Health students consider quitting over debts

Over half of all students training to become members of professions including nursing, midwifery and occupational therapy are considering quitting their studies due to debt, according to a survey by Unison.

Ninety per cent of respondents believed health students should be paid a salary. Mature students with children and students from ethnic minorities were found to be in particular need of help, with 74 per cent of the latter considering leaving their course. The average debt is almost £7,000 and 23 per cent of students have debts of more than £10,000.