Resources

Applying to HE: specific and financial support for Service children's access and success at HE

Details of financial and other support for Service children in HE and a listing of Universities we are aware of which offer specific support

• UK government scholarships for children whose parent died in service
• Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme
• The Armed Forces Education Trust occasionally offers grants to support years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate degree
• Forces Children Scotland support for families struggling to meet FE or HE costs in Scotland
• The Royal British Legion President's Award Scheme offers needs-based scholarships and grants for a first degree for Service children
• Support for veterans: fully funded first degree for Service leavers
• MoD pages bringing together existing sources of information
• The Lord Kitchener Memorial Fund offers scholarships
• Service children are eligible for the University of Winchester's Compact scheme if studying in one of 42 local schools or colleges
• Service children are eligible for Newcastle University's Partners programme supported entry route which offers lower conditional offers and academic support such as summer school if your parents/carers are serving or have served in the armed forces at key educational times.
• Ex-service members and their children are eligible for Sheffield Hallam University’s applicant support scheme, SHU Progress, receiving additional support in the year of application and throughout the application process, including transition to becoming a university student. Nominations to the scheme can be made from October for anyone planning to apply for the following September
• The University of York has a dedicated advisor
• The University of Greenwich has a Royal Navy and Royal Marines bursary
• The University of Oxford offers a one-year foundation programme for UK state school students with significant academic potential, who have experienced severe personal disadvantage and/or disrupted education. As well as Service child status, eligible students must meet certain socio-economic indicators and school characteristics
• David Game Higher Education offers a Veterans Support Bursary worth £750 for new undergraduate students who have left the armed forces within the last 5 years (and their children)
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Being an HE student: guidance for Service children

• General UCAS information about student finance
• General UCAS guidance for parents and carers
• Sources of financial support for Service children
• Student funding for families to access distance learning when posted overseas
• The Naval Families Federation has detailed guidance on UCAS applications and funding specifically for Service applicants
• The Army Families Federation has information on topics such as the Bereavement Scholarship Scheme, student funding and converting qualifications
• The tri-service regulations for expenses and Allowances (page 10-2-4)​ state that when personnel are assigned overseas their 19-23 year old children studying a nationally accredited qualification (for university, first degree only) are now entitled to three return journeys per academic year​.
• Scottish Government guidance which explains the rules around funding eligibility and devolved nation residence
• If you are looking for information on whether you are eligible for Scottish student funding, SAAS has a student helpline
• Read about a University of Aberdeen student's experience
• Finding Your Way is an invaluable guide for service children to help them navigate their post-16 and post-18 education options. With clear, up-to-date information on student finance, HE and vocational qualifications, making applications and next steps, this helpful booklet can also be used by parents and carers and school/college staff.
• Read the guidance on the government website here:
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