social work bursary travel allowance

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• Health and social care
• Social care
• Social work bursary information packs
• Department of Health & Social Care

Social work education in the 2023 to 2024 academic year

Updated 24 May 2023

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforming-social-work-bursary-information-packs/social-work-education-in-the-2023-to-2024-academic-year

In the 2023 to 2024 academic year the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) is supporting social work education through funding the Social Work Bursary ( SWB ) and the Education Support Grant ( ESG ). This funding contributes to maintaining and improving the quality of social work education and creating a future workforce of skilled and qualified social workers. Our funding investment provides support to social work students and practitioners.

Funding objectives include:

• financial awards for social work students to qualify as social workers
• higher education institute ( HEI ) and local authority placement provider deliverables including practice placements, skills development days and the HEI administration fee
• service user and carer involvement in the development and delivery of the social work degree

There is finite funding for both the Social Work Bursary ( SWB ) and Education Support Grant ( ESG ). The SWB is capped at a total of 4,000 bursaries for eligible social work students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in England. SWB is distributed to 2,500 undergraduate students, and 1,500 postgraduate students. ESG is a demand-led budget from a limited fund. The NHS Business Services Authority ( NHSBSA ) Student Services administers the SWB and ESG  application process and payment awards on our behalf.

This information applies to the academic year 2023 to 2024 only and supersedes all published information pack guidance in previous years.

Student eligibility and how to apply

Eligibility criteria and an application form are set out in the ‘Social Work Bursaries Guide 2023 to 2024’, which is available from the NHSBSA Student Services website . There are also rules about the types of retainer that are eligible.

New and continuing students

Students must not assume that an award will be granted until they receive confirmation from NHSBSA Student Services. There is no guarantee that all students who commenced study in the 2022 to 2023 academic year or who are continuing to study in the 2023 to 2024 academic year, will receive a SWB .

Students already in receipt of an SWB award will normally receive it for a maximum of 2 years, subject to a change of circumstances. All changes must be reported in a timely manner, as it may result in an over or underpayment. Any overpayments to students will be recovered in full by NHSBSA Student Services.

Student Finance England

Loans and/or grants may be available for eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students. Postgraduate masters students may be eligible if they only receive an placement travel allowance ( PTA ). Further information and eligibility details can be found at funding for undergraduate study and funding for postgraduate study .

SWB rates 2023 to 2024 academic year

The postgraduate SWB is available in both years of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) and comprises the following elements:

Table 1: the postgraduate SWB in the 2022 to 2023 academic year

The SWB is available in the final 2 years of undergraduate study (usually years 2 and 3 of full-time study, or part-time equivalent) when most students undertake placements.

Table 2: the undergraduate SWB in the 2023 to 2024 academic year

Non- SWB recipients may be eligible (subject to criteria set out in the application form) to receive a PTA . PTA is automatically included in the basic bursary for those students in receipt of an SWB . This is intended to help students meet the costs of travel to and from their home to the placement provider’s place of work. It is not intended to replace or supplement placement provider’s expenses policy for students travelling to individual assignments. Postgraduate non- SWB recipients will not be eligible for any other allowances listed above.

HEI application process

1,500 whole-time equivalent ( WTE ) postgraduate SWBs are available for students who start their postgraduate study in the 2023 to 2024 academic year and 2,500 WTE undergraduate SWBs will be available for students who start their penultimate year of undergraduate study in the 2023 academic year. Non- SWB recipients will be eligible (subject to criteria) for PTA .

The following process applies:

HEIs will publish their inclusion criteria.

Students will need to be shortlisted by the HEI (using the inclusion criteria below).

HEIs will notify NHSBSA of the shortlisted students.

Students will apply to NHSBSA for the SWB or PTA. They can apply prior to finding out whether they have been nominated for an SWB.

NHSBSA will assess eligibility for the SWB and pay students appropriately.

Inclusion criteria for postgraduate students

Students included on the SWB selection list should be prioritised for an SWB based on a ranking during the admissions process. HEIs should consider other factors such as their obligations for widening participation and under the Equalities Act 2010.

