Many of you ask: “Do I have to return home after my studies?”
If you want a scholarship that not only covers your fees but also gives you a paid pathway to work in the UK, read on.
You can:
– Earn a fully subsidized Bachelor’s in Adult Nursing at Cardiff University
– Receive a £3,500 living grant to support your day‑to‑day costs
– Commit to 2 years’ paid employment with NHS Wales post‑graduation
– Register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) as an Adult Nurse
Whether you’re in Ghana, Nigeria or beyond, here’s your step‑by‑step guide.
What Is the Cardiff University Adult Nursing Scholarship?
This international pre‑registration nursing programme is a collaboration between Cardiff University, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and the Welsh Government. Approved in May 2023, it aims to address workforce needs in NHS Wales by training and employing international nursing students. citeturn0search7
Key features:
- Degree: 3‑year Bachelor of Nursing (Adult) (BN)
- Tuition: Standard £25,500 per year, subsidised by £16,500 by Welsh Government
- Your Fee: £9,000 per year only citeturn0search0
- Living Grant: £3,500 non‑repayable support citeturn0search6
- Work: 24‑month NHS Wales employment (skilled worker visa support)
- Professional Registration: Free NMC registration on completion
Why Choose a UK Nursing Scholarship?
Many scholarships stop when you graduate. This one:
- Gives you real work experience in the NHS
- Pays you for 2 years, boosting your CV
- Covers registration fees so you can start practising immediately
- Builds global networks within the UK healthcare system
How to Qualify: Academic & English Requirements
Academic Entry (Your Country)
Ghana
- WAEC/WASSCE + International Foundation Year
- OR 1 year of UG study at a recognised Ghanaian university citeturn3search0
Nigeria
- SSCE / WASSCE + International Foundation Year (preferred)
- OR OND/HND or first year of a Nigerian bachelor’s degree citeturn3search1
All applications are reviewed case‑by‑case. If your diploma or transcript shows equivalent study, you can still apply.
English Language
You must meet Cardiff’s UKVI‑compliant English: citeturn3search2
- IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall (min 6.5 in writing, 7.0 in other skills)
- TOEFL iBT: 90 (min 22 writing, 24 other skills)
- PTE Academic: 76 (min 69 writing, 76 other skills)
Alternatively, certain senior secondary certificates (e.g., WASSCE Grade B3/B) may exempt you.
Tuition Fees & Welsh Government Subsidy
| Item | Amount (per annum) |
|---|---|
| Standard international tuition fee | £25,500 |
| Welsh Government tuition subsidy | –£16,500 |
| Fee you pay | £9,000 |
| Living grant (non‑repayable) | £3,500 |
| Post-study work visa sponsorship support | N/A |
- No deposit is required upon offer.
- You receive your CAS letter directly once awarded the scholarship. citeturn0search0
Living Costs & Additional NHS Support
- Cardiff is one of the most affordable UK cities for students.
- HEIW provides up to £1,000 per year as a non‑means‑tested NHS grant for living costs, paid monthly. citeturn2search2
- You may also apply for income‑assessed NHS bursaries up to £2,643 depending on household income.
Actionable tip: Use your £3,500 grant plus the NHS grant to cover rent, groceries and transport.
Post-Study Work Pathway: NHS Wales Employment
1. Graduate Nursing Streamlining Scheme
- Supported job‑search within NHS Wales.
2. Skilled Worker Visa - Graduates apply for a 2‑year visa; NHS employer provides sponsorship.
- Details at Gov.uk Skilled Worker Visa.
3. Earn a competitive NHS salary while you launch your nursing career.
Application Process & Deadlines
1. Check Entry Criteria on the BN course page.
2. Prepare Documents: transcripts, English proof, personal statement.
3. Apply via UKPASS/UKCAS before 30 June.
4. Submit Personal Statement to the Nursing Admissions Team via email; showcase your insight into nursing, any clinical experience and motivation.
5. Interview: Successful applicants attend an online or in‑person interview assessing critical thinking, communication and professional attributes.
6. Receive Offer & CAS: No deposit.
7. Apply for Visa, book flights, and arrange accommodation.
Pro Tip: Start your UKCAS application at least three months before the deadline to gather references and transcripts.
Comparison: Cardiff vs Other UK Nursing Scholarships
| Feature | Cardiff University | Typical UK Nursing Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Post‑study work | 24 months NHS Wales employment | Often 12 months limited internship |
| Tuition fee after subsidy | £9,000 p.a. | £0–£5,000 p.a. |
| Living grant | £3,500 + NHS Grant (£1,000) | £1,000–£2,000 total |
| Professional registration fee | Free NMC registration | Often paid by student |
| Interview process | Structured competency‑based | Varies; often local interviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I have to return home after graduation?
No. You must commit to 2 years’ work in NHS Wales instead of returning home.
Q2: Can I apply if I have an HND or OND?
Yes. OND/HND holders are considered on a case‑by‑case basis if the curriculum matches entry standards. citeturn3search1
Q3: What if I don’t meet IELTS 7.0?
You can do a pre‑sessional English course. Or use accepted senior secondary certificates if you studied in English.
Q4: How do I secure my visa?
Your NHS employer sponsors you under the Skilled Worker route. You’ll need your CAS, proof of maintenance (£1,265 in bank), and health surcharge paid.
Q5: What interview format should I expect?
Competency‑based questions on ethical scenarios, critical appraisal of research, and personal qualities like empathy and teamwork.
Conclusion & Next Steps
If you want a clear, paid pathway from study into nursing practice in the UK, Cardiff University’s programme delivers: subsidized fees, living grants, post‑study employment and professional registration.
Your action plan:
1. Review your transcripts & English scores
2. Draft a targeted personal statement
3. Apply via UKCAS by 30 June
4. Prepare for your interview
5. Secure your visa and get ready to start a life‑changing nursing career in Wales
Good luck! Feel free to share this guide, bookmark it for reference, and comment with any further questions.
Best wishes on your journey to becoming a qualified Adult Nurse in the UK!
