Hundreds of paramedic students in Scotland will receive an annual bursary of £10,000 each from the SNP Government.
An estimated 668 students will be eligible for the Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary (PNMSB) for courses starting this September, with an expected increase to almost 900 next year.
Scottish-domiciled paramedic students who have already applied for undergraduate student funding do not need to re-apply. The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) will automatically reassign students to the new funding package.
The new award will be paid over 12 months in each academic year.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
"Paramedics have been a driving force in maintaining NHS services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the SNP Government is determined to ensure we attract and support the next generation of these vital workers.
"I am delighted that student paramedics in Scotland will be able to apply for a bursary of £10,000 a year - it’s only £5,000 in England - whilst still being able to apply for other associated additional allowances.
“Please apply if you haven’t done so as this bursary is here for you.”
Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said:
“This is fantastic news for current and prospective students across the country. They are an important part of our workforce and this announcement will be a real boost which will help encourage the paramedics of the future.
"Our staff do an amazing job each day and this additional financial support is welcome.
“Student paramedics have been in paid employment in a variety of roles during the pandemic and we are continuing to recruit additional staff across a variety of roles to help further improve services for patients.”
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