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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 available 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 seven 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 £500 - £2,500, and applications are welcome from nurses, midwives, nursing associates, maternity assistants, healthcare support workers and students who will begin their study between September 2026 and September 2027. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 13 May. 

The RCN Foundation is pleased to launch a new education grants programme, delivered in partnership with the Rayne Foundation, to support the professional development of registered nurses, care and support workers/assistants working in adult social care settings across the UK. Grants of up to £1,600 are available to support a wide range of learning opportunities. 

What grants can I apply for?

  • RCN Foundation Professional Bursary Scheme (PBS): grants of up to £1,600 available for registered nurses, midwives, healthcare support workers, nursing associates and maternity assistants wishing to undertake a course or module to enhance their professional development
  • RCN Foundation Adult Social Care Nursing Fund: grants of up to £1,600 for registered nurses, care and support workers/assistants working in adult social care settings and seeking development opportunities 
  • RCN Foundation Next Generation Grant: up to £1,000 available to support graduates wishing to become a nurse or midwife, and for direct entry nursing associate students undertaking a foundation degree. The grant will support with living costs whilst studying
  • RCN Foundation Marcia Mackie and Rae Bequest Grants: eligible to nurses registered in the UK and working in Northern Ireland in any sector wanting to undertake a course or programme that will improve patient care and develop practice. Grants of up to £1,600 (Rae) and £1,000 (Marcia Mackie) are available 
  • RCN Foundation Mair Scholarship: open to nurses working in occupational health in Scotland only. Grants of up to £500 available for continuous professional development
  • RCN Foundation Kershaw Grant: grants of up to £500 available for healthcare support workers seeking continuous professional development opportunities
  • RCN Foundation Monica Baly Grant: open to nurses, midwives and student nurses/midwives for research projects or activities related to the history of nursing and midwifery. Funding of up to £2,500 available  

Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation Director said: “The RCN Foundation is proud to continue to invest in the future of nursing and midwifery through our education grants, and particularly through the creation of the RCN Foundation Adult Social Care Nursing Fund. Adult social care continues to face significant and sustained underinvestment, and we are committed to recognising the invaluable contribution of its workforce by offering funding that supports both career progression and educational development. Our grants play a vital role in enabling access to learning and development opportunities that enhance careers and, ultimately, improve the quality of care delivered to patients. In 2025, we supported the professional development and training of 152 individuals through our education grants, awarding just over £190,000. Whether you are a nurse, midwife, healthcare support worker or student, I strongly encourage you to explore the funding opportunities available and 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 1 April until 5pm on 13 May.  

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