The latest Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) data shows a welcome 13% increase in applications to nursing courses in Wales this year. By the June deadline, 4,370 people had applied to study nursing in Wales, compared to 3,870 at the same point last year.

RCN Wales Education and Lifelong Learning Adviser Rachel Hadland said: “This increased number of applications to study nursing in Wales comes at a crucial time when we need to be growing the nursing workforce and closing the vacancy gap. This upward trend shows that we’re starting to recover from the post-pandemic slump and the focus must now be on maintaining this momentum and retaining these potential students.

“Whilst higher application rates are welcome, we will need to look closely at the acceptance data in August to see how many students take up places to study nursing in Wales, especially following the announcement of Cardiff University to potentially end nurse education. Only that acceptance data will tell us what impact this will have had on applicants' decision making.

“Our attention will now be on responding to the public consultation on the NHS Wales Bursary available to students studying nursing in Wales. Crucially, nursing students need adequate financial support that keeps them out of poverty and supports them to thrive during their studies.

“We must ensure that nursing is an attractive and sustainable career for students in Wales and beyond. These latest UCAS figures underscore the need for the Welsh government to continue to invest meaningfully in the nursing profession. This means not only fair pay and flexibility, but also strong career progression opportunities and a culture of continued professional development. These are essential to attract and retain talent.”

ENDS