What is a Social Work Bursary?

The Social Work Bursary is available to students who are entering or already studying on a social work course recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), the Care Council for Wales or the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).

The social work bursary was introduced by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), who fund and set policy for the bursaries. It is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), but is not counted as a NHS Bursary.

Undergraduate course bursary

This was introduced by the DHSC as an incentive to train in social work and the bursary package is non-income assessed. It can be used towards study-related expenses and/or for any legal purpose the student deems appropriate.

Postgraduate course bursary

This bursary is made up of non-income assessed and income-assessed elements. The basic grant is non-income assessed and was introduced by the DHSC as an incentive to train in social work and does not have a specific intention other than as a financial incentive. The student is free to use the basic grant for any legal purpose they deem appropriate. The income-assessed elements include a maintenance grant and allowances that are paid to assist with certain costs of living.