Author: Michael l Last Updated: August 15, 2026
Studying nursing in the UK involves enrolling in accredited programs that combine classroom learning with clinical placements. International students can specialize in areas such as adult, children’s, mental health, or learning disability nursing. Tuition fees range from £14,500 to £35,600 per year, with living costs varying by city. Graduates benefit from a direct pathway to NMC registration, practical experience in NHS hospitals, and strong career opportunities both in the UK and abroad. Scholarships and funding options help reduce costs. Overall, UK nursing education offers high‑quality training, valuable clinical exposure, and excellent career prospects.
Key Government Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships (Postgraduate Taught Degrees)
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (£1,347 outside London; £1,652 in London), return airfare, visa fee, TB test allowance, arrival and departure grants.
- Eligibility: Citizenship in a Chevening country, minimum two years’ work experience (≈2,800 hours), undergraduate degree equivalent to UK 2:1, commitment to return home for two years post-study.
- Timeline: Applications open August 2026, close November 2026. University offer letters must be submitted by July 2027.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (£1,347 or £1,652 in London), airfare, warm clothing allowance, thesis grant.
- Eligibility: Applicants from low- and middle-income Commonwealth nations. Selection depends on a strong Development Impact statement showing how nursing training will improve healthcare in the home country.
University-Specific and External Nursing Funding Options
- Bournemouth University Chevening Partner Award covers full tuition and a monthly stipend for MSc Adult Nursing students who select Bournemouth as their first choice under the Chevening program.
- GREAT Scholarships (Health Stream) offer a £10,000 tuition waiver for postgraduate nursing or health programs. These are available to applicants from designated partner countries.
- Florence Nightingale Foundation Leadership Grants provide variable funding to international nurses in leadership roles equivalent to Band 7. The grants focus on professional development and leadership training.
- Queen Margaret University International Award gives a £3,000 fee discount to self‑funded international applicants applying for BSc or MSc Nursing. Assessment is automatic during the application process.
Cost Breakdown Without Funding
- Tuition: £18,000–£35,000 (UG), £20,000–£38,000 (PG)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
- Visa Fee: £490
- Accommodation & Food: £900–£1,400 per month
Scholarships cover these costs fully or partially. For visa approval, students must show proof of living funds: £1,334 per month in London, £1,023 outside London.
Entry Requirements
- Undergraduate: High school qualifications equivalent to UK A-Levels in biology, chemistry, mathematics.
- Postgraduate: BSc Nursing or related clinical qualification.
- Language:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 7.0 (minimum 7.0 in Reading, Listening, Speaking; 6.5 in Writing).
- OET: Grade B in all four sub-tests.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and certificates (translated into English).
- Two references (one clinical supervisor or ward manager).
- Nursing Council license/registration certificate.
- CV detailing clinical hours and placements.
- Personal statement outlining career goals and university choice.
Steps to Commence Your Application
- Verify Nursing License & Clinical Hours: Ensure your registration is active and hours documented.
- Select Three UK Nursing Programs: Choose NMC-accredited MSc or BSc pathways.
- Take Language Tests Early: Complete IELTS or OET by June 2026.
- Draft Scholarship Essays: Focus on clinical leadership, patient care improvements, and career impact.
- Apply to Universities: Submit applications by November 2026.
- Apply for Scholarships: Complete Chevening/Commonwealth portals before deadlines.
You can also see Rutherford Foundation PhD Fellowship in New Zealand, IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship and British Academic Postdoctoral Fellowships detailed guides for other Funded opportunities.
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Scholarship criteria, tuition fees, and visa requirements may change without notice. SureTripAcademia does not guarantee admission, funding, or visa approval. Always verify details directly with official university portals and scholarship providers before submitting applications.