Sheffield Hallam University is pleased to announce the availability of the Social Work Bursary Postgraduate for students enrolling in the MSW Social Work programme starting in March 2026. The bursary is funded and administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.
Sheffield Hallam University traces its origins back to 1843 with the establishment of the Sheffield School of Design in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The institution later developed into Sheffield City Polytechnic, expanding its courses in art, science, and technical education. In 1992, following reforms introduced by the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, it gained university status and became Sheffield Hallam University. Today, it is one of the largest modern universities in the UK, known for its practical teaching approach, strong industry partnerships, and diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Social Work Bursary Postgraduate |
| Provider | NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) |
| Study Level | Postgraduate MSW Social Work |
| Eligible Students | Students enrolled in MSW Social Work programmes |
| Funding Type | Tuition fee support + bursary payments + allowances |
| Application Method | Apply through NHSBSA MyFunding account |
| Course Start | March 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 22 March 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 2 years with re-application in Year 2 |
Background
The Social Work Bursary Postgraduate was introduced to support students pursuing professional education in social work and to help strengthen the social care workforce in the United Kingdom. The bursary is administered by the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined by the NHSBSA. Generally, applicants must:
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Be enrolled in an MSW Social Work postgraduate programme
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Meet the funding rules established by the NHS Business Services Authority
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Apply within the specified timeline
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Maintain enrolment and attendance in the course
Students should always check the official NHSBSA eligibility requirements before applying.
Benefits
Successful applicants may receive several types of financial support through the Social Work Bursary programme.
1. Core Funding
Students may receive:
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Contribution towards tuition fees
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Non-income assessed bursary
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Income-assessed bursary
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Placement Travel Allowance (PTA)
2. Additional Support Depending on Circumstances
Students may also qualify for additional allowances such as:
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Adult Dependants Allowance (ADA)Â if an adult financially depends on you
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Parents’ Learning Allowance (PLA) for students with children
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Childcare Allowance (CCA) contribution toward childcare costs
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Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) support for students with disabilities
Part-time students will receive funding proportionally based on their study load.
Application Process
Applying for the Social Work Bursary involves several steps:
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Create a MyFunding Account
Visit the NHSBSA funding portal and set up your MyFunding account. -
Submit the Application
Complete the Social Work Bursary application through the MyFunding portal. -
Provide Supporting Information
Upload any required documents or financial information. -
University Confirmation
Once enrolled, your university will confirm your attendance to NHSBSA. -
Reapply for Year Two
Students must reapply toward the end of their first year to continue receiving bursary funding.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 22 March 2026.
Conclusion
The Social Work Bursary can significantly reduce the financial burden of postgraduate social work study. However, because the number of funded places is limited, students should apply early, perform strongly in their admissions process, and ensure all application requirements are completed accurately.