I'm a UK Citizen, but have to wait 3 years to get into a UK University ?

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Hello,

I am a UK Citizen. I was born in England then moved to the US when i was 14 with my family. I am wanting to move back to England and go to nursing school. I have contacted a few universities to see what the requirements are for applying and it seems there may be some residency restrictions. I was told by one person within the university that even though i am a UK citizen i have to have lived in the UK for 3 years, another person within the same university said 5 (their website says 3). I was told that if i moved to America on a non permanent basis, for example my parents were offered a temporary job then that could be counted as an exception, but that wasn't the case. I have only been able to contact the admissions department through email and can't seem to get many answers to my questions.

Has anyone been in this situation? I am planning on moving back next year and really would just like to know if i can apply right away or will have to wait 3 years.

Also i saw that on the Uni website it says 1500 people apply and only 60 are accepted. I'm worried about this. I have a U.S high school diploma and some college credits (nursing pre-reqs) that probably won't transfer. The site says A levels etc. or equivalents are needed, i left england before taking those.

Anyone that has been in a similar situation or could help me out would be greatly appreciated. I can't seem to get any info by emailing the University.

Thanks

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Specializes in NICU.

Sorry to say, but it's true...part of it stems from the fact that the government sponsors for a good portion of the costs of the program and they probably want their monies worth thinking that you'll stay in the UK and work...your advantage in the situation is that you have the ability to move back to the UK without much (if any) restriction whereas it's super hard for anyone not a citizen or the spouse of a citizen right now...

Probably easier to do a BSN program here in the states and then try to move over there--make sure that you check out the NMC requirements and that they match up with the programs you look at. Or you can delay college for a bit and maybe get in the healthcare field in a CNA equivalent role (I have no idea what the equivalent is but I'm sure there's something in a tech role).

Best of luck--let us know how your journey goes as it would be helpful for future readers of the forum :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

THis has been the case for several years that to qualify as a UK resident you have to have a 3 year residency. This is for universities in general, what makes it harder is nursing in the UK is at the moment paid for by the NHS so if you plan eventually to return to the US and work you need to make sure you get both clinical and theory hours in Paeds, Mental Health, Obstetrics and general Adult.

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thanks for the responses. i thought the 3 year residency restriction may have something to do with the nhs bursary. i would be willing to pay my own tuition if i didn’t have to wait 3 years; its a million times cheaper than the us anyway, i'm not sure if that is an option though. does anyone know if there any other exceptions to the rule? the lady at the university asked if i had any ties in england, if i had been over to visit etc. all my family lives there now and i have been back several times but i wasn't sure why this was relevant. does anyone know how they ask you to prove that you have been living in the uk for 3 years?

i'll be moving in a year or two either way, so won't be able to get my bachelor's here first. i will be sponsoring my spouse, i don't think this has any bearing though on my admission?

thanks.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Proof of residency could be providing bills, rental mortgage agreement etc over the last 3 years. They may also check up on your national insurance number. Because of the nature on how nurse training is funded I don't think there are many universities accepting International students but that would be something you ask the universities you are interested in doing your training

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