You will find funding available for social care qualifications.
Achieving a qualification can lead to career development and progression opportunities. If you need to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) you will be asked to gain a suitable qualification within three years.
Like most people working in social services, you will likely complete your qualification once you are employed in your first role. Your employer will provide you with information and support.
On this page, you can read about some of the different ways to fund popular qualifications at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) levels 6 and 7. You can use the SSSC’s registration tool to find out which qualifications are suitable for the role you want to do. The tool also includes other qualifications we accept, including those gained at university.
SCQF Level 6 (SVQ2)
Employers can offer to fund your study towards SVQs at SCQF Level 6 or 7, through routes such as Modern Apprenticeships or the Voluntary Sector Development Fund.
SVQs
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) provide you with an opportunity to be assessed on knowledge and skills gained at work. You can start an SVQ once you are feeling confident in your role and have completed training on a range of topics.
Work-based qualifications at this level include:
- SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6.
- SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6.
An SVQ at this level is suitable for support workers in a variety of settings. Use the SSSC’s registration tool to find out which will be the most suitable for you. Some support workers complete a higher level qualification, such as an SVQ at SCQF level 7. They may also have a qualification from college or university which meets requirements.
Many employers offer to fund SVQs. You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your SVQ but make sure you read the rest of this funding information first.Apprenticeships
One way of funding your qualification is a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6.
This combines paid employment with the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge with support from experienced staff. Funding is provided by Skills Development Scotland to your training provider and your employer may also need to contribute. You should not be asked to pay towards your apprenticeship.
Modern apprenticeships are available for people of all ages (16 years or over) and can be applied for by new recruits or existing employees. You can find out more about becoming a Modern Apprentice here.
There are also Foundation Apprenticeships in Social Services (Children and Young People) and Social Services and Healthcare at SVQ level 6 where you can gain some core units of the SVQ. You can find out more about becoming a Modern Apprentice or Foundation Apprentice here.
Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF)
If you work for a registered voluntary sector organisation that provides social services and is registered with the Care Inspectorate, your employer may apply to the Voluntary Sector Development Fund to support you to complete your SVQ. If you’re currently employed, you may wish to contact your employer to find out if they are in receipt of the fund.
The Voluntary Sector Development Fund usually opens for applications in the summer each year. To find out more information, you may wish to ask your employer or visit the SSSC's news page to keep up to date with the latest information available on the fund.
Further Education (College) Courses
If you want to work in a day care of children service, you may decide to study for a National Certificate in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 6 (previously the NC Early Education and Childcare). This qualification meets SSSC requirements for registration as a support worker.
There are other helpful Further Education (FE) qualifications which can help you get started in your career, although you may need to complete a further qualification in the workplace.
If you’re studying on a full-time FE course (below SCQF Level 7), you could be eligible for funding that will cover tuition fees. Some students may also be eligible for support with living, travel and study expenses.
To be eligible for funding for tuition fees you must meet the following conditions:
- UK national or have 'settled status', with no restrictions on how long you can stay.
- Normally live in Scotland on course start date - short periods away for work, education or holidays are OK.
- Living in the UK for 3 years before the course start date.
Read more about nationality and residency requirements for tuition fee funding on the Student Information Scotland website. You should also speak with your chosen college’s finance support team if you are not sure if you meet these requirements.
The amount you receive for tuition fees and other expenses can be based on:
- the course you are studying
- your household income
- your personal circumstances.
SCQF Level 7 (SVQ3)
You may be eligible for support towards your tuition fees through the Part-Time Fee Grant for qualifications at SCQF Level 7 or above, or for higher education courses if you are studying in a full-time basis.
SVQs
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) provide you with an opportunity to be assessed on knowledge and skills gained at work. You can start an SVQ once you are feeling confident in your role and have completed training on a range of topics.
Work-based qualifications at this level include:
- SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 7.
- SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7.
An SVQ at this level is suitable for practitioners in a variety of settings. Support workers may also choose this level if suited to their role and responsibilities. Use the SSSC’s registration tool to find out which will be the most suitable for you.
Modern Apprenticeships
One way of funding your qualification is a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Social Services and Healthcare or Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7.
This combines paid employment with the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge with support from experienced staff. Funding is provided by Skills Development Scotland to your training provider and your employer may also need to contribute. You should not be asked to pay towards your apprenticeship.
Modern apprenticeships are available for people of all ages (16 years or over) and can be applied for by new recruits or existing employees. You can find out more about becoming a Modern Apprentice here.
Voluntary Sector Development Fund (VSDF)
If you work for a registered voluntary sector organisation that provides social services and is registered with the Care Inspectorate, your employer may apply to the Voluntary Sector Development Fund to support you to complete your SVQ. If you’re currently employed, you may wish to contact your employer to find out if they are in receipt of the fund.
The Voluntary Sector Development Fund usually opens for applications in the summer each year. To find out more information, you may wish to ask your employer or visit the SSSC's news page to keep up to date with the latest information available on the fund.
Part Time Fee Grant (PTFG)
This funding is available for qualifications at SCQF level 7 and above which are studied on a part time basis. This includes SVQs at SCQF level 7 and (where available) HNC Social Services or HNC Childhood Practice studied on a part-time basis.
The Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) is responsible for part-time funding which could help cover the cost of tuition fees. You or your employer may also need to make a contribution if the funding given is less than the total cost of your qualification.
If you want to work in a role which requires SSSC registration, check the SSSC’s registration tool to make sure you choose the most suitable qualification for your setting and level of responsibility.
To be eligible, you must:
- be studying on a part-time basis
- completing at least 30 credits (between SCQF Level 7-10)
- have an income of £25,000 a year or less
- meet the residency conditions.
To find out more, visit the Part-time Fee Grant page on the SAAS website.
Tuition fees for full time study
If you are studying for a full-time higher education course, such as the HNC Social Services or HNC Childhood Practice, you could be eligible for tuition fees from SAAS. These will be paid directly to your college or training provider.
To learn about funding for full time study, read the guide on full-time funding and conditions from SAAS. This guide also contains information about student loans and bursaries.
Make a difference with a career in social care
