Applying to be a student nurse

Taking your first steps towards a nursing career

Becoming a nurse opens doors to a career that spans health, advanced science, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you're drawn to hospitals or homes, community services, schools, prisons or research facilities, nursing offers the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives at every stage - from first breaths to providing dignity in final moments.

If you're passionate about taking away pain, bringing hope and working as part of diverse healthcare teams, nursing could be the perfect career for you. Modern nursing combines heroic, life-saving interventions with compassionate care and expert clinical skills.

This guide, alongside our Health Careers nursing webpage, will help you understand what's involved in applying for nursing training and how to strengthen your application.

Understanding the nursing role

Before applying, it's important to fully understand the breadth of what nurses do, the four different fields and the diverse environments where they work.

What do nurses do?

The NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) in the UK recognizes four fields of nursing practice: adult nursing, children's nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing. Nurses can qualify and register in one or more of these fields.

Modern nursing combines hearts and minds - delivering evidence-based care while providing emotional support to patients and families. Nurses make critical decisions, lead healthcare teams, and contribute to innovations that transform patient outcomes.

Where do nurses work?

Today's nurses practise across an exciting array of settings: hospitals and community services, care homes and GP practices, schools and prisons, armed forces facilities, charities, research institutions and forensic services. You might find yourself working in high-tech environments with brilliant technology or providing care in patients' homes, always as part of multidisciplinary teams.

The rewards and challenges of nursing

Nursing offers the opportunity to build a truly portfolio career across diverse specialisms and environments. Modern nursing provides job security, excellent progression opportunities, and the flexibility to choose different healthcare sectors and settings throughout your career. You'll have access to continuous professional development, health and wellbeing support, and the chance to specialise in areas that match your interests and aspirations.

However, nursing also involves shift work, emotional challenges, and the responsibility for providing safe, effective care in various demanding environments.

Essential resources for understanding nursing roles:

Health Careers: Nursing – comprehensive information about nursing careers across all settings

National Careers Service: Nursing – salary expectations and career development opportunities

Nursing and Midwifery Council – official regulatory information and standards

UCAS: Nursing – comprehensive information about nursing courses and careers

UCAS: Adult Nurse careers – career information and opportunities

Skills for Care: Registered Nurse – adult nursing in social care

UCAS: Children's Nurse careers – paediatric nursing opportunities

UCAS: Mental Health Nurse careers – mental health nursing pathways

Skills for Care: Registered Mental Health Nurse – mental health nursing in social care

UCAS: Learning Disability Nurse careers – learning disability nursing opportunities

Skills for Care: Registered Learning Disability Nurse – learning disability nursing in social care

Royal College of Nursing – professional guidance and career pathway support

Entry requirements and course selection

Nursing programmes have specific entry requirements that vary between education providers, but all require commitment to caring for others and demonstrate your potential to succeed in healthcare across all four fields of nursing.

Typical entry requirements for nursing

Academic qualifications

To become a nurse the main route is through a degree course at an education provider. Entry requirements for these courses can vary depending on where and how you’d like to study so it's important to check with universities.

Typically, you'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, possibly in English language or literature and a science subject, plus two A levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, such as a T level or BTEC for an undergraduate degree. Some universities may ask for three A levels or equivalent. If you already have a degree, you might be able to study for a postgraduate qualification through a postgraduate programme.

Support with qualifications

Functional skills training and examination is free for any learner who doesn't hold maths and/or English GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent such as level 2 functional skills). The Government website has information about ways to improve English, maths and IT skills, and there's a NHS England Functional Skills Toolkit which provides further guidance and resources.

English language requirements

If you're from a non-English speaking country, you'll also need to have successfully completed a recognised English language test.

Healthcare and caring experience

Voluntary or paid experience in healthcare, social care, or other caring roles strengthens your application significantly. This could include working as a healthcare assistant, care worker, or volunteering with health-related charities across different care settings and nursing fields.

Personal qualities

Education providers look for evidence of compassion, communication skills, resilience, and commitment to person-centred care. You'll need to demonstrate the values and behaviours of the NHS Constitution and show adaptability to work across different nursing specialties.

Choosing your nursing course

Research different education providers and programme types to find the best fit for your circumstances. Consider factors such as:

• programme structure (apprenticeship, university-based, or employer-led)
• training locations and placement opportunities across different nursing fields
• support available for students
• entry requirements and application processes
• opportunities with the education provider across a variety of healthcare settings

UCAS nursing course search – search and compare nursing programmes across the UK, including entry requirements and course content.

Getting practical experience

UCAS open days and events – Find university open days and information events specifically for nursing programmes.

Strengthening your application

To improve your chances of acceptance onto a nursing programme:

Gain relevant experience

Seek opportunities to work or volunteer in healthcare or caring environments across different fields. This demonstrates your commitment and helps you understand the realities of healthcare work in various settings.

