The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has warned the Government that the increase of 3.1% in tuition fees, announced today, could exacerbate the existing crisis that is already seeing student midwives being forced out of their chosen career due to financial pressures. Although the uplift is matched with a 3.1% increase in maintenance loans, this doesn’t put students in any better position.
Increasing numbers of students are leaving their courses before completion because they simply can’t afford to continue, according to findings of a recent report by the RCM, The State of UK Midwifery Student Finance. The report highlights that three-quarters of midwifery students in England are graduating with debts exceeding £40,000.
Over the past few years, there has been a worrying drop in the number of people applying to midwifery courses in the UK. Applicants for 2024 are already down 10% from the 2023 figures and is the lowest in six years, according to UCAS.
Fiona Gibb, Director of Professional Midwifery at the RCM, said:
“Given the ongoing shortage of midwives, this trend is alarming and members in higher education have told us this year that they are struggling to fill places.
The cost of education is a big hurdle for aspiring midwives and this financial strain can make potential applicants think twice.
“To make midwifery education more accessible, we need to ramp up financial support. Forgivable maintenance loans, increased financial support, prompt reimbursement of placement expenses, preserved benefits entitlement and eliminating tuition fees for students in England (to bring them on par with students in the other nations) are all steps that could help ease the burden.
“Starting your career, which you’re likely to spend entirely in the NHS, with nearly £40,000 of debt, is an incredible burden to bear, particularly when there are so many other financial hurdles these students have to overcome. By addressing these key issues, we can rebuild interest in midwifery careers and secure a sustainable future for midwifery, ensuring that both midwives and the families they care for receive the support they need.”
ENDS
To contact the RCM media office call 020 7312 3456 or email media@rcm.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
- Read the RCM’s Sate of UK midwifery student finance report here.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website www.rcm.org
