NHS bursary or student finance?

Hey @Sophie195!

I'm currently enrolled in a dietetics program where students have access to both the NHS Learning Fund and Student Finance. The NHS Learning Fund provides £5,000 per year, and for those with children, there's an additional £2,000 in parental support. The best part is, you don't have to choose between Student Finance and the NHS Learning Fund. Nursing courses are also eligible for the same scheme. For more information, I'll include the link here

Best regards,
Natacha

Hi,

I’m due to start a mental health nursing degree in September 2024 in South Wales. I’ve been made aware I need to make a decision between the NHS bursary or student finance, and I’m a little bit confused on which option is better.

For some background information, I have two children and I live in Wales. I will have to leave my job to study but of course will still need to fund my family. I’m aware that the bursary is a significant difference compared to the student finance, but being in debt for years to come petrifies me. Is there any type of calculator that could work out what amount I would receive? Any advice welcome! TIA

Ignore the above posts and read the following (balanced) article about student finance in Wales and watch the video:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-wales/
Than have a look at Cardiff's breakdown of the NHS Bursary:
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/funding-your-healthcare-course/nhs-bursary
What is not clear yet is if students will be able to apply for the full maintenance loan or a reduced loan in addition to the bursary - it has still to be confirmed by the Welsh Government. See the following thread:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/students/student-loans-wales/