- .Regular Army
- .What you get
- .Bursaries & scholarships
Financial Support
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.
Scholarship FAQs
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.
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 can apply. Submit your application in Year 12 (Secondary 5 in Scotland, Lower Sixth in Northern Ireland).
You must have at least 40 ALIS points from GCSEs or 37 ALIS points from Scottish National Qualifications. You should be planning to go on to university.
You can take a gap-year before or after university. 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 or Lawyer.
You will be expected to serve for a minimum of 4 years, including training.
You need to apply online before March of Year 12. You’ll then attend the Army Scholarship board in June or July before you turn 18. This is held in June / July, and qualifies you for a commission in the Army and allows to you apply for additional bursaries.
Types of Bursaries
Who can apply?
Students need to pass the Army Officer Selection Board and join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply by the first Friday in December.
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 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.
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 and join the University Officer Training Corps. Apply by the last Friday in October.
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.
What next?
After university you’ll attend the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. before serving in one of the following: Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps or Intelligence Corps.
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 4 years after you graduate.
How to apply for a medical bursary?
Apply for a Medical Bursary while you are still at university, before the end of January.
You should apply not later than your second year to qualify for the full amount.
You must pass the Army Officer Selection Board for professionally qualified officers and a specialist selection board
You should be aged between 18 and 39. Apply by the end of January, while you're still at university
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.