Social work bursaries

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1. Overview

If you’re training for social work you may get a bursary.

Social work bursaries:

  • help with living costs and tuition fees
  • don’t depend on your household income
  • don’t have to be paid back

2. What you'll get

The social work bursary is a grant that doesn’t depend on your household income and doesn’t have to be paid back.

The amount you get depends on:

  • where you study
  • whether you study full or part-time
  • the cost of your tuition

Graduates doing an undergraduate social work course can apply for the Maintenance Loan part of the main student finance package.

How it’s paid

Social work bursaries are paid in 3 instalments, one each term.

If you’re disabled

You may be able to get extra help if you’re disabled and a postgraduate student.

3. Eligibility

Social work bursaries are available to eligible social work students who:

  • don’t get funding from their employer
  • are studying an approved undergraduate or postgraduate course in social work
  • don’t already have a higher education social work qualification

Your university or college will tell you if your course qualifies.

Undergraduate students may also be able to get help from the main student finance package - apply to Student Finance England.

You’re not eligible for a bursary if you’re studying on an employment-based course including direct Open University courses.

4. How to apply

You need to download forms from NHS Business Services Authority. The address to send the form is in the guidance notes.

When to apply

If your academic year starts from 1 September to 31 December 2024, you can apply from 1 March 2024. You’ll need to submit your application by 31 October 2024.

If your academic year starts on or after 1 January 2025, you can apply from 1 November 2024. You’ll need to submit your application by 23 February 2025.

If your academic year starts on or after 1 March 2025, you can apply from 1 November 2024. You’ll need to submit your application by 22 March 2025.

Evidence needed

You may need to prove your identity by sending both:

  • your birth certificate
  • your passport (which must be valid)