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The NHS bursary scheme for healthcare students will be extended to the 2024/25 academic year, Wales’ health minister has announced.

Eluned Morgan confirmed eligible healthcare students will also be able to access the full amount of maintenance loan from Student Finance Wales, in addition to the bursary.

Student nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals who commit to working in Wales for up to two years after qualifying are eligible for the bursary, which provides non-repayable support covering tuition fees and living costs.

Medical and Dentistry students who usually live in Wales will be able to access the full amount of maintenance loan in their bursary years regardless of where they study in the UK.

Mrs Morgan said: “We are determined to ensure Wales remains an attractive proposition for talented healthcare students.

“That’s why we continue to invest in the training of the dedicated nurses, midwives and other highly-skilled professionals working in our NHS.”

She continued: “This bursary has helped so many people qualify and work in the NHS, bolstering our workforce.

“Access to the full amount of maintenance loan will also help those beginning their healthcare, medical and dental journeys to combat financial hardship and poor mental health amid the continuing cost-of-living crisis.”

Wales’ education minister, Jeremy Miles, said: “It is important we support healthcare students during this cost-of-living crisis, so we can train and retain a skilled medical workforce in Wales.

“That’s why we are providing funding to enable NHS Bursary students to access the full maintenance loan, ensuring that financial hardship is not a factor in preventing students from studying here.”