Ministry of Defence - Armed Forces personnel

Enhanced Learning Credits at the University of Cumbria

You will receive an advance on your tuition fees. If you have completed four years’ service or more, you will receive 1,000 GBP (about 1,150 EUR) per year. If you have completed eight years’ service or more, you will receive 2,000 GBP (about 2,300 EUR) per year. You may claim this entitlement across up to three different financial years. The higher tier can therefore amount to up to 6,000 GBP (approximately 6,900 EUR). If you opt for the lower tier, you can instead bundle payments every three years into a single payment of 3,000 GBP (approximately 3,450 EUR). The grant covers 80% of your tuition fees, and you pay the remaining 20% yourself. The money goes directly to the University of Cumbria, not to you. The UK Ministry of Defence administers the scheme for people who serve or have served in the British Armed Forces.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You are currently serving in the British Armed Forces or have left the service.
• Service time: You have worked for at least four years at the lower level or at least eight years at the higher level, and are registered as a participant in the programme.
• Course level: Your degree programme leads to a recognised qualification at level 3 or above in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, at level 6 or above in Scotland, or to a recognised equivalent qualification if you are studying abroad.
• Where you study: You are enrolled on a degree programme offered by the University of Cumbria with the approval of the Ministry of Defence (provider reference number 3046).
• Field of study: Any academic, professional or specialist topics. Funding is not available for military training, course materials, sport, adventure training or visits to battlefields.

How to apply

If you are still in service, please contact the training team at your local learning centre. If you have left the service, please contact your Single Service Representative. They will check your eligibility and set up your account. You can then apply online via the ELCAS website, quoting the University of Cumbria’s reference number 3046. Please submit your application at least five weeks (25 full working days) before the course starts.

How realistic are your chances?

This is more of an entitlement than a competition. If you have served for long enough, are registered as a participant in the programme and have chosen an approved course, you are entitled to the grant. The most important thing is that you meet the minimum length of service required for your level and submit your application in good time before the course begins. Remember to budget for your own contribution of 20%, as the grant never covers the full cost.