The information outlined below relates to the current funding situation in England but there are similar issues in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please check with the individual country’s funding body for individual arrangements and funding levels (see below).
The three main systems for funding student midwives are currently:
1. Non-means tested bursary: This provides a flat rate basic maintenance grant. No contribution is required from students’ or family income. All students on the pre-registration midwifery diploma programmes receive this type of bursary.
The basic rates of non-means tested benefits for full time students currently range between £5,432 and £6,352pa (2002/03 rates), dependent upon age.
2. Means tested bursary: The income of the student, their parents or their spouse is taken into account when the level of bursary is being calculated. The amount of maintenance grant is reduced in proportion to that income. Students who are studying for the pre-registration midwifery course at degree level are subject to a means tested bursary.
The basic rate of means tested benefits including student loans is approximately between £3,485 and £5,430 pa. These students can access student loans, older students’ dependants’ allowances and other benefits, as can any other higher education student.
3. Seconded / NHS contracted places: A small number of student places are contracted by NHS trusts, who fund the students taking these places. This is often the case with pre-registration midwifery shortened courses (previously referred to as the post-registration 18-month course). These students are paid a salary by the trusts and are offered employment on completion of their course.
