Career grants open for nurses, midwives and support workers

Applications are due to be open until 22^nd September 2025.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have once again launched their RCN Foundation Autumn education and career development grants, which help medical professionals develop their careers.

Available twice a year, the grants offer between £1,000 – £1,600 which can help fund undergraduate and postgraduate degrees or other forms of professional training.

An array of medical professionals, including nurses, maternity assistants, healthcare support workers, midwives or students can apply for a grant, and they don’t need to be an RCN member. However, to be eligible, applicants must begin their study in January 2026 and January 2027.

‘RCN Foundation education grants play a vital role in supporting individuals wishing to pursue learning and development opportunities, which not only advance their careers, but enhance the quality of care they provide to patients,’ Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation director, said.

‘In 2024 alone, we supported the professional development and training of 122 individuals through education grants totalling £183,000. We are delighted to continue our valued partnership with The Needlemakers Company and to launch a new grant specifically for graduates looking to retrain as nurses.’

Arguably, news of the grants couldn’t have come at a better time. The latest statistics from NHS England show there were 25,632 nursing vacancies on 31^st March 2025.

Deepa continued: ‘The initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of nursing and midwifery. Whether you are a nurse, midwife, healthcare support worker or student, I strongly encourage you to explore the funding opportunities available’.

More details about how to apply for the grants can be accessed here.

Photo by MedicAlert UK via UnSplash 

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