Develop your knowledge

Learn about current healthcare challenges, the NHS Constitution, and the nursing role. Stay informed about developments in healthcare.

Practice your communication skills

Strong verbal and written communication are essential when working with diverse patient groups. Consider courses or opportunities that help develop these skills.

Reflect on your motivation

Be clear about why you want to become a nurse and what you hope to achieve working across different healthcare settings. This will help with application forms and interviews.

Prepare for selection processes

This may include interviews, group activities, numeracy and literacy tests, and health checks. Practice common interview questions and scenarios related to working in different nursing fields.

Preparing your personal statement

UCAS personal statement toolkit – step-by-step guidance on writing compelling personal statements for applications.

UCAS personal statement advice: Nursing – guidance on writing compelling personal statements for nursing applications.

Your personal statement should include:

• your motivation for choosing nursing programme
• relevant experience and what you learned from it
• understanding of the challenges and rewards of the nursing profession
• personal qualities that make you suitable for the profession
• career goals and commitment to lifelong learning

Understanding the application process

UCAS application – all direct entry nursing programmes use the standard UCAS application process, with specific deadlines and requirements.

Interview preparation – most higher education providers interview nursing applicants, often including practical scenarios and questions about motivation and values.

Health and character declarations – successful applicants must complete health and character declarations in line with NMC standards. These declarations ensure you meet the professional standards required to practice as a nursing and include declaring any health conditions, criminal convictions, or other circumstances that might affect your fitness to practice.

Enhanced DBS checks and references – you’ll need to pass enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and require satisfactory references before you can start your nursing programme. This process protects vulnerable people and ensures all student nurses meet the safety standards required for clinical practice.

Academic preparation – consider taking relevant A-level subjects or access courses if you don't meet entry requirements.

Financial guidance and support

Understanding the financial support available for nursing training is crucial for planning your education and future career.

Apprenticeship route

If you're applying for a nursing apprenticeship, your tuition fees will be paid for, and you'll receive a salary while you train. Typically, in the NHS, nursing apprentices are paid at band 3 or 4 (depending on your role) on the NHS agenda for change pay scale, which provides financial support throughout your training period.

Government financial support

Student finance

You can find comprehensive information about student finance on the Government website. This covers tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and grants available to eligible students.

Enhanced support from September 2023

The government has increased financial support to make healthcare studies more affordable. Key changes include:

• travel and accommodation support for healthcare students raised by percent
• raising of the means-testing threshold for the NHS Bursary Scheme

Student Finance Explained: NHS Employers Infographic – an overview of student finance available to those studying undergraduate healthcare degrees.

Practical money management

RCN Student Money Guide – information about budgeting, saving and general money advice specifically for healthcare students.

NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF)

Training grant

You may be eligible to apply for a training grant through the NHS LSF which is managed by NHS Business Services Authority. You can find more information on the NHS Business Services Authority website.

Annual application

You have to apply for this at the start of each academic year.

Additional support

Through the LSF you can also find information about support if you are a parent, for travel expenses, or if you are eligible for disabled student allowances.

Financial planning for nursing students

Living costs

Consider accommodation, travel, and living expenses during your programme, including costs for clinical placements across different locations.

Professional expenses

Factor in costs for uniforms, equipment, professional registration, and membership of professional bodies like the Royal College of Nursing.

Placement-related costs

Budget for additional travel and accommodation costs when attending clinical placements that may be far from your university base.

Work during studies

While some part-time work is possible, nursing programmes are intensive with significant clinical placement hours, so prepare for this and plan your finances accordingly.

Professional standards and registration for nursing

Understanding professional requirements

Professional standards

All nursing programmes must meet NMC standards, ensuring graduates are competent to practice safely and effectively.

Ongoing requirements

Registered nursing must complete continuing professional development and revalidate their registration.

Preparing for professional practice

Professional behaviour

Universities expect high standards of professional conduct from the start of your programme, including clinical placements and academic work.

Fitness to practice

Students must maintain good health and character throughout their training to be eligible for professional registration.

Ready to start your nursing journey?

Once you've successfully applied and been accepted onto a nursing programme, you'll begin an exciting journey that combines academic learning with hands-on clinical experience. Your programme will prepare you to join the nursing profession and make a real difference to patients and their families across all health and social care settings.

Studying and Placement Support – access comprehensive resources, study aids, and support designed specifically for healthcare students throughout their education programme.

Choosing nursing as a career is choosing to be part of providing essential healthcare across all four fields of nursing: adult, children's, mental health, and learning disability.

Your dedication to supporting patients and families across diverse healthcare settings makes you a valuable future addition to the nursing profession.