The SSA is offering funding for postgraduate study and professional development in the field of addiction. Apply for a research leadership bursary or treatment workforce bursary for courses starting Autumn 2026.
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
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.
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:
- The ten priority questions for addiction research identified by the James Lind Alliance priority-setting partnership
- The aims of Addiction Healthcare Goals
- The aims of the UK Government’s 10-year drug strategy, ‘From Harm to Hope’
- 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
- 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 and/or treatment workforce 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.
Please note that there is no deadline; applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. If you apply for both schemes, you will first be considered for the research leadership bursary via the Addiction Healthcare Goals flagship research leadership programme. If you are unsuccessful, you will then be considered for the SSA’s treatment workforce bursary.
