The SSA offers funding for postgraduate study and professional development in the field of addiction. Find out more about the funding available in 2026/2027.

Funding update

Due to the high level of demand for the SSA’s treatment workforce bursaries this year, we have now allocated all available funding and applications have closed.

If you were planning to apply for a treatment workforce bursary but were not able to submit an application before the scheme closed, we recommend exploring other potential sources of funding or support (e.g. through your university).

Research leadership bursaries remain open for people who want to pursue a career in addiction research.

If you have any questions for the SSA, you can contact us using the enquiry form.

We look forward to welcoming new applications when the scheme reopens in April 2027.

The SSA has two complementary bursaries designed to support different roles, needs, and career stages across the addiction field. Together, they aim to strengthen the field by investing in both future research leadership and the treatment workforce:

  • The research leadership bursary is designed to support people who want to pursue a career in addiction research
  • The treatment workforce bursary is designed to support people who work in treatment services to access training and development, particularly where financial barriers exist (NB. Please note this is currently closed for applications)

Depending on your role and study plans, you may be eligible to apply for one or both bursaries.

What types of courses will the SSA fund?

Bursaries are typically awarded to people undertaking master’s degrees, although the SSA will also consider applications for diplomas, certificates, and modular courses (see list of indicative courses).

Research leadership bursaries are part of the Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme. They cover the full cost of courses (with no maximum award), and may therefore be best suited to full-time study. As per other flagship research leadership programme schemes, applicants will need to demonstrate:

  • that they have a plan to become a leader in addiction science
  • that their research will focus on illicit drugs or alcohol
  • that their research will have an impact on addiction treatment, policy, or research

Treatment workforce bursaries have been offered by the SSA for many years. They provide up to £7,000 to cover one year of course fees, and are typically suited to someone who wants to study part-time while working or volunteering in the treatment sector. If your course will last more than one year, you can reapply for a bursary.

How can I prepare a strong application for a research leadership bursary?

Strong applications for a research leadership bursary will demonstrate how the proposed course and research aligns with:

If you apply for a research leadership bursary, you will also be asked specific questions on:
  • Relevant experience from you work or lived experience in addiction or adjacent settings
  • How the course would help you develop towards a career in research leadership (e.g. through an academic route, or by making connections between research and clinical or treatment settings)

How can I prepare a strong application for a treatment workforce bursary?

Strong applications for a treatment workforce bursary will demonstrate how the proposed course and research will:

  • Further the SSA’s mission to advance the scientific understanding of addictive products and behaviours and the use of this knowledge in policy and practice
If you apply for a treatment workforce bursary, you will also be asked specific questions on:
  • Your experience of working in addiction and your intended commitment to addiction science
  • How your attendance at the course will benefit your career in addiction
  • How your attendance at the course will benefit your current voluntary or paid-employment provider
  • How you consider yourself to meet the charitable aim of the bursary scheme, which is to support people who experience difficulty in funding their study

How to apply

You can apply for a research leadership bursary using the form below. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please contact the SSA team at enquiries@addiction-ssa.org.

Your line manager’s support letter is essential to the processing of the application, and to ensure bursary decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date information, must be received within 60 days of your application form. Submission of your application automatically sends a request for the supporting statement to the email address you provide for your line manager. Your manager should complete and return the request directly, to the email address we provide, without delay. We cannot accept supporting emails forwarded by the applicant.

Please note that there is no deadline; applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. It may take up to six weeks to process each bursary application. We do not allow repeat applications for the same academic period.