Inclusion criteria for undergraduate students

Students included on the SWB selection list should be prioritised for an SWB based on a ranking during the admissions process. The ranking can be adjusted during year 1 based on attendance and passing the ‘readiness to practice’ and year 1 exams. HEIs should consider other factors such as their obligations for widening participation and under the Equalities Act 2010.

HEIs will want to assure themselves of the overall fairness and consistency of decision-making (including consideration of the public sector equality duty) to shortlist students. Therefore, it is recommended that HEIs keep a record of why students were shortlisted for the SWB . For each of the students that HEIs shortlist, the following details need to be provided to NHSBSA Student Services:

• name of the student ranked in order of eligibility (the student who most met the criteria would be the first choice and so on. HEIs may decide to apply a scoring system)
• a list of reserves ranked in order of their eligibility
• title of course
• full-time or part-time
• proposed duration of study

NHSBSA Student Services will supply a template spreadsheet for HEIs to complete with the above information.

If a student shortlisted by an HEI is not eligible for a SWB under the eligibility rules applied by NHSBSA Student Services, the first named eligible student on the reserve list will assume the bursary-funded place. This process will continue in the order reserves are listed until the HEI total number of SWB recipients is utilised. If a student has queries with the shortlisting process, these should be taken up with their HEI .

Undergraduate students may also be eligible for a loan from the Student Loans Company, subject to the usual criteria.

SWB allocation methodology

This section describes the allocation methodology. The number of bursaries awarded to each HEI is based on data provided by HEIs to DHSC . It considers:

• the number of students at an HEI over a 5-year period
• the number of students eligible for a bursary in the allocation year
• the total number of bursaries available

The data collection took place between November 2022 and January 2023.

In simple terms, the total number of students at all HEIs over the 5-year period is added together and divided by the national number of bursaries available to create a quota. The national number of new bursaries is 1,500 postgraduate bursaries and 2,500 undergraduate bursaries. The calculation of the quota for postgraduate and undergraduate bursaries from the 2020 academic year onwards is shown below:

Table 3: calculation of postgraduate quota

Table 4: calculation of undergraduate quota

The total number of students at an individual HEI over the 5-year period is divided by this quota to calculate the number of bursaries awarded to an institution. Validation checks are then undertaken to ensure that no institution receives more bursaries than it has eligible students. If this condition is violated these bursaries are distributed between remaining HEIs .

Reasons for changes in allocations

It is common for the number of bursaries awarded to individual HEIs to change even if there is no change to the overall number of bursaries. This is because the methodology used to allocate bursaries considers actual and planned student intakes over a 5-year period at all HEIs . There are several reasons why the number of awards might change from year to year including the following.

Change in the overall number of students in England

As shown in examples 1 and 2 (below) any change in the total number of students changes the quota required to produce a bursary. Between 2017 and 2018 the total number of postgraduate students increased by around 320 which increased the quota from 6.4 to 6.6 students per bursary. Because of this, HEIs who reported the same number of students in 2017 and 2018 may have seen a slight reduction in the number of bursaries received. Similarly, a reduction in the total number of undergraduates may result in a slight increase, depending on the individual data provided.

Changes at HEI level

The allocation formula considers the number of students over a 5-year period. Therefore, if there are changes in intakes for any HEI then that will have an impact on bursaries. The data in the 5-year period used in calculating the 2023 allocation differs from that for calculating the 2022 allocations, by moving the 5-year period forward by a year. This creates a new 5-year period comprising actual intake numbers for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and planned intake numbers for 2023 and 2024, by:

• no longer considering the actual intake number for 2019
• changing the 2022 number from ‘plan’ to ‘actual’
• adding on a new year’s planned intake number for 2024

New courses and/or closed courses

As the formula is based on a full 5 years of students there is an impact for new courses and those which are closing. In both instances these courses will have ‘0’ students for some years (either because they have not been open for long enough or because there is no planned intake) and so they are likely to receive a lower number of awards in those years. This can also lead to large changes in the number of awards from year to year as those courses get a full 5 years of student numbers or drop out of the system entirely.

Capping out

The formula ensures that no institution can receive more bursaries than it has eligible students. In 2023 this means that no HEI can receive more bursaries than its reported undergraduate intake in 2022 (for 3-year undergraduate courses) or 2021 (for 4-year undergraduate courses), and its planned postgraduate intake for 2023. If an institution has a dip in recruitment in any year, then this can come into effect and can result in a seemingly large decline in allocations.

