Health Minister announces extension of NHS bursary scheme

HEALTH Minister Eluned Morgan has confirmed the extension of the NHS Wales Bursary Scheme for eligible healthcare students starting their studies in 2023-24.

The non-repayable bursary provides a package of financial support which covers both tuition fees and an element of living costs for student nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and healthcare scientists. Eligible students must commit to working in Wales for up to two years after qualifying. The Welsh bursary has helped people gain qualifications and develop their career in the NHS to help care for the people of Wales.

As one of the administrators of the bursary, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) said it welcomed this announcement. HEIW said it is committed to investing in the education and training of nurses, midwives and other highlyskilled professionals working in our NHS. The organisation is working to ensure the future NHS workforce has the skills and capacity to create ‘A Healthier Wales’.

Beverlea Frowen, NHS Wales bursary relationship manager said, “The scheme has given valuable support to many people from diverse backgrounds to enable them to train and ultimately work in Wales for the benefit of the people in Wales.”

The extra one year of funding allows enough time for all stakeholders to contribute to a review of the scheme to ensure that the overall objective is effectively achieved. This also provides time to assess its appeal to prospective students so that Wales continues to secure an adequate, sustainable and high-class workforce.