Veterans, or students whose parent(s), carer(s), or partner are current or former UK Armed Forces personnel may find there are unique circumstances to consider when making their applications. They may also be able to get extra support from their chosen university or college.
Service children
If your parent(s) or carer(s) is serving as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces, or has done so in the past, your experience of applying to higher education may be different to students from a non-service background. For example, you may have moved schools more often than most students, or you may have felt unable to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Universities and colleges understand that service children may experience disruption to their education, or may have been restricted in their course choices. They’re also aware that young people can face additional challenges when a parent or carer is deployed. They are keen to know about your circumstances, because it allows them to consider your academic achievements in context. If you feel you have missed any skills or knowledge, they may be able to help through workshops or summer schools. You could also investigate MOOCs to help you prepare for your course, such as the Preparing for University course from FutureLearn.
But, universities and colleges aren’t only interested in your results. Service children often develop highly valued, unique skills and strengths as a result of their circumstances, such as being an independent learner, or being able to adapt to different situations quickly. The Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance has worked with UCAS to develop guidance for service children applying to university – including advice on how to complete your personal statement to showcase these strengths.
Once you’re at university, you may be able to access additional support. This can include financial help, mentoring, and study support to help you fill any gaps in your learning. Before you apply, it’s a good idea to contact student support services at the university or college to check what help is available, and to discuss your needs.
Read more about the support available for children from Armed Forces families on the Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP Alliance) website.
Do you have any care responsibilities?
If you care for a family member, whether this is consistently or periodically (e.g. when a parent is deployed), many universities and colleges can offer additional support to help you succeed in your studies, and manage your care responsibilities.
Find out more about students with caring responsibilities.
Where can I get more information?
- The Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP Alliance) website has information and advice for students from Armed Forces families. Their 'making the most of my assets' worksheet and personal statement guide both have great tips for writing your personal statement.
- If your parent or carer is in the Army, more information is available from the Army Families Federation (AFF) website.
- For students with a parent or carer in the Navy, the Naval Families Federation (NFF) website provides information and advice.
- If your parent or carer is in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force Families Federation (RAF FF) website offers more information.
- The Armed Forces Covenant also supports the families of UK Armed Forces personnel – find out more about how they do this on the Armed Forces Covenant website.
- The Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS) provides higher and further education scholarships for service children who have been bereaved.
Veterans and service leavers
If you have ever served as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces, or remain a Reservist, you may find there are unique challenges involved in applying to university or college. However, there’s a broad range of support to assist you with making your application, and during your studies, regardless of whether you are still undergoing resettlement, or it has been several years since you made the transition to civilian life.
There are a number of schemes available through the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to help service leavers with ongoing training and education, such as the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) and Publicly Funded Further Education and Higher Education (PF FE/HE) schemes – find out more on the ELCAS website.
When applying to higher education, it can be difficult to understand how the training and qualifications gained in the UK Armed Forces compare to ‘traditional’ routes and qualifications, and whether they are recognised by different course providers. Many universities and colleges recognise or accredit prior learning (RPL/APL) to give accreditation for relevant knowledge, skills, and experience already gained, and some will match your rank and qualifications to existing civilian qualifications. This can vary between providers, so it’s important to contact them directly to discuss your options.
Remember to use the UCAS personal statement to highlight how your experience and prior training has helped you develop unique skills and strengths you can transfer to your studies.
A number of higher education providers have signed the UK Armed Forces Covenant – and details can be found on their websites.
Read more about the Covenant and what it means for you on the UK Armed Forces Covenant website.
Where can I get more information?
- Speak to the university or college to find out more about how they recognise/accredit prior learning (RPL/APL), and if they have an Armed Forces champion.
- Find out how the UK Armed Forces Covenant can help you when applying to higher education.
- The MOD’s Service Leaver’s Guide and Career Transition Partnership (CTP) gives information about educational support, and the schemes available to help you access higher education.
- Find out more about the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme on the ELCAS website.
- QUEST is an independent website offering information on education and careers for serving personnel and veterans.
- For those affected by mental or physical injury through conflict or training, Walking With the Wounded (WWTW) helps with access to education, training and employment.
- The College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES) at the University of Central Lancashire helps service leavers and veterans make life and career choices for civilian life – wherever they choose to settle in the UK.
Spouses and partners of UK Armed Forces personnel
Partners and spouses of UK Armed Forces personnel can sometimes find it challenging to pursue their own education goals. We recommend discussing your circumstances with the university or college before you apply. They’ll give you more information about your options, and the support they can offer.
If high mobility is preventing you from applying to university or college, it might be worth investigating the different routes you can take, such as distance or online courses – find out more about distance and part-time learning. You may be able to change your university or college if you move – find out more about changing your course or provider. If you already have a professional qualification, refresher courses might help you back into a career.
The personal statement is a good opportunity to give more context around your circumstances and how these may have affected your study decisions, or previous education and employment. It is also important to consider how your experiences have given you skills that will be useful for your studies and ongoing career. With your permission, your referee may also highlight your background in your reference.
If you also have parenting or care responsibilities, additional support is available to help you during your studies, and with your transition to higher education:
Read more about going to university or college if you are a carer.
Find out about the support available to students with parenting responsibilities.
Where can I get more information?
- The Armed Forces Covenant also supports the families of UK Armed Forces personnel – find out more about how they do this on the Armed Forces Covenant website.
- If your partner or spouse is in the army, you can get more information from the Army Families Federation (AFF) website.
- You may be able to access financial help through the Royal British Legion’s President’s Award Scheme.
- The Naval Families Federation (NFF) website provides information and advice if your partner or spouse is in the Royal Navy or Marines.
- If your spouse or partner is in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force Families Federation (RAF FF) website offers more information.