Therefore, a change in bursary numbers is dynamic and depends on both changes at the HEI and national level. The precise reasons for a change will vary from HEI to HEI .

Worked examples

To illustrate this point here are some fictional scenarios. In each case the number of bursaries to be awarded is 1,000 and in year 1 there were 10,000 students in England. The quota to receive one bursary was therefore 10 (10,000 divided by 1,000).

Example 1: ‘business as usual’

In year 1 HEI A had an intake of 50 students per year over each of 5 years. This meant that it received a total of 25 bursaries (250 divided by 10).

Total students equals 250. Total bursaries equals 25 (250 divided by 10).

Example 2: expansion

In Year 2 HEI A plans expansion from the next year. This means that in the return year 5 becomes a higher value (70) and a value of 50 drops from the calculation. As a result, the number of students over 5 years increases to 270 and the number of awards to 27.

Total students equals 270. Total bursaries equals 27 (270 divided by 10).

Example 3: change to total number of students

In Year 2 there is no change to HEI A plans however a new provider has entered the market and so the overall number of students increase to 10,500. This changes the quota required to (10,500 divided by 1,000) equals 10.5 students.

Total students equals 250. Total bursaries equals 24 (250 divided by 10.5).

Example 4: course closure

In Year 2 HEI A announces that it’s going to close its course next year. This means that in year 5 a value of zero is recorded and a value of 50 is dropped from the calculation. The overall number of students remains at 10,000 and so the quota is 10 students per award.

Total students equals 200. Total bursaries equals 20 (200 divided by 10).

SWB guidance for HEIs by NHSBSA

Following feedback from several HEIs , NHSBSA Student Services has provided the following guidance to clarify and reinforce the action to take with various scenarios relating to the allocation of capped places to social work bursary students.

The aim of this guidance is to maximise the use of available capped places allocated to each HEI . As detailed below, if a student does not complete their course within the ‘normal period’ they will in most cases lose their entitlement to the capped place if they return to training.

We need support from all HEIs to effectively meet the objective of maximising the use of available capped places under the current arrangements. This includes a requirement to provide us with timely information about every change in a student’s attendance. This means NHSBSA Student Services will require HEIs to download, complete and forward to them the relevant SWB02, SWB03 or SWB04 form from their website as soon as HEIs become aware of such a change. This is especially important at the start and end of each academic year, as once a payment has been made to a student with a capped place who subsequently withdraws, it cannot be re-allocated to another student for that academic year.

Withdrawals

If a student withdraws from training, their capped place may be re-allocated to another student, if the withdrawn student has not received a payment and the place is re-allocated prior to the end of the financial year in which the academic year commences. Once a payment has been made the capped place cannot then be re-allocated to another student and any further funding, for that capped place, will be lost in that academic year.

Postgraduate student deferrals

If a postgraduate student has been allocated a capped place but informs their HEI that they wish to defer starting their course until a later academic year, their place can be re-allocated to another student. Again, they must not have received a bursary payment, or the place is lost. If the place is not re-allocated to another student, the place will also be lost. A new capped place will then need to be allocated to the deferred student, when they commence training, from the allocation of capped places for the academic year they are joining. They cannot retain a previous academic year’s capped place even if the place was not re-allocated to another student.

Resuming postgraduate students

Students who attended in their first academic year and were nominated for a capped place but had a period of non-attendance for a full academic year and are now resuming training, will have lost the capped place initially allocated to them. These capped places cannot be retained if a student withdraws from training for any reason, even if the place is not re-allocated to another student.

If HEIs wish to allocate a capped place to a postgraduate returning student, this can only be done if there are exceptional circumstances that instigated the deferral and the student’s capped place must either:

• be allocated from the postgraduate year cohort the student is returning to (this could only happen if someone else had withdrawn from the course without receiving any payments for the academic year)
• be taken from the total allocation of students for the new academic year. In this case the next year of funding for the capped place would also be lost and could not separately be allocated to another student the following year

Undergraduate student deferrals

If an undergraduate student has been allocated a capped place but informs their HEI they wish to defer starting the second or third year until a later academic year, their place can be re-allocated to another student. They must not have received a bursary payment, or the capped place is lost. If the place is not re-allocated to another student, the place will also be lost.

