Nursing fast track - student loans etc

Anne28

Hi,

I hope someone might be able to advise me. Basically I have finally decided to go back uni in september to do my nurse training. However, I am doing a Postgraduate diploma fast track course. The funding is changing for nursing in september your meant to be able to take out a grant, a bursary plus a maintance loan from student finance england.

I am currently paying back a student loan and was first of all informed by student finance england that as long as I am not in arrears I should be ok to take it out. However now I am being told that I am not entitled to it as its a postgraduate nursing course I will be doing not the degree. I don't understand this as they are both pre-reg courses. But I guess theres nothing I can do about this?

Anyway I'm really worried about finances now while I'm studying as I was also planning on moving out of home. I wondered if there might be any where else i might be able to take out a loan?

dizzyrascal

Do you already have an undergraduate degree? And if so, is it in another subject than nursing? Is this a top up course to get you to a nursing qualification?
Sorry for all the questions but your answers will affect what funding you can get.

t0rt0ise

There seems to be a lot of problems for people with loans for these courses. Some say they get it and others are refused and have to appeal and moan a lot to get the decision changed. The reality seems to be that as it is an NHS funded course that a loan should be available. Advice seems to be that you just have to apply and see what happens.

Anne28

Yes I have an undergraduate degree in BSc Health Studies. I also have a PG Diploma in Health Studies which I recieved no funding for.

I've been trying to 'appeal' but getting the same answer. Where as before i was being told different things. I was at one stage told by student finance that its an NHS funded course so I should have no problem. Then i tried applying but my course wasn't even on the list and then I was refused. I just don't understand as its still nurse training just fast track.

nimbo

i was in a similar situation re social work funding....

they kept changing their minds, and eventually settled on a 'no'...

i hope it works out - is there any other way you could fund the degree???

CIS

Have you looked here - http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/816.aspx
and
http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/Documents/Students/Bursary_News_-_Issue_3_%28V1%29_03.2012.pdf

Anne28

I have some savings but unsure if its enough for 2 years. I have found out that for the means tested NHS bursary as I have been working full time for last three years I should be classed as independant and receive the full amount - £3351 plus the £1000 grant. But I was relying on the non-means tested bursary to help me. I hope I can find another way.

t0rt0ise

Lots of nursing students fund themselves by getting work as health care assistants. You might have some luck with that.