and Inclusion team
Impact on Universal Credit/Benefits
Bursaries can affect benefit calculations (see Allowances below) and you need to explore the impact of a bursary on your own financial circumstances. To help, we recommend that you consult one or more of the following:
- Edinburgh Napier Student Association Advice Service
- Local job centre
- Independent financial advisor
Additional Allowances
Support for students with financial dependents varies based on household income. If you receive one or more of the following allowances, then please explore how a bursary might impact your current financial position before applying for the bursary.
Dependants Allowance
- Helps cover additional living expenses
Single Parent Allowance
- Extra financial support for single parents
- Helps manage study and parental responsibilities
- Income-assessed grant
Childcare Allowance
- Substantial support for childcare costs
- Can cover up to 85% of registered childcare expenses
- Helps parents pursue healthcare education
Disabled Students Allowance
- Additional support for students with disabilities
- Covers specialized equipment
- Provides personal support allowances
- Tailored to individual student needs
Care Experienced Students Allowance
Care experienced students are allocated a named Student Funding Adviser who can recognise the unique challenges facing students who have been in care and can support you about:
- Additional financial support
Clinical Placement Allowance
- Support for expenses during clinical rotations
- Covers travel and accommodation costs
- Ensures no financial barrier to practical learning
Nursing & Midwifery Discretionary Fund
Nursing and midwifery students are not eligible to be considered for the main Discretionary Fund but can access the Nursing and Midwifery Discretionary Fund.
When to Apply
Bursary applications open annually and are assessed once you have received a confirmed offer of a place at a University in Scotland to study nursing or midwifery.
- Typical deadlines:
- Summer intake: July-September
- January intake: December-January
You should apply for your bursary as early as possible to ensure adequate to process your application before the course commencement date in either September or January each year.
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Create SAAS online account
2. Gather required documents:
- Proof of Scottish residency
- National Insurance number
- Household income details
- University offer letter
3. Complete online application
4. Submit supporting documentation
5. Wait for assessment and confirmation
Required Documents
- Passport or driving license
- Proof of address
- National Insurance number
- Bank statements
- University acceptance letter
- Household income verification
Further Information
If you are an existing student of nursing or midwifery and want some support please look at Funding for nursing students
Contact Student Support:
- University Funding Team
- Email: student.funding@[university].ac.uk
- Phone: [Specific Contact Number]
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm
Additional Resources:
- SAAS Website
- University Student Support Portal
- Online Financial Guidance Sessions