Scotland: Postgraduate Social Work Bursary for 2025–26 Increases

If you’re planning to start a Masters in Social Work in Scotland this year, there’s good news on the funding front. The Scottish Government and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) have confirmed that the postgraduate Social Work Bursary (SWB) is increasing to up to £11,000.

Here’s everything you need to know – including how much funding is available, who’s eligible, and how to apply.

What’s changing in 2025-26?

Previously, Social Work Masters students in Scotland could receive up to £7,415. Now, eligible students could get up to £11,000, split between:

• £6,000 for living costs
• £5,000 for tuition fees

In total, 250 students will benefit from the new bursary in the coming academic year.

The eligibility criteria

To qualify for the SSSC SWB, you must be:

• A home student with a household income of less than £34,000
• A confirmed full-time student for an MSc Social Work, MA or Master of Social Work programme at the following universities:
  • University of Dundee 
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Napier University 
  • Glasgow Caledonian University 
  • Open University
  • Robert Gordon University 
  • University of Stirling
  • University of Strathclyde  
  • University of the West of Scotland
• Nominated by your university to apply

It’s important to note that if you’ve applied for funding through, or received funding from, the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for a postgraduate loan, you’ll not be eligible for this bursary.

You can check the full eligibility criteria on the SSSC website.

How to apply

Applications open on 2 June 2025 for students beginning their postgrad Social Work programme in August 2025 via the SSSC website.

Additional support

If you’re a carer or have a disability, you’ll be able to receive additional financial support through the SWB.

For practical support such as travel, childcare, and support for additional learning needs, the Scottish Government are offering £750 (previously £350) to students through the Practice Learning Support Grant.

Find out how NHS Social Work bursaries compare across Scotland, Wales, and England.

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