University of Birmingham - Social Work programmes

What you get

From your second year of study onwards, you can receive the Social Work Bursary (SWB), a grant of approximately 5,620 EUR per year (£4,862.50 outside London, £5,262.50 in London) to help cover your living costs whilst you are studying social work. This grant is means-tested, meaning the amount does not depend on what you or your parents earn, and you will never have to pay it back. This amount includes a flat-rate travel allowance of £862.50 per year to cover journeys to your placement locations. The money is provided by the NHS via the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) and is in addition to any loan you receive from Student Finance England. It is paid out in three instalments throughout the year, whilst the travel allowance is paid as a one-off sum. Part-time students receive a pro-rata amount.

Who can apply

• Course: You are undertaking a bachelor’s degree programme in social work which leads to initial registration as a social worker and is recognised by Social Work England or an equivalent body.
• Where you study: You are enrolled on the accredited degree programme in ‘Social Work’ at the University of Birmingham.
• Study year: You can only apply from your second year of study onwards. In your first year, you will receive the standard grant from Student Finance England.
• Residence: You must normally be resident in England and have lived in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for at least three years prior to the start of your degree programme. Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they meet this residence requirement.
• Progress: You are on track with your studies and will neither be demoted nor required to repeat a failed academic year.
• Not eligible: You are ineligible to take part if you are already registered as a social worker, are currently undertaking a part-time or blended degree programme in nursing and social work, or are already receiving financial support from another public body (with the exception of Student Finance England).

How to apply

From your second year of study onwards, you apply for funding online via a ‘MyFunding’ account with the NHSBSA and must re-register each year. For a degree programme starting in the autumn of 2026, the application window runs from 1 April to 31 October 2026. Your university decides who is awarded one of its limited SWB places.

How realistic are your chances?

The number of scholarships is limited: each university, including Birmingham, has only a set number of SWB places per year, so not every eligible student will be nominated. If you meet the residency and academic requirements and remain on track with your studies, you will be shortlisted; however, the decision on who is awarded a place rests with the university. Even if you do not receive a full scholarship, you will still be eligible for the travel allowance of £862.50; therefore, it is worth applying as soon as you meet the criteria.