Bursaries and Scholarships for Social Work in South Africa

Becoming a social worker in South Africa is a popular career these days, thanks to the high demand for social workers in the country. More universities and organizations have recognized the need to have more social workers and as such, have set up and sponsored programs to help students willing to pursue this field of study to complete their programs. 

What is a social work bursary or scholarship?

• A social work scholarship or bursary is a financial award or grant given to individuals who are pursuing university or college studies that focus on social work. This kind of scholarship helps to cushion the financial challenges that come with undertaking tertiary studies in this field. 
• These scholarships are offered by universities, organizations, institutions, foundations, and individuals who support students who desire to make a positive impact on their communities through social work. 
• A social work scholarship or bursary may cover tuition, books, a stipend, accommodation, etc. 

Importance of Social Workers in South Africa

Why do we need social workers in our communities?

• Social workers help to support individuals and communities facing various challenges. They focus on vulnerable members of the population, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and children. 
• Some of the areas social workers are involved in include mental health support, community development, safety and well-being of children, advocacy for social justice (rights of those in the community who are oppressed or marginalized), and family support and counseling. 

Admission Criteria for a Social Work Scholarship in South Africa

To qualify for one of the available bursaries and scholarships for social work in South Africa, you should:

• Display outstanding academic achievement.
• Demonstrate financial need (if the scholarship is need-based).
• Be enrolled in a social work program at an accredited institution.
• Show evidence of community involvement and volunteer work.
• Display leadership skills.
• Display professionalism and have high ethical standards.
• Have letters of recommendation that highlight your commitment to serving the community.

Here is a list of bursaries and scholarships for social work in South Africa.

1. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship

Program Overview

• The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship prepares individuals to find solutions to the challenges faced in their home countries, thus bringing about positive change.
• These scholarships offer students a unique opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country at an Association for Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Member University.

Host Schools

• Selected universities in Commonwealth countries

Fields of Study

• Master of Social Work (North-West University in South Africa)
• Master of Social Work in Child Protection (North-West University in South Africa)
• Mast of Social Work in Forensic Practice (North-West University in South Africa)

Coverage

These scholarships cover:

• Tuition fees
• Living allowance (stipend) for the full duration of the course
• Return economy flights
• A one-off arrival allowance

Target Group

• Students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries

Eligibility

To qualify for these scholarships, you should:

• Have already completed your bachelor’s degree and have graduated with an equivalent of a 2:1 at the time of application.
• Be a citizen, hold refugee status, or be a permanent resident in a Commonwealth country.
• Be a new student just commencing master’s level studies
• Be applying to pursue a master’s degree program.
• Meet the entry requirements for the course and the university you have selected.

Application Procedure

• Select the Social Work course that you would like to pursue.
• Complete the QECS application form online and submit it.
• Apply for your chosen course directly to the university.
• Wait for the selection committee to review all the applications and communicate the results to the successful applicants.

2. Department of Social Development (DSD) Bursaries

Program Overview

• The DSD bursary program, one of the bursaries and scholarships for social work in South Africa, targets students pursuing Social Work degrees at South African higher education institutions.
• These bursaries were introduced following a reduction in the number of Social Work graduates due to the costs of the study programs.

Host Schools

• South African Universities

Field of Study

• Social Work

Coverage

• Tuition
• Registration
• Accommodation at the university
• Prescribed books

Target Group

• South African students pursuing courses in Social Work

NOTE:

• Preference is given to individuals with a disability, from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, or living in youth care facilities.

Eligibility

To qualify for these bursaries, you should:

• Be a South African citizen.
• Have a valid South African ID document.
• Have completed Grade 12/Matric.
• Have a minimum of a C combined for Matric.
• Comply with the application requirements for a Social Work degree.
• Provide proof of your parent’s/guardian/s financial status.
• Have applied and been accepted to a Social Work degree program at your university of choice in your province of origin.

Application Procedure

• Get an application form from the DSD office in your home province or the Social Work Faculty at your chosen university
• Fill out the application and attach the required documents. Ensure that these documents are certified and in the correct format.
• Return the application form and the documents to the DSD office in your home province.

3. ABSA Fellowship Program

Program Overview

• The ABSA Fellowship Program is a leadership development program that equips recipients with critical leadership skills necessary for transformational impact in local communities.
• This program funds full-time students pursuing their studies at selected public universities in South Africa.

Host Schools

• Selected South African universities

Field of Study

• Social Work

Coverage

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Laptop, textbooks, and educational equipment
• Medical aid

Target Group

• Permanent citizens of Seychelles, Mauritius, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Ghana, and South Africa.

Eligibility

To qualify for this fellowship program, you should:

• Be an African student.
• Be a citizen of one of the countries listed above.
• Be aged between 18 and 25.
• Have provisional acceptance from one of the 6 selected public universities
• Have a strong academic background with a Grade 12/Matric average of 65% and above.
• Be entering your first year of tertiary studies.

Application Procedure

• Application is done online on the website. After completing the application form, attach the required documents and submit your application.
• Successful applicants will then complete an online psychometric assessment.
• Next, applicants will be invited to participate in an online panel interview.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Social Work, the bursaries and scholarships for social work in South Africa listed above will help with some of the costs!

• For more information on Social Work scholarships outside South Africa, read this: Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship
• Check out this Social Work Scholarship in Ghana – KNUST MasterCard Foundation Scholarships