International Nursing

Nursing students practising skills together

International Nursing: Application Guidance

There are currently no NHS-funded International Nursing places available at Swansea University, and applications for this route are closed.

This page is being retained for informational purposes only and outlines the requirements and application process that applied to previous intakes.

While there are no confirmed future intakes at present, the University will update this page should NHS-funded International Nursing places become available in the future. In the event this happens, the information on this page is potentially subject to change.

What does NHS Funding mean for me as an international student?

An image of students involved in a nursing practical session.

NHS Funding covers tuition fees only.
You will be responsible for funding your living costs, including but not limited to accommodation, sustenance and transport.
Further information on the cost of living in the UK is available in our guide to UK Living Costs and Finances for International Students
Following completion of the course and graduation, you will be obliged to work in Wales for a period of 2 years.

How to apply: What documents do I need?

All applicants must provide evidence and information to meet of all the following entry requirements at the point of application. Applications that fail to provide this evidence will be ineligible for NHS funding and deemed unsuccessful immediately.

Entry requirements

GCSEs or equivalent High School qualifications

Applicants must hold GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics, or equivalent. Applicants from the following regions must hold the completed qualifications with grades:

India: Year XII English Language with 70% overall; Year XII Mathematics with 70% overall OR Year X with grades of at least 51% or A1-C2 in English Language and Mathematics

West Africa (including Ghana, Nigeria): WAEC West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with grades of C6 or above in English Language and Mathematics.

Level 3 or equivalent academic qualifications

Applicants must hold A Level grades AAB, or equivalent. Applicants from the following regions must hold the completed qualifications with grades:

Ghana: Higher National Diploma with GCPA 2.5/4.0; University Diploma with CGPA 2.5/4.0 or 60% overall

India: Year XII certificate with 85% overall.

Nigeria: 2-year National Diploma with minimum grade LOWER CREDIT (CGPA 2.5) overall

English Language requirements

Applicants must hold IELTS with a score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.0 in each component, at the point of application.

Alternative equivalent English Language tests can be accepted, as long as there is a measurable component score for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. This is a Nursing and Midwifery Council requirement.

Personal Statement

A detailed personal statement is required at the point of application. You should clearly explain your motivation for becoming a nurse and show a realistic understanding of the profession. You should highlight any relevant experience or transferable skills, such as communication, empathy, and teamwork. You should also demonstrate your academic readiness and the personal qualities needed to succeed in a demanding healthcare environment. Finally you should include why you want to study in Wales and outline your future career goals.

Reference

A strong reference should provide a clear and objective assessment of your suitability for a Nursing course, including your motivation and commitment to the profession. It should highlight your academic ability, reliability, and readiness for the demands of healthcare study. The referee should comment on relevant skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and professionalism, supported by specific examples where possible. They should also reflect on your personal qualities, attitude, and potential to succeed in nursing training and practice.