bursary and other problems!

Hi all

I have wanted to be a midwife for a while now, I started my nurse training about 8 years ago, and never finished, as I decided to move abroad and get married. I now have a 3 year old daughter, and the yearning to be a midwife has returned, but I cannot do it in this country, and besides I feel like I want to return to the UK, I feel as though things are not working out.
My previous plans were to do my nurse training and a few years later up the 18 month topper to be a midwife.
There are now a few problems.
Firstly my Mum and Dad decided to move abroad a couple of years after me (there decision), I cannot leave without them-they have been so good to me-although I have not approached my Dad about the subject- I believe my Mum would happily return, and my Dad is at the moment experiencing some problems, but he has no job, and no home in England I believe it would be difficult. I also have to think about my daughter, and I do believe moving back now would be better for her, before she understands everything.
Because I have been out of the UK for more than 3 years I don't think I am entitled to do a bursary-does that also mean that the NHS wouldn't pay for my tutition fees, or does it just mean that I wouldn't get the 'bursary' every month-does anyone know?
Although it is great to have the bursary I am more concerned about the NHS tutition-do you have to apply for the monthly bursary-is it compulsory?
I haven't studied for 6 years now-will that go against me?
When do the application forms have to be in for the 2009 start?
When do children start school is it 4 or 5 I've forgot!?
Thanks for your help
Tamsin.
all the best to those do their midwifery training at the mo.

Hey Tamsin, I can't offer any advise on this but good luck with getting it all sorted.x

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Hi Tasmin, I am afraid I cannot be of much help with regard to the bursary bit, as I dont know how that works if you have been out of the country. In Wales where I am from, they pay our bursary but I don't think that applies to England, not quite sure on that one. I am sure if you ring the Colleges you intend applying to, they will be able to help you on that, or the NHS department for whatever area you are thinking of applying. With regards to the 2009 entry, you can apply online using UCAS now, the cut off date I believe is 15th January 09, so you have a little while yet. Also be aware if you are thinking of applying, that alot of Unis are now doing away with the 18 month midwifery conversion course. Think many still run them, but be aware that they are slowly phasing them out in alot of areas. Hope this helps, sorry cannot be of help with the bursary bit, but am sure if you ring the NHS bursary department for the area you wish, they will be able to answer those queries. Best of luck to you.

Also, I forgot, with regard to study, you have to show evidence of recent study before applying, if you havnt already got the A. Level requirements that is. Evidence of study is a recent qualification such as the Access to Nursing programme, which is based upon modules.

I have done a bit of investigation into the bursary and found that you do have to be a UK resident for 3 years leading up to starting the degree to be entitled to it. However, if you are in an EU country for 3 years leading up to degree then you will be entitled to your fees being covered by NHS just not the bursary. BUT if you do it in Belfast and you have been living in the EU OR UK for the 3 years then you will get the bursary.

So in summary if for the past three years you are:
Living in EU - entitled to fees paid by NHS and bursary in BELFAST ONLY
- entitled to fees paid by NHS in all UK universities but not bursary (apart from Belfast)
Living in UK - entitled to fees paid by NHS and bursary anywhere in UK
Living in Non-EU Country - not entitled to anything (as far as I know)

Thanks all for your replies, I think I could have a long wait on my hands-but this wouldn't be such a bad thing for a my daughter, as she would be 6 or 7 if I was lucky enough to get in first time.
I was surprised to hear you can apply online now-wow thats amazing!! I'm from the days when you have a big thick book to work through and an application form-gee I feel old!

oh yes forgot to ask, do some universities give you a written assessment first???
What about Cardiff and Swansea-what are there procedures-is it midwifery related?
Good luck to all those appling now, it sounds so hard!

As in for your interview? if so then yes, some require a maths test, an essay, a presentation, group or individual interviews role play, or exam.

My uni only required an individual interview, and attainment of the correct number of academic credits for entry.

Hopefully people applying or attending those uni's can help you out as to what they require!

Good luck!

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I have just read about bursaries in Scotland-and it's the same 3 years before-but exceptions might be made if you are a UK national and have spent most of your life in the UK. Is it the same for Wales and England?? Why do things have to be complicated!!!

Hey sparkler - if you read my post above you should be able to understand it. When I say UK - I mean England, Scotland, Wales & N. Ire.