Army Sponsorship: At University or Going Soon?

University life and the Army

If you're heading off to university soon or are already there, you'll be eligible to apply for financial sponsorship through the Army. Because university is such a social place, the Army also run the University Officers Training Corps (UOTC) - an ideal way to get stuck into some real adventure with friends, while getting paid for the privilege.

The Army Undergraduate Bursary

An Army Undergraduate Bursary is awarded to approximately 250 candidates each year. It comprises an annual payment of £1000 while at university and a lump sum of £3000 on commissioning from Sandhurst, after which you are committed to a minimum three years return of service. However, it does also apply to Undergraduates who have longer-term aspirations as well.

Further Education in the Army

The British Army go to great lengths to make sure you can do your job properly, that's why education plays such a key role in every recruit's training and development. Three Army colleges provide further education opportunities for teenagers considering a military career, and joining one means you commit to the Army for a certain period of time.  Whichever one you choose, you will gain self-confidence to lead others in one of the most challenging jobs out there.

1. The Army Training Regiment (ATR) at Bassingbourne in Cambridgeshire, gives you a head start if you want a career as a soldier.  We'll build up your levels of mental and physical fitness, teach you core military and vocational skills and develop your talents for leadership and quick thinking. The course lasts 20 weeks, including a week of leave halfway through. You will undergo military training and also get the opportunity to earn recognised industry qualifications.
2. The Army Foundation College  ( AFC) If you're 16 to 17 years old and looking to get your Army career underway in the best possible way, then the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate offers a 42-week course of Army training and education, which will teach you all the skills and strength of character you need to get a head start in your chosen Army role.The course includes 23 weeks on military training, five on leadership and initiative training and 14 on vocational training.
3. Welbeck is a residential sixth-form college offering a two-year A level education for Defence. After graduation, students go on to one of seven specified universities on a generous technical bursary. Those destined for the Army then spend a year at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst to set themselves up for a career as an Officer in one of the Army's Technical Corps. The college, near Loughborough, Leicestershire, accommodates around 340 students on a superbly equipped, ