Bursaries & Scholarships

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).

Candidates aged 16 or 17 who are planning to go to university can apply.

England

• Submit your application in Year 12

• You will need 40 ALIS points from GCSEs.

Scotland

• Submit your application in your 5th Year

• You will need 37 ALIS points from either National 5/Intermediate 2 or Standard Grade.

Wales

• Submit your application in Year 12 (Lower Sixth)

• You will need 40 ALIS points from GCSEs

Northern Ireland

• Submit your application in Year 13

• You will need 40 ALIS points from GCSEs

If you are intending to practice Law, Physiotherapy or to be a Chaplain (Theology) in the Army this Scholarship scheme is not available.

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.

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.

You will be expected to serve for a minimum of 4 years, including training.

When:

You need to apply online before March of the following school year:

• England: Year 12 with 40 ALIS points

• Scotland: 5th Year with 37 ALIS points

• Wales: Year 12 (Lower Sixth) with 40 ALIS points

• Northern Ireland: Year 13 with 40 ALIS points

More information about ALIS points

The application:

To apply for the scholarship you will need to complete the online application process as normal:

• You will need to create an account and follow the steps to activate it.

• You will be asked to fill out forms with basic information (D.O.B, address, education etc).

• It will then ask you to confirm the stream you are applying for. The Army Officer Scholarship will be one of the options available under Regular Officer.

• Complete and submit your application.

After you apply:

Once you have submitted your application a recruiter will be in touch to go through the next steps.

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.

Who can apply?

• Students need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply between 1 September - 31 January. 

 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.

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 between 1 September - 31 January. 

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.

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. Closing date for applications is 31 October 2025.

How much is awarded?

• If successful, you will receive up to £43,605, comprising an annual bursary of £5,000 plus up to £9,535 in tuition fees for each of three years at university.

• If you apply in your final year you will receive £24,535, which includes £9,535 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).

If you're studying for one of the following professions, the Army can offer financial assistance and support while you complete your qualifications.

 For full details on each of the awards and criteria, visit the role  page:

• 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.

Who can apply?

Students studying for a music degree, which is at least 50% music performance based

How much is awarded?

£9,535 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.

Find out more about the role of Army Musicians