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.

Basic Grant for full-time students

If you are not subject to variable tuition fees and study at an HEI outside London we will offer you a grant of up to £3,075 for a 52 week period. If you study at a London-based HEI we will offer you a grant of up to £3,475 for a 52 week period. The basic grant is paid in 3 instalments. We will also pay the balance of your tuition fees not covered by your local authority directly to your HEI after 1st December 2008 (1st March 2009 for winter start courses).

If you are subject to variable tuition fees and study at an HEI outside London, we will offer you a grant of up to £4,575 for a 52 week period. If you study at a London-based HEI we will offer you a grant of up to £4,975 for a 52 week period. You will be responsible for paying your own tuition fees.

Basic Grant for part-time students

If you started a part-time undergraduate course before the academic year 2006-07 (or if your HEI has not moved to the variable tuition fees system), we will normally offer you one of the following rates:
If you study at an HEI outside London: a grant of up to £1,537.50 for a 52 week period.
If you study at a London-based HEI: a grant of up to £1,737.50 for a 52 week period.
The basic grant is paid in 3 instalments. We will also pay the balance of your tuition fees not covered by your local authority directly to your HEI after 1st December 2008 (1st March 2009 for winter start courses).

If you started a part-time undergraduate course after the academic year 2005-06, and your HEI has moved to the variable tuition fees system, we will normally offer you one of the following rates:
If you study at an HEI outside London: a grant of up to £2,287.50 for a 52 week period.
If you study at a London-based HEI: a grant of up to £2,487.50 for a 52 week period.
The basic grant is paid in 3 instalments. You will be responsible for paying your own tuition fees.

Practice Learning Opportunity (placement)

PLO - A fixed contribution of £575 (or £287.50 for student on a part-time course). The purpose of this contribution is towards your placement travel expenses from term time address to placement agency. This contribution has now been built into the basic grant; you are free to use the basic grant in a manner that best suits your individual circumstances. It is expected that the agency offering your placement will contribute towards the travel costs incurred while carrying out your placement duties. A contribution of this nature will not affect your entitlement to the basic grant.