National Health Services - Social Work Bursary

What you get from the Social Work Bursary

You will receive an annual grant to help cover your living costs whilst you are training to become a social worker in England. This amounts to 4,862.50 GBP if you are studying outside London, or 5,262.50 GBP if you are studying in London. This is a grant, not a loan, so you will never have to pay it back and it is not means-tested. Part of this, 862.50 GBP, is a fixed travel allowance for full-time students to cover journeys to their work placements. Part-time students receive a pro-rata amount. The programme is run on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

PhD students receive a lower fixed scholarship: 3,362.50 GBP outside London or 3,762.50 GBP in London. In addition, they may receive means-tested supplements as well as a contribution towards tuition fees of up to 4,052 GBP, which is paid directly to the university.

Who can apply

• Course: You are studying for a degree in social work which, for the first time, leads to registration as a social worker. The degree programme must be recognised by Social Work England or an equivalent UK body.
• Study stage: Undergraduate students can apply from their second year onwards. Postgraduate students can apply from their first year onwards.
• Where you live: You normally live in England and are resident there on the first day of your first year of study.
• Residence history: You have lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least 3 years prior to the start of your degree programme.
• Not already qualified: You are not yet a registered social worker.
• No employer funding: Your employer will not cover your fees, nor will you receive any remuneration for taking part or paid leave, and no other public body is funding your course. A student loan from Student Finance England is acceptable.

How to apply

You apply through the MyFunding online portal. Create an account and fill in the form for your academic year. The first time, you upload proof of identity and residence. For a course starting in September or October 2026, apply by 30 November 2026. Later start dates have their own deadlines in early 2027. Your university, not the funding office, decides who is nominated for a funded place.

How realistic are your chances?

The number of places is limited nationwide to 4,000 (2,500 undergraduate students, 1,500 postgraduate students) and is allocated amongst the universities. Meeting the eligibility criteria therefore does not guarantee full funding. Even if you do not secure a place subject to the cap, you will still receive the flat-rate travel allowance of 862.50 GBP, provided you meet the criteria regarding residence and course of study. As the programme relates to a specific profession and your own university manages the nominations, you should enquire at an early stage to find out where you stand on your university’s list.