Social Work Bursaries

NHS Business Services Authority

Since 1st April 2007, the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) administers the social work bursary and postgraduate bursary on behalf of the Department of Health (DH). The bursary scheme was previously administered by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

The social work bursary was introduced by the Department of Health as an incentive to train in social work. The bursary package is non-income assessed. Unlike funding from Student Finance Direct, which is intended to assist with the cost of living, the bursary basic grant can be used towards study related expenses and / or for any legal purpose you deem appropriate.

The Social Work Bursary

The social work bursary is available to students ordinarily resident in England studying on an approved part-time postgraduate course, (or an approved undergraduate course, full or part time).

Students must also meet other certain eligibility criteria. More details on eligibility can be found at: http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/eligibility.htm

The bursary is non-income assessed which means that earnings, savings and other sources of income are not taken into consideration. It includes a basic grant, a fixed contribution towards practice learning opportunity related expenses and tuition fees if you are not subject to variable fees. Financial awards are dependant on individual circumstances. Click here for further information on the bursary.

The Social Work Bursary for Students on Full Time Postgraduate Courses

The social work bursary for students on full time postgraduate courses is available to students ordinarily resident in England studying on an approved full time postgraduate course. Students must also meet other certain eligibility criteria. More details on eligibility can be found at: http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/eligibility.htm

The bursary consists of a non-income assessed basic grant including a fixed contribution towards practice learning opportunity related expenses and tuition fee support.

It also includes an income assessed maintenance grant and income assessed allowances to assist with certain cost of living, as recipients of the postgraduate bursary will not ordinarily be entitled to local authority funding. Financial awards are dependant on individual circumstances. Further information on the social work bursary for students on full time postgraduate courses can be found at: http://www.ppa.org.uk/ppa/postgradbursary.htm