NURSING leaders called today for urgent increases to student funding for nursing courses in Wales.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Wales demanded Welsh government action after figures from higher education admissions body Ucas showed universities in Wales failing to fill places on nursing courses. 

RCN Wales director Helen Whyley said: “There is an urgent need for the Welsh government to increase the level of funding for students studying nursing in Wales.”

The union said that the level of financial support for students was too low, which acts as a deterrent to enrolment on nursing courses.

Wales was the only country in Britain with an increase in applications this year, but the acceptance figure was only 1,270, falling short of the 2,400 Welsh government-commissioned university places.

RCN Wales argued that the poor level of recruitment and retention of nurses means the shortfall is filled by students from other countries.

The Welsh government said: “The Ucas figures do not include students who progress directly into the second year of programmes, having completed a Level 4 healthcare support worker programme.

“A further 700 places will also be available for those wishing to start training in spring 2025.”