Service leavers to get funding for higher and further education

From next year, Service leavers will be able to receive further or higher education with all fees for their tuition paid by the government. This means they can take their first Level 3 qualification (GCE A-level or equivalent), or their first foundation or undergraduate degree, without any tuition costs, although they may still have to pay any accommodation and food costs themselves.

The scheme is aimed specifically at people who have had a minimum of six years’ full-time Service and who have already demonstrated their early commitment to learning by joining the Enhanced Learning Credit scheme.The help is targeted at those who will benefit the most, like people who joined with few or no qualifications but who have now achieved a Level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent) but progressed no further. Similarly, those who joined with Level 2 and gained a qualification such as an apprenticeship or other accredited learning at Level 3 can now access their first higher-level qualification.

This support is available only to Service leavers who are pursuing their first Level 3 qualification, or first foundation degree or undergraduate degree. If Service leavers already have one of these levels of qualifications, either achieved before entering Service or during their Service career they will not be eligible for another qualification at the same level, but they may use it for a qualification at a higher level.

Individuals in England may have to contribute to the non-tuition-related costs, although some applicants may be able to access means-tested support. Further and higher education systems in England, Scotland and Wales are different, however, so it is important to check exactly what financial support will need to be found by the individual.

The MoD will pay its contribution towards course fees as per the current ELC scheme (up to the maximum of £1,000 or £2,000 per financial year) with the other government agencies effectively paying the personal contribution that would have been borne by the individual. If the individual has fully used their ELC allowance, the full tuition costs will be paid by another government department. However, the qualification must be delivered through state-funded FE and HE institutions.

This is a significant enhancement to veterans’ benefits and is something that Service leavers should consider carefully as a gateway to a new career.