Resuming undergraduate students

Students who attended in their first academic year and were nominated for a capped place but had a period of non-attendance and are now resuming training, will have lost the capped place initially allocated to them for the remaining duration of the course.

Undergraduate students who withdraw or defer and resume training at any point during the course including the first year may not occupy a capped place when they resume training.

Maternity leave – all social work students

HEIs must follow the process outlined below for all students who are taking a period of maternity leave regardless of when they commence their maternity leave (including if it is during a holiday period) and regardless of whether they are enrolled on a capped place.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students who are nominated for a capped place may continue to receive bursary payments for up to a maximum of 12 months from the agreed date of the start of the maternity leave period or from the day after the date of birth. Students must provide the HEI with medical evidence of the pregnancy prior to commencing maternity leave (usually form MATB1). The start date of the maternity leave must be agreed with the HEI prior to commencement of the leave. HEIs must forward the form SWB02 to NHSBSA Student Services annotated to confirm the student has provided relevant evidence including the expected date of confinement, the last date of attendance and the date of return if the student is expected to return to complete the course.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students who resume training after a period of maternity leave will retain their capped place for the duration of the course. HEIs cannot re-allocate or transfer a capped place from a student on maternity leave to another student.

In addition, students who have taken a period of maternity leave may receive an extension of funding for up to a maximum of 12 months to complete the course (this may be extended in exceptional circumstances if the student also must repeat part of the course). HEIs must forward the form SWB03 to the NHSBSA Student Services annotated to confirm the student has returned to training, including the date they returned, the cohort they have joined, the new expected end date of the course and any other information that will help clarify the student’s personal circumstances.

Students who are not nominated for a capped place (those in receipt of the PTA only, or EU fees only postgraduate students) are not eligible to receive the PTA or payment of fees during a period of maternity leave. They may be eligible to receive the PTA and/or payment of fees if relevant when they resume training.

SWB timeline

The following section and tables describe activity throughout the year, and it is expected that information will be provided by the specified target date.

For each intake group, different activities have been highlighted and identified as A to E.

A – student applications to NHSBSA Student Services

Students should submit their application to NHSBSA Student Services, with all supporting evidence, by the specified cohort deadline as shown in Tables 5b1, 5b2, 5b3.

B – submission of capping nominations with reserves

Each HEI should submit the template issued by NHSBSA Student Services completed in full, including all students nominated for capped bursary funded places and any reserves. Reserve students should be listed in order, with reserve 1 being the first student eligible for an unused capped place, reserve 2 the next and so on.

C – submission of final college place notification ( FCPN )

Each HEI should submit the template issued by NHSBSA Student Services listing those students who have enrolled. This must be a complete list of enrolees as this information will be used to release payments to those individuals who are named by their HEI as having formally enrolled on to the course.

Any enrolment confirmation received after the deadline will not be considered.

D – completion of capping and/or FCPN process and movement of reserves onto capped places

NHSBSA Student Services will issue any remaining unused capped places to nominated reserves, in the order described at point B, above.

This date signifies the end of all activity relating to the intake. This exercise will close on the specified deadline and no other reserves will be considered beyond this date for that particular intake. Any bursary funded places that are unallocated at this point will be forfeited – see the section ‘Unused allocations and COVID-19 extension’ for details.

Table 5a: general activity

The dates shown in table 5a above are the final date by which that action should be completed.

Table 5b1: cohort-specific activity – September to October 2023 intakes

Table 5b2: cohort-specific activity – January 2022 intakes

Table 5b3: cohort-specific activity – March 2023 intakes

Tuition fee invoices: HEIs should submit invoices to NHSBSA Student Services after 1 December 2023 for September starters and 1 March 2024 for January starters.

Payment dates for students: the SWB is paid to eligible students in 3 instalments as below. Each instalment will also include the placement travel allowance:

the first instalment will be paid no later than 10 working days from the date NHSBSA Student Services receives confirmation of course enrolment, attendance and place on capping list, or 10 working days from the date the SWB notification letter is issued, whichever is later

instalments 2 and 3 will be made in synchronisation with the start of each term for all students. Details on dates will be published on the NHSBSA Student Services website

Placement travel allowance ( PTA ): students not included on the HEI capped shortlist, will be paid the PTA when and if their application has been assessed as eligible. This will normally be no later than 10 working days from the date NHSBSA Student Services receives confirmation of student enrolment and attendance, or 10 working days from the date of the notification letter, whichever is later.

Childcare allowance: NHSBSA Student Services will pay a childcare allowance to students in receipt of a postgraduate SWB in 3 instalments, one for each term of the academic year. These will be paid separately to the postgraduate SWB instalments. The first instalment will be paid no later than 10 working days from the date on the notification of entitlement or no later than 10 working days from the date NHSBSA Student Services receives confirmation of course enrolment, attendance and place on the HEI short list, whichever is later. NHSBSA Student Services will only pay the second and third instalments when they have verified the amount paid to the childcare provider for the preceding term. NHSBSA Student Services will contact the childcare provider directly to confirm these costs.

Unused allocations and COVID-19 extension

For the academic year 2023 to 2024, we expect placement disruptions to subside as the country learns to live with COVID-19. Therefore, we will no longer fund COVID-19 related extensions except on a case-by-case basis in accordance with other requests for an extension.

For the 2019 to 2020 academic year, DHSC and NHSBSA introduced for the first time a system for in-year reallocation of unused bursaries. We will no longer proceed with in-year allocations of unused bursaries.

ESG 2023 to 2024 academic year

Table 6: ESG rates

HEIs will need to use the normal process shown below to claim the funding. ESG funding is only available in support of eligible social work qualification courses. Details are available on the NHSBSA Student Services website and specifically in the publication ‘Education Support Grant, a university’s guide to arrangements for ESG funding 2023 to 24’. There is no difference in either the rates or the claiming process for HEIs that are or are not part of the Teaching Partnership programme.

Timeline for claiming ESG

Annex 1: 2023 swb allocation.

The table below sets out the allocation of SWBs to HEIs . The figures below are in addition to the number of SWB recipients in the 2022 to 2023 academic year. The total number of SWBs payable in the 2023 to 2024 academic year may include a small number of students (mainly part-time) who started their course before the introduction of the cap.

2023 allocations

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Social Work Bursary

If you are planning to study BA (Hons) Social Work at BU, you may be eligible for a bursary during your second and third years of study.

These bursaries don’t need to be paid back, and are awarded in recognition of the fact that you are expected to undertake hands-on placements, limiting your ability to get a part-time job.

The Social Work bursary for undergraduate students is:

• Awarded to  eligible students  (and you are allocated a capped place by BU) who have completed your first year of study
• Not assessed on household income
• A grant not a loan
• Paid into your bank account at the start of each term.

Each year, NHS bursaries publish ‘ Your guide to social work bursaries (pdf 4mb) ’. You can access the latest version via the  NHS bursaries website . The guide explains how to apply for a bursary, payment amounts, residency and eligibility. It includes timeframes for applications, decisions and payments.

Please note, if you are planning to study the MA Social Work, please view information relevant to the postgraduate bursary. 

How much is the bursary worth?

The bursary amount for September 2024 entry is not yet known. Applicants for 2023/24 entry who met the eligibility criteria and were allocated a capped place by BU, received £4,862.50 a year, which included the Placement Travel Allowance (PTA) of £862.50 for a full-time course.

Placement Travel Allowance (PTA)

The social work bursary includes a contribution towards your placement travel costs of £862.50 per academic year for full time students. If your placement provider also contributes towards your travel costs, this will not affect your bursary entitlement.

BU criteria

Universities in receipt of a capping allocation decide who receives a bursary based on capping criteria set by the Department of Health and Social Care. At Bournemouth University, we based this on academic merit.

For the BA, your place on the shortlist will be based on your academic achievement in the first year of the course. We list students based on their average mark for the year.

By a deadline in early August, we are required to provide a list of new students based on this criteria to NHS bursaries. We provide as complete a list as possible, including those who fall below the capped number. The list remains fluid at this stage as some students are not eligible, do not apply or withdraw their place. Applicants outside of the capped number therefore may move up the list.

Please note that late enrolment will affect these updates and may affect the timeframe by which you receive a decision on your bursary application and any subsequent payments. Once allocated a bursary place, you will keep this place for the duration of your course unless you withdraw or defer from your studies.

If you have applied and are eligible for a bursary but are not within the capped number, you may still receive a fixed placement travel allowance.

How do you apply?

To make an application you will need to create an account on the MyFunding system.

Before you complete your application, please make sure you have read and understood the eligibility criteria in this guidance .

If you would like further details about the bursary, eligibility and making an application, contact the Social Work Bursaries helpdesk *.

*Please note, if contacting the helpdesk, it can take several days for lists we send to be processed by NHS Bursaries and before it appears as ‘received’ on their system.

You should apply for your bursary at the earliest opportunity. You are encouraged to submit your application by 31 July to guarantee payment for September.

What support is available if I’m not awarded the bursary?

If you do not receive this bursary, you may be entitled to apply for a Placement Travel Allowance, which will contribute towards the travel costs associated with your placement. The figure for 2024/25 entry is not yet available. The allowance for 2023/24 was £862.50 per academic year.

If you are awarded the bursary, this allowance is included within the Social Work bursary for undergraduate students.

Is there any other support available?

You might be eligible for a Sport or Music Scholarship. You can find out more about these awards on our  undergraduate scholarships page .

There is also allowance for dependants:

• Adults Dependants Allowance (ADA):  This is payable if you have an adult who is wholly or mainly financially dependent on you. This may include your spouse, partner or civil partner but not your child or your spouse/civil partner/partner’s child. This allowance is assessed using your adult dependant’s income, if they have any, during the academic year.

More information about the allowances on the Social Work Bursary guidance.

Read more about other financial support available at BU .

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Can I apply for a student loan as well as a Social Work Bursary?

We're unable to advise you on your potential eligibility for a student loan as this is administered by Student Finance England (SFE).   You can find out more about a student loan at the student finance  website .   Before you contact them, you may wish to consider the following information;   Postgraduate course students   If entitled to the Placement Travel Allowance (PTA) only, you may be eligible to apply for a  Postgraduate Loan . If entitled to a Social Work Bursary (more than a PTA only award), SFE funding isn't usually available, however, if asked about your Social Work Bursary you should declare that it contains income assessed (means tested) elements.   Undergraduate course students   SFE funding is often available to students on the undergraduate social work course to help with tuition fees and general living costs.   When asked about your Social Work Bursary, you should declare that it is a non-income assessed (non-means tested) bursary. Please be careful not to confuse the Social Work Bursary with the NHS Bursary, as this could have an impact on your student loan eligibility.

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What is meant by the bursary allocation or capping?

This refers to the number of allocated bursary places available at each university, which may be fewer than the number of students accepted onto the approved Social Work Course.   If you're not allocated a 'capped' place, the only Social Work Bursary funding potentially available to you is the Placement Travel Allowance. We're unable to offer any other funding, such as funding for your tuition fees, allowances for dependants or disability allowances.   Your university / college decides which students to allocate places to and informs us once the list has been finalised. We have no input into this decision process so we can't advise if you'll receive an allocation.   These regulations are set by the Department of Health and Social Care. More information can be found on their  website .

Cost of Living in Moscow

This guide was written prior to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area's volatile political situation.

The cost of living in Moscow is quite high but is largely dependent on an expat's lifestyle. Expats working in Moscow who earn a decent salary will be able to manage day-to-day costs just fine, especially in comparison to those in major cities such as New York and London. Additionally, expats may be lured to Moscow by lucrative employment packages which offer benefits including private health insurance, a driver and schooling allowances.

While there are a few expenses in Moscow that expats will not be able to avoid, such as accommodation, many expats can decrease their cost of living through their choice of lifestyle . Living like the locals, which could involve cooking at home most nights and not spending large amounts of money on going out and visiting expensive tourist attractions, would certainly decrease expats living expenses, for example. 

Cost of accommodation in Moscow

Housing will likely be an expat’s largest expense in the Russian capital. Expats living in central areas can expect to spend more than a third of their monthly salary on rent. New arrivals looking for accommodation on a budget should consider exploring the areas and suburbs outside the city centre, while still bearing in mind public transport connections.

