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RCN Foundation 15th Anniversary logo featuring a large star with the number 15 inside, smaller stars surrounding it, and the tagline '15 years of strengthening nursing and midwifery and advancing care'. Make a Donation

Financial support for your educational and professional development

Apply for an RCN Foundation education and career development grant.

RCN Foundation education grants aim to support nursing and midwifery professionals to develop their careers, gain new skills and enhance the care they give to patients. Grants can be used to undertake postgraduate qualifications and professional training. You do not have to be an RCN member to apply. 

There are a total of five education grants open and each grant has specific criteria you need to meet – please read this carefully before applying. 

The education grants available range from £1,000 - £1,600, and applications are welcome from nurses, midwives, nursing associates, maternity assistants, healthcare support workers and students who will begin their study from January 2026 January 2027. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 22 September. 

What grants can I apply for?

  • RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme (PBS): open to UK registered nurses, midwives, healthcare support workers, nursing associates and maternity assistants wish to undertake a course or module to enhance their professional development
  • RCN Foundation LV= Education Grant: grants for healthcare support workers, nursing support workers, healthcare assistants, and care home assistants to support with professional development
  • RCN Foundation Into Nursing Grant: for graduates who have obtained a previous degree in any academic discipline and wish to pursue a nursing degree
  • RCN Foundation Olufunke Adeyeye Education Grant: for registered nurses, midwives, healthcare support workers, maternity support workers and care workers from the Global Majority to support them as they undertake further training and development
  • RCN Foundation Needlemakers Grant: for graduates who wish to retrain to become a nurse. Applicants must hold a previous degree and demonstrate passion for nursing as well as healthcare experience 

Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation Director said: "RCN Foundation education grants play a vital role in supporting individuals wishing to pursue learning and development opportunities, which that not only advance their careers, but also enhance the quality of care they provide to patients. 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. This 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 and to apply for an RCN Foundation education grant." 

How to apply

To find out more information about what grants are available and to apply, visit here.

Applications are open from 18 August until 5pm on 22 September. 

Have any questions? Take a look at our FAQ page or hear from previous recipients.