Graduates in any discipline will be able to retrain as social workers in 16-23 months instead of the usual four years.
Ruth Stark, professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers Scotland, said she was "delighted" at the move.
Last month, the annual report from Scotland's chief social work inspector highlighted a growing staff shortage, particularly in children's services.
A pilot scheme announced last year attracted 1,077 applications for an initial 50 places, later expanded to 100.
The executive is also providing an extra 6.25m until 2009 for on-the-job training and 3m to enable voluntary organisations to train their staff.
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