If you’ve ever considered nursing as a career in Zimbabwe, you’ve probably wondered whether student nurses get paid while they are still in training. Nursing is known to be a calling — a career that requires patience, compassion, and resilience. But even with passion, student nurses still face real-life challenges: rent, food, transport, uniforms, and basic living costs. So, do they get any financial support while they learn and work in hospitals? Or do they have to get by on their own?
The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no.” Student nurses do receive some form of financial support, but it is very limited, and in most cases, it is not enough to fully sustain them. Let’s unpack what exactly student nurses receive, how the training system works, what challenges they face, and what the future holds.
Understanding How Nurse Training Works
In Zimbabwe, nursing training is conducted through government hospitals, mission hospitals, and some private institutions. Most student nurses enter through the Ministry of Health recruitment system. Once selected, they begin their training, which combines classroom theory with on-the-job hospital experience. That means from day one, student nurses are not just learning — they are also actively working in wards, helping patients, and supporting qualified nurses.
Unlike university students, student nurses don’t pay tuition fees. Their training is funded by the government. This means they don’t have to worry about school fees, but it doesn’t mean they are financially comfortable.
So, Do Student Nurses Get Paid?
Yes — but what they receive is not a salary. They get what is usually called an allowance, stipend, or support payment. This allowance is meant to help with basic living expenses during training. However, it is quite small and does not match the rising cost of living, especially with inflation, rentals, food prices, and transport costs increasing.
In fact, most student nurses will tell you that the allowance does not cover their real needs. While they appreciate the support, many still depend on family support, friends, or side hustles just to survive.
What Exactly Does the Allowance Cover?
There is no fixed national amount publicly published, but most student nurses agree that the allowance is minimal and mostly symbolic. It helps to cover small expenses like bus fare or basic groceries, but it isn’t enough for full survival, especially if the student has to rent accommodation or support a family.
Some institutions may offer additional support, like uniforms, meals, or on-campus accommodation. However, this is not standard, and many students still have to make their own arrangements.
Accommodation and Welfare Challenges
One of the biggest challenges student nurses face is accommodation. Most hospitals don’t have enough hostels or on-site housing for trainees. As a result, many student nurses have to find and rent their own rooms outside the hospital.
Rent is expensive, and food, transport, uniforms, books, and basic supplies all add up. Student nurses often find themselves struggling financially, especially in urban areas, where rental prices are high. The allowance rarely meets these realities.
What Happens After Graduation?
After completing training, student nurses become qualified registered nurses. At this stage, they start to receive a salary. But here’s where it gets tricky — even as qualified nurses, many still struggle financially due to low salaries, especially when compared to the workload and responsibilities they carry.
Because nursing is such a demanding profession, many feel that their pay does not match their effort and skills. This has led to a growing number of nurses applying to work in other countries where working conditions and salaries are better.
The Bonding System — What You Should Know
Most student nurses in Zimbabwe are bonded, meaning they are required to work for the government for a number of years after graduation. This is because the government covered their training costs. Usually, the bonding period is around three years, though it can vary.
While bonding helps hospitals keep staff, it also means many nurses cannot immediately leave the country or take up jobs abroad until they complete their bonded years. Some nurses see this as fair, while others feel it limits their career freedom.
Hidden Costs — Graduation and Administration Fees
Another surprising factor is graduation and administration costs. When student nurses finish their training, some are asked to pay graduation fees, which can sometimes be in U.S. dollars. These fees might include costs for certificates, gowns, and processing of documents. For some, this becomes a financial burden, especially coming immediately after years of low allowances.
The Emotional Side of Nurse Training
Behind the uniforms and daily ward activities, student nursing is an emotional journey. These young trainees spend hours in hospitals, dealing with real patients, emergencies, long night shifts, and emotionally draining cases. They comfort families, assist in births, care for the elderly, and sometimes face traumatic situations — all while still learning.
Many student nurses say training is rewarding but emotionally and physically tough. They often juggle study schedules, practical work, exams, and financial challenges. It’s not easy — but they push through because they genuinely want to save lives, help people, and build meaningful careers.
So, Is It Worth It?
Despite the challenges, many student nurses say the experience is valuable. They gain hands-on skills, start building their careers early, and contribute to their communities even during training. For those who are passionate about healthcare, nursing remains a noble and rewarding path.
However, better financial support, improved accommodation, and higher allowances would significantly improve the training experience. Many believe that better welfare for student nurses would not only encourage more young people to join the profession, but also reduce the number of nurses leaving the country.
What Could Change in the Future?
There is growing discussion about improving the welfare of nurses in Zimbabwe. Some hospitals are trying to improve accommodation and meals for trainees. Others have introduced small incentives or additional support programs.
There is also ongoing debate about increasing allowances and salaries for both student and qualified nurses. While change is slow, there is hope that future nursing students will receive better support.
Conclusion
So, do student nurses get paid in Zimbabwe?
Yes, they do receive a small allowance, but it is not a full salary and is not enough to fully cover daily living expenses. Their tuition fees are funded by the government, which is a major benefit, but their financial support during training is limited. Most rely on family support, sacrifices, or side hustles to survive.
Becoming a nurse in Zimbabwe requires more than just academic effort — it requires resilience, passion, and a genuine heart for service. Student nurses are among the unsung heroes of the healthcare system. They work, they learn, they serve — often under difficult conditions, and all while still considered “students.”
If you are considering nursing, it is important to understand both the rewarding and challenging sides. Training may be tough, and financial support may be limited, but nursing remains one of the most respected, meaningful, and purpose-driven careers in Zimbabwe and around the world.