Everything you need to know about nursing courses in the UK for international students

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Studying nursing in the UK allows you to gain a well-respected qualification and sets you up to pursue a healthcare career. Plus, 94% of nursing students secure a job within 6 months of graduating, so it’s one of the most employable degrees in the UK! 

As a nursing student in the UK, you’ll study a variety of nursing topics through lectures, practicals, tutorials and group work and gain an internationally recognised degree. You’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable first-hand experience during your nursing placements and learn from practitioners, researchers and academics who are experts in their field.  

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about studying nursing in the UK, including: 

• Typical duration of UK nursing courses 
• Nursing course fees for international students
• Requirements to study nursing for international students
• Types of UK nursing courses
• Scholarships for nursing courses
• Where can I study nursing in the UK?
• What happens after you finish your nursing course?

Length of a nursing course in the UK 

In the UK, nursing degrees usually last for three to four years. However, depending on your previous qualifications and experience, you might be able to study a two-year nursing program. 

You’ll typically complete 400 hours of supervised practice placement in a standard 4-year course. During this time, international students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. Check out our helpful blog on working hours for international students for more information on the rules. 

Requirements to study nursing in the UK for international students 

Although the exact entry requirements will vary between universities, all international students must have completed secondary education. This should be equivalent to UK A levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB).  

Additionally, you’ll need to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language to ensure you’ll be able to cope with studying at a UK university. An overall IELTS score of 7.0, with no lower than 6.0 in a single component, is usually required. 

UK nursing courses tend to be highly competitive, so you’ll need a good standard of academic qualifications. Typical requirements are a minimum of 30 points from the International Baccalaureate or a minimum of ABB at A level (or equivalent).  

Types of nursing courses in the UK 

UK nursing courses are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), so any nursing degree must meet the NMC’s requirements to be accredited. There are several levels of nursing educational courses, which one you choose will depend on your previous higher education, experience and existing qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN
• Master of Nursing (MN).
• PhD in Nursing

There are also different types of nursing courses depending on which nursing field you want to work in: 

• Adult Nursing.
• Children’s Nursing.
• Mental Health Nursing
• Learning Disability Nursing.
• Dual field programmes.

Nursing course fees in the UK for international students 

Tuition fees for international students are higher than for UK students studying in their home country, so be prepared to pay anything from £14,000 to £28,000 a year. Typically, private universities and those with higher rankings charge higher tuition fees.  

Scholarships for nursing courses 

You might wonder if it’s possible to study nursing in the UK for free as an international students. Unfortunately, there are very few nursing scholarships available specifically for international students. For more information on finding suitable funding opportunities, have a look at our guide, ‘Funding for International Students’. 

However, if you’re interested in studying and working as a nurse in the UK, Cardiff University offers a Bachelor in Adult Nursing (BN) subsidised by a Welsh Government bursary. This means you’ll pay a much lower tuition fee of £9000 a year (the same as UK students), rather than the usual international rate of £25,000 a year.  

You’ll also receive a non-repayable grant of £3500 to help with living costs. However, to receive the tuition discount and grant, you’ll need to commit to 2 years of paid employment with NHS Wales. 

Where can I study nursing in the UK? 

The UK is home to some of the top-ranked nursing schools in the world. This includes King's College London, The University of Southampton, The University of Manchester, and The University of Edinburgh. 

What happens after you finish your nursing course? 

After you complete an NMC-approved nursing degree and register with the NMC, you can work as a qualified nurse in the UK. However, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa so you can work full-time in the UK after you graduate. 

One option is to apply for a Graduate Visa which allows you to work full-time for up to 2 years after completing your course, in any sector.  

Another option is to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa which you can do up to 3 months before you complete your nursing course. There are specific rules if you plan on working in healthcare - you can find all the information on the Government website. 

Typical nursing salaries in the UK 

As a newly qualified nurse in the NHS, you’ll be placed in band 5 with a starting salary of £28,407 However, your exact salary will depend on your location. 

With time you can expect your pay to increase - you’ll be paid more as you gain more experience and if you move into a higher band. For example, if you remain in band 5, you can expect your salary to increase to £30,639 after 3-4 years of experience. However, if you progress to band 6, you can expect a starting salary of £35,392 rising with experience.  

All-inclusive student properties for international students 

If you’re thinking about coming to the UK to study nursing, there’ll be lots to do - from researching universities to applying for your dream nursing course. With so much on your plate, why not make your living situation as hassle-free as possible with all-inclusive student accommodation? 

UniHomes has an extensive landlord and letting agent network with all–inclusive student properties in student cities across the UK. From city centre studio apartments to spacious 5-bedroom houses, it’s easy to find the right accommodation for you. 

Contact us today to learn more about the all-inclusive properties available, or look at the properties for rent in your student city.