Postgraduate students training to become social workers in Scotland are set to benefit from a major uplift in financial support, with bursaries increasing by nearly 50 percent from next year.
Starting from 1 June, those beginning courses in the 2025-26 academic year can apply for up to £11,000 annually to help cover both living costs and tuition.
The funding will be split into £6,000 to support day-to-day living and £5,000 to contribute to course fees.
This is a notable rise from the average bursary of £7,415 previously on offer, offering fresh encouragement for aspiring social workers who may have found the cost of study a barrier.
The funding package, backed by the Scottish Government and managed by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), is expected to support up to 250 postgraduate students across Scotland.
Additional allowances will remain in place for students who are carers or who have disabilities, ensuring the bursary scheme reflects a diverse range of needs.
Applications will open on the SSSC website on 1 June.
Minister for The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, hailed the decision as a vital step in strengthening the social work profession.
“Social workers play a vital role in supporting people and their families within their communities,” she said.
“We are determined to support more people to acquire the skills and knowledge to enter social work, and these increased bursaries will help to remove financial barriers for many postgraduate students amidst the wider cost of living crisis.”
She added that this increase sits alongside wider student support, including grants for practice placements and loan options for those not eligible for a bursary.
Alison Bavidge, National Director of the Scottish Association for Social Work, welcomed the announcement as “excellent news” for the future of the profession.
“It is a significant piece of the jigsaw Scotland needs to put in place to deliver the social workers of the future,” she said.
“It should help to make social work a more attractive career and enable a wider range of applicants.”
Bavidge also encouraged the Scottish Government to keep up the momentum and build on this progress to ensure long-term accessibility within the profession.
With social workers at the heart of some of Scotland’s most vital community support systems, this financial step forward marks a meaningful investment in both people and the profession they serve.
