Social Work Bursary: DSD Scholarship Details 2026

The Social Work Bursary 2026 is a government-linked funding opportunity in South Africa for students who want to study Social Work or related fields at a public university or college. 

This bursary is associated with the Department of Social Development (DSD) and aims to help grow the number of qualified social workers in the country. 

The programme is part of the government’s efforts to address a shortage of social service practitioners and support vulnerable communities. 

Funding typically covers essential study costs like tuition fees, registration, prescribed textbooks, and sometimes accommodation. 

Many students are also encouraged to apply early because bursary applications are seasonal and deadlines must be met.

What Is the Social Work Bursary by the Department of Social Development?

The Department of Social Development Social Work Bursary is a financial support programme from the government that helps South African students pay for qualifications in the field of Social Work and related social sciences. 

The bursaries are intended to build a strong workforce of social workers and social service practitioners. 

They are usually offered through provincial offices of the Department of Social Development and sometimes in partnership with universities.

The aim is to support students who are passionate about serving communities and working in social services.

Who Can Apply for the Social Work Bursary 2026?

To apply for this bursary, applicants must meet several basic criteria:

1. Be a South African citizen with a valid ID document.
2. Have completed Matric (National Senior Certificate) or be in the final year of study with qualifying results.
3. Be accepted or provisionally accepted to study Social Work or a closely related social services qualification at a recognised South African university or college.
4. Meet the university’s and the bursary’s minimum academic requirements.

Preference is often given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities, and youth leaving child and youth care facilities. 

Applicants who already have full funding from another bursary may not be eligible to apply.

What Fields of Study Are Covered by This Bursary?

The Social Work Bursary supports qualifications that lead to a Social Work degree. 

Social Work is regarded as a scarce skill in South Africa because trained social workers are essential for health, community development, child welfare, and social support systems. 

In addition to a Social Work degree, bursary funding may sometimes extend to related social sciences and community development studies that prepare students for work in the broader social services sector. 

These may include family and child social care, community development, mental health support work, and population studies, depending on the specific bursary programmes offered by provincial departments.

What Costs Does the Bursary Cover?

The Social Work Bursary typically covers key study costs to ensure students can focus on their training without major financial barriers. It may include:

1. Full tuition fees for the academic year.
2. Registration and administration fees at the institution.
3. Prescribed textbooks and study materials.
4. Accommodation costs were supplied by the university or college.

The exact coverage can vary depending on the province and the specific terms of each bursary announcement. 

Some bursaries may not cover living allowances or transport, so applicants should confirm details with the bursary office where they apply.

How Do You Apply for the Social Work Bursary 2026?

Application methods for the Social Work Bursary depend on the province and the bursary programme. 

However, the most common steps include:

1. Obtain the official Application Form from the provincial Department of Social Development office or the Social Work faculty at your university.
2. Complete the form carefully with accurate personal and academic information.
3. Attach all required certified supporting documents.
4. Submit the completed application to your provincial Department of Social Development office by the closing date.

Online applications are not always available; many bursaries require in-person or postal submission. 

Students should check with the department in their province for the exact application process.

What Documents Are Required With the Application?

Applicants must include the following certified documents with their submission:

1. South African ID document (certified copy).
2. Matric certificate or latest academic results (certified).
3. Proof of university acceptance or registration for Social Work or related study.
4. Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income or a sworn affidavit if unemployed.
5. Motivational letter explaining why the student is applying for the bursary.

Other documents may be required depending on the bursary programme and province, such as proof of residence or disability documentation where relevant.

What Is the Closing Date for the 2026 Social Work Bursary?

The closing dates for Social Work bursaries from the Department of Social Development typically fall between May and June each year for study in the next academic cycle. 

However, there are also shorter application windows in some provinces. One recent listing for the National Department of Social Development bursary showed a closing date of 8 February 2026 for the 2026 cycle. 

Students should confirm the exact deadline with their provincial DSD office, because closing dates can change, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your application:

1. The Department of Social Development will review all applications and check eligibility.
2. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for interviews or additional assessments, depending on the programme.
3. Approved bursary recipients will receive official offer letters and may be required to sign a bursary contract with conditions, such as a commitment to complete the qualification.
4. Students must also meet academic performance requirements each year to retain funding.