Scholarships offer little benefit to nursing students.

A government announcement late last month that "Step Up" scholarships for low income students is to be extended, will have little impact on those considering nursing as a career, according to NZNO chief executive Geoff Annals.

The age of eligibility for the scholarships, which are available to students entering degree Level courses in human and animal health, has been increased to 24. From 2006, scholarships will also he available for school leavers studying science and technology.

"Obviously any increase to eligibility is welcomed, but the average age of nursing students is 33 and NZNO has strongly advocated for this to be considered in extending the scheme," said Annals.

The number of nursing students was down this year, which was not surprising, considering the cost of nursing study, the burden of student debt and the low pay after graduation, he said. The average cost of a nursing degree was $12000 and the average nursing student debt was around $20,000.

Any measure addressing the burden of student debt for nursing and midwifery students was a step towards addressing the causes of New Zealand's nursing shortage. "But much more needs to be done to attract young people to nursing, where the average age is currently 42," he said.