The different types of military bursaries

Scholarships, bursaries and student grants are available for students who need them. But while everyone talks about where to get any university bursaries or grants, few people talk about the grants, scholarships and bursaries available for those already serving in the military.

What are military bursaries?

Military bursaries are schemes designed to help students who are in the military. Money is available for students that may have financial hardships or who are signed up under specific scholarships.

These bursaries can be subject-specific as well as circumstance-permitting. Many roles in the military require a formal education from university, so these bursaries can be essential in your progress throughout your course. It’s worth noting that some bursaries will depend on whether the student has passed through the office selection process.

The different types of military bursaries

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)

The Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) is a scheme that is set up for service students who are thinking of studying engineering courses, technical courses, business courses and logistics courses at university.

The DTUS acts much like a feeder course for students for the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and the MOD Civil Service. The scheme is run by the Defence Academy, who are responsible for the training of postgraduates and for general postgraduate education.

The DTUS is split into four quadrants, which are:

• Taurus: Birmingham
• Aston University
• Birmingham City University
• Oxford University
• Thunderer: Southampton
• University of Southampton
• University of Portsmouth
• Imperial College London (administered some students)
• Trojan: Newcastle
• Newcastle University
• Northumbria University
• Strathclyde University (administered some students)
• Typhoon: Loughborough
• Loughborough University
• Cambridge University (administered some students)

Those using the DTUS will receive a bursary of £4,000 each year towards theirstudies. You can also earn up to £2,000 a year in potential training pay as well!

While it’s possible to join the DTUS as a direct applicant, most students will have to have completed two years of study at Welbeck, the Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC).

If you’re looking to apply to any of the above universities, be sure to check out our personal statement intro examples, our gap year personal statements and our general personal statement advice section.

Army Undergraduate Bursary - Standard (AUBS)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) offer around 150 AUBS-a-year. These payments are typically broken down by the years of your course. If you’re doing a typical undergraduate course, you will be paid £6,000 throughout your course. For those studying a four-year degree, you will receive £7,000 throughout your course.

These payments typically breakdown as:

• Apply in the first year of university and you will receive £2,000 per year for three years.
• Apply in the second year of university and you will receive £3,000 per year for two years.
• Apply in the third year of university and you will receive a £6,000 lump sum.

Hold your horses there, though! You won’t be receiving £6,000 every single year or £7,000-a-year. You will be receiving smaller payments every year of your study that will eventually add up to this amount depending on the year that you apply.

Army Undergraduate Bursary - Enhanced (AUBE)

The AUBE is open specifically for high-performing candidates. This means that you will have to have achieved a minimum of ABB at A-Level, this is the equivalent of 128 UCAS Tariff Points. You must also be on course to achieve a 2:1 degree or even higher, as well asexpected to demonstrate the qualities of a potential officer. If you can achieve this, you will receive a bursary of up to £24,000. This is £18,000 paid throughout the duration of your course and then £6,000 paid when you are commissioned as an officer. The amount you receive will depend on when you apply.

Army Undergraduate Bursary - Enhanced (AUBE)

The AUBE is open specifically for high-performing candidates. This means that you will have to have achieved a minimum of ABB at A-Level, which is the equivalent of 128 UCAS Tariff Points.

As above, this bursary depends on when you apply. You must also be on course to achieve a 2:1 degree or even higher, you will also be expected to demonstrate the qualities expected of a potential officer. If you meet these requirements, then you will receive a bursary of up to £24,000. This is £18,000 paid throughout the duration of your course and then £6,000 paid when you’re commissioned as an officer.

Army Undergraduate Bursary - Technical (AUBT)

The AUBT is open to anyone who is looking into joining any one of the four technical corps. These are the Royal Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers or Royal Logistic Corps. You also have to study at, or apply to, an Army-endorsed engineering or science degree. The value of this awarding is £16,000 which is divided by the number of years remaining on your studies. However, if you’re in your final year, you will receive a lump sum of £16,000.

Professionally Qualified Officer (PQO)

These bursaries are available to potential Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Nursing and Allied Health Professional Officers. This bursary is one of the highest-paid bursaries available from the army, with a maximum awarding of £75,000. This is paid in instalments during your final three years of study and with a final lump sum paid once your military training is complete.

To apply, you must be within three years of completing your course and you’re required to complete four years service as a minimum upon commissioning.

Royal Navy Standard and Technical Bursaries

Students who are looking at the potential of joining the Royal Marines, the warfare, logistics, or the fleet air arm of the Royal Navy as an officer are eligible for a bursary that will entitle the student to £1,500-a-year.

Meanwhile, students who are looking to study accredited Mathematics, Physics or Engineering degrees at non-DTUS universities and are looking to join the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer are entitled to £4,000-a-year in payments.

There are plenty of options to explore with military bursaries. Take some time to consider your options and, when you’re ready, start applying!