New bursary for adult nursing students launched at the University of Suffolk

People wishing to study adult nursing at the University of Suffolk will have the opportunity to benefit from one of 10 bursaries that will support every year of their study.

The Transformation Ten Adult Nursing Bursaries of £3,500 per student per year have been launched to mark the 10th anniversary of the University in 2026.

They will be awarded to students who are in financial need with the aim of widening participation, raising aspirations, and providing the right skills to help grow the NHS workforce in the region.

The bursary is funded by The Alborada Trust, a charitable foundation based in Suffolk that supports a broad range of charitable sectors including healthcare, higher education, medical and veterinary research, wildlife conservation and international aid.

The Transformation Ten Adult Nursing Bursaries will be open for applicants who are in financial need based in Suffolk, Essex or Norfolk who wish to study adult nursing  including those from an under-represented group such as care-leavers, mature students, or those with a declared disability.

Only students who applied for their degree within the main UCAS cycle (on or before June 30, 2026) will be considered for the award and who demonstrate academic potential measured by Level 3 qualifications, such as A-levels or BTECs and through an interview score.

Nationally the number of people studying nursing has been in decline since the Covid pandemic in 2020-2021, with a drop of around 30 per cent within the mature student population and it is hoped the bursary will encourage more people into the nursing profession who may chose not to study because of financial barriers.

Professor Jenny Higham, vice-chancellor of the University of Suffolk said: “This year, as we celebrate 10 years of being an independent university it is important that we recognise the impact the University of Suffolk has made, not only creating opportunities for people of all ages to study, but also delivering projects within the community.

“The generous donation from The Alborada Trust and the creation of the Transformation Ten Adult Nursing Bursary represents a significant investment for the University and its students.”

Commenting on the new Transformation Ten Adult Nursing Bursary scheme, Grant Harris, director of the Alborada Trust said: “The Alborada Trust is delighted to continue its support of the University of Suffolk’s work in meeting the healthcare needs of the local community and providing opportunities for a fulfilling career in nursing. We look forward to seeing how this transformative project unfolds.” 

The Alborada Trust is a long-term supporter of the University of Suffolk having contributed £1.25 million to the development of the Health and Wellbeing Building which officially opened in 2023 and has a range of state-of-the-art facilities for health courses.