Additionally, while utilities may be cheaper than in major European capitals, expats in Moscow should budget for water, electricity and gas. These are not always included in the monthly rental and could be additional expenses.

Cost of transport in Moscow

From the metro, buses and minibus shuttles known as marshrutka to taxis and self-driving, there are many options for getting around. Each comes with its own costs, and expats may be pleasantly surprised by the affordability of transport in Moscow . Public transport tickets are fairly cheap, and petrol prices also fall below the global average.

Expats who plan on driving in Moscow may need to invest in car insurance, while others may opt to hire a driver. These may add to an expat's general expenses.

Cost of education and schools in Moscow

Families relocating with children will most likely need to cover the cost of school fees. Most expats who face a language barrier in Russia send their children to a private or international school that follows the same language and curriculum as their home country. Fees at international schools can be high, and preschool fees for young children are also fairly costly. Where possible, we recommend expats negotiate an allowance for school fees in their employment contract.

Cost of groceries in Moscow

The cost of groceries in Moscow can be comparable to or higher than prices in other major international cities. Prices for necessities like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can be relatively affordable, while speciality items are generally pricier.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Moscow

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Moscow can vary greatly and largely depends on the type of establishment. On the whole, though Russian prices are generally quite reasonable, prices in Moscow can be higher than what expats might expect. In terms of entertainment options, Moscow offers a wide variety of options to suit various interests and tastes. From visiting museums, theatres and concert halls to enjoying outdoor activities, expats will find a range of options to keep themselves entertained.

Cost of living chart for Moscow

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows the average cost of living in Moscow before Russia's war in Ukraine and was last updated prior to 2022. 

Further reading

►An expat's expenses depend on their personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Get some insights on the lifestyle in Moscow

►For more info on expenses in the country as a whole, read Cost of Living in Russia

Expat Experiences "Meat, poultry and milk products are considerably cheaper compared to Indonesia. But fish and tropical fruits are as expensive as gold." Eva, an expat from Indonesia, shares her experience of moving to Moscow in her interview with Expat Arrivals . 

Are you an expat living in Moscow?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Moscow. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

Expat Health Insurance

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Aetna Aetna International, offering comprehensive global medical coverage, has a network of 1.3 million medical providers worldwide. You will have the flexibility to choose from six areas of coverage, including worldwide, multiple levels of benefits to choose from, plus various optional benefits to meet your needs. Get your free no-obligation quotes now!

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International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices. Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!

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Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE)

Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) provides reimbursement of excess travel or accommodation costs incurred due to undertaking practical training on a clinical placement.

How to claim TDAE

You must apply for an NHS Bursary and be assessed as eligible for at least the £1,000 non-means tested grant. Then you can:

• Download a TDAE claim form (PDF: 828MB)
• Send your completed form and any relevant invoices or receipts to your university.

You can submit your claim up to 9 months from the last day of the placement period you’re claiming for.

For Academic year 2023 to 2024 - New Rates have been introduced for excess Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses

You could claim:

• bicycle - 30p per mile
• motor vehicles - 42p per mile
• passenger miles - 7.5p per mile

Travel costs can also include:

• car parking
• permit charges
• congestion charges
• tunnel or bridge tolls
• community travel

Temporary accommodation

If you’re eligible, you could claim back up to:

• £82.50 per night for commercial accommodation (for example, hotel, bed and breakfast)
• £37.50 per night for non-commercial accommodation (for example, with a friend or relative, but not parents)

Overseas placements

If you attend a placement outside the UK, Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands, you could claim money back for:

• accommodation
• medical tests
• vaccinations

Find out more in our TDAE Guidance Booklet (PDF: 2.36MB)

You can watch a short (YouTube) video with information about TDAE .

Placements that commenced in the 2022 to 2023 academic year will be reimbursed at the old rates 

Excess travel costs.

The cost to and from your placement must be more than your normal daily travel cost to and from your university.

If you’re eligible, you could claim:

• bicycle - 20p per mile
• motor vehicles - 28p per mile
• passenger miles - 5p per mile
• £55 per night for commercial accommodation (for example, hotel, bed and breakfast)
• £25 per night for non-commercial accommodation (for example, with a friend or relative, but not parents)

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Find out how to report suspected bursary fraud.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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