Top Schools Offering Fully Funded MSc Scholarships in Social Work

For students passionate about social work and looking to make a significant impact on communities, pursuing a Master’s in Social Work (MSc) can be a transformative experience. Luckily, many prestigious universities around the world offer fully funded scholarships to support talented students in their academic and professional journeys. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some top schools that offer fully funded MSc scholarships in Social Work, along with the relevant admission and scholarship requirements.

1. University of York – UK

Scholarship Overview: The University of York in the UK offers various scholarships for international students, including the International Postgraduate Scholarship for Social Work. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, living expenses, and a stipend for the duration of the program.

Admission Requirements:

• A 2:1 undergraduate degree in Social Work or a related field.
• Relevant work experience (e.g., internships or volunteering in social work settings).
• Evidence of English proficiency (IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent).

Scholarship Requirements:

• Apply for a full-time MSc Social Work program.
• Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to pursue social work and your goals for using the degree.
• Provide references from academic and professional mentors.

Application Process:

1. Complete an online application for the MSc Social Work program on the University of York website.
2. Apply for the scholarship directly through the university’s scholarship portal.

2. Columbia University – USA

Scholarship Overview: Columbia University’s School of Social Work in New York offers the Social Work Scholarship Program which provides full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipends for students with demonstrated financial need. Additionally, it awards full funding through the Dean’s Scholarship to exceptional students.

Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
• A strong academic record (preferably with a GPA of 3.5 or above).
• Previous experience in social services (voluntary or professional work is encouraged).
• GRE scores (some applicants may be exempt).
• A statement of purpose highlighting your aspirations and commitment to the social work field.

Scholarship Requirements:

• Completion of the application to the MSc Social Work program.
• Submit an application for financial aid, including documents like income tax returns and proof of financial need.

Application Process:

1. Complete the online application for the MSc in Social Work program at Columbia University.
2. Apply for the scholarship by submitting a financial aid form with the application.

3. University of Melbourne – Australia

Scholarship Overview: The Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships offer full funding for international students pursuing an MSc in Social Work at the University of Melbourne. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowances.

Admission Requirements:

• A recognized undergraduate degree in Social Work or a related field.
• A minimum GPA of 75% in your undergraduate degree.
• Strong research potential, as the program has a research component.
• IELTS score of 7.0 (with no band lower than 6.5).

Scholarship Requirements:

• Apply for admission to the MSc Social Work program first.
• The scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and the applicant’s potential for contributing to the social work field.

Application Process:

1. Apply online to the University of Melbourne for the MSc in Social Work.
2. Submit your scholarship application as part of your admissions process.

4. Stockholm University – Sweden

Scholarship Overview: Stockholm University offers the Swedish Institute Study Scholarships to international students from certain countries, covering tuition fees, living costs, and other study-related expenses for those pursuing an MSc in Social Work.

Admission Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 out of 4.0.
• Proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
• Relevant experience in social work, including internships or professional experience.

Scholarship Requirements:

• Apply for the MSc Social Work program and the Swedish Institute Scholarship concurrently.
• Provide a motivation letter detailing your future career goals in social work.
• Submit proof of financial need and academic excellence.

Application Process:

1. Apply for the MSc Social Work program via Stockholm University’s online portal.
2. Submit the scholarship application by the specified deadline through the Swedish Institute portal.

5. University of Toronto – Canada

Scholarship Overview: The University of Toronto offers the International Scholarships Program for international students pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW). These scholarships cover tuition fees and living expenses.

Admission Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Two letters of reference, including one from an academic professor and one from a professional supervisor.
• A strong personal statement and relevant social work experience.

Scholarship Requirements:

• Apply for admission to the MSW program and indicate interest in scholarship consideration on the application form.
• Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

Application Process:

1. Submit an online application for the MSc in Social Work program at the University of Toronto.
2. Complete the scholarship application as part of the admissions process.

6. The University of Edinburgh – UK

Scholarship Overview: The University of Edinburgh offers the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship for international students, covering full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses. It is open to those pursuing postgraduate studies in social work-related research.

Admission Requirements:

• A relevant undergraduate degree in Social Work or a related area.
• A strong academic record and interest in research.
• Proficiency in English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Scholarship Requirements:

• Complete the MSc Social Work application form.
• Submit a research proposal related to social work, demonstrating your research interests and goals.
• Academic and professional references are required.

Application Process:

1. Apply for the MSc in Social Work program.
2. Submit a research proposal along with the application for funding.

7. London School of Economics (LSE) – UK

Scholarship Overview: LSE offers several fully funded Graduate Support Scheme Scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover full tuition fees and living costs for MSc Social Work students.

Admission Requirements:

• A first-class or upper second-class honors degree in Social Work or a related field.
• GRE or GMAT scores (may be waived in some cases).
• A strong personal statement outlining your career goals and reasons for choosing LSE.

Scholarship Requirements:

• Apply for the MSc in Social Work program and submit an application for funding via the LSE Financial Aid portal.
• Provide evidence of financial need and academic merit.

Application Process:

1. Complete the online application for the MSc Social Work program at LSE.
2. Apply for the Graduate Support Scheme via the LSE funding portal.

Conclusion

Pursuing a fully funded MSc in Social Work can open up opportunities for those dedicated to improving lives and communities. These top universities offer a mix of academic excellence, financial support, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the world through social work. Ensure you meet the specific admission requirements, gather all necessary documents, and submit your applications on time to secure a place in these prestigious programs.