Whether you’re joining as an Officer or a Soldier the Army is there to support you as you learn and develop.
If you’re joining as a Soldier you will be taught a trade as part of your day job – and there are even opportunities for you to get a fully paid degree.
The Army offers a range of financial support packages, bursaries and scholarships to selected officer candidates during further and higher education. All applicants for bursaries or scholarships must meet the officer eligibility standards and pass the Army Officer Selection Board.
Army scholarships
The Army Officer Scholarship Scheme guarantees you up to £10,000 in financial support, starting in Academic Year 13. It also guarantees you a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and a career as an Army Officer when you finish education.
Once at university you can also apply to upgrade to another bursary, such as the Enhanced or DSUS undergraduate bursaries; or a Medical Bursary if you’re studying nursing or medicine.
Scholarship FAQs
How much is it worth?
You'll receive £3,000 while you're in Year 13, then a Standard Bursary of £6,000 while you're studying at university (£7,000 for a 4-year degree).
Who can apply?
Candidates aged 16 or 17 can apply. Submit your application in Year 12 (Secondary 5 in Scotland – candidates may apply before their 16th Birthday, Lower Sixth in Northern Ireland).
You should be planning to go on to university and must have at least:
- 40 ALIS points from GCSEs, or
- 37 ALIS points from Scottish National Qualifications.
If you are intending to practice Law, Physiotherapy or to be a Chaplain (Theology) in the Army this Scholarship scheme is not available.
Can I have a gap year?
You can take a gap-year, this should normally be taken before attending university but requests to do so afterward will be considered.
After your degree you’ll have a guaranteed place at Sandhurst to train as an Army Officer.
Can I join any regiment?
Army Scholars can apply to join any Regiment or Corps for which they are eligible. You don't have to make a final decision about which Regiment or Corps you want to join until you're at Sandhurst, unless you're thinking about joining as a Professionally Qualified Officer, such as a Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Vet, or Nurse.
How long do I have to stay in the Army?
You will be expected to serve for a minimum of 4 years, including training.
How do you apply?
You need to apply online before March of Year 12.
You’ll then attend the Army Scholarship Board in June or July, and if successful, this will qualify you for a Commission in the Army and allows you to apply for additional bursaries.
Army bursaries
There are several different types of Army Bursaries that could help support you financially while you study.
Standard bursary: Up to £7,000
Who can apply?
- Students need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply by the last Friday in October.
How much is awarded?
- £2,000 a year, with £1,000 for the final year of a 4 year course.
What next?
- As a Standard Bursar, you may join any part of the British Army as an Officer.
Enhanced bursary: up to £24,000
Who can apply?
- Students with at least ABB at A Level and on track for at least a 2:1 degree. You'll need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply by the last Friday in October.
How much is awarded?
The amount offered is spread across your university years:
- If awarded an Enhanced Bursary before or during your first year, you will get £6,000 in years 1-3 and a further £6,000 when you commission.
- If you are awarded an Enhanced Bursary in your second year of university, you will receive £9,000 in years 2 and 3, and £6,000 when you commission.
- If you are awarded an Enhanced Bursary in your third year of university, you will receive £9,000 and a further £6,000 when you commission”.
What next?
- As an Enhanced Bursar, you may join any part of the British Army as an Officer.
DSUS (Army STEM) sponsorship: up to £42,750
What is it?
- The Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme offers an opportunity for STEM Undergraduates interested in a future in the Army as Engineers or Technical Officers. Successful applicants will be sponsored through 3 years of university study.
Who can apply?
- Open to Officer candidates studying, or with at least a conditional offer, for an Army-endorsed STEM degree. You’ll need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board. You will also have the opportunity to join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply at any point in the year.
How much is awarded?
- If successful, you will receive up to £42,750, comprising an annual bursary of £5,000 plus up to £9,250 in tuition fees for each of three years at university.
- If you apply in your final year you will receive £24,250, which includes £9250 of fees and a £15,000 bursary.
What next?
After university you’ll attend the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and will be encouraged to serve in one of the following STEM corps:
- Royal Engineers,
- Royal Signals,
- Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers,
- Royal Logistic Corps,
- Intelligence Corps,
- Royal Artillery,
- Army Air Corps, and the Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police;
- Staff and Personnel Support; and Education and Training Services).
Army medical services bursary: up to £75,000
If you're studying for one of the following professions, the Army can offer financial assistance and support while you complete your qualifications.
- Medicine (up to £75,000)
- Dentistry (up to £75,000)
- Veterinary (up to £60,000)
- Pharmacy (up to £51,000)
- Nursing (adult and mental health) (up to £42,000)
In all cases, you'll need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and will be expected to serve in the Army for at least 6 years after you graduate.
How to apply for a medical bursary?
- Apply for a Medical Bursary while you are still at university.
- If studying a 4 year Degree please apply in your first year of studies by the end of January.
- If studying a 5 year Degree please apply in your second year of studies by the end of January.
- You must pass the Army Officer Selection Board for professionally qualified officers and a specialist selection board.
- You should be attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before your 37th birthday.
Musician bursary: up to £27,750
Who can apply?
Students studying for a music degree, which is at least 50% music performance based
How much is awarded?
£9250 per academic year for a maximum of 3 years.
What next?
Start your application and make sure to tell your Candidate Support Manager that you're interested in the bursary.
- 10 places awarded per academic year.
- Selection process (audition) annually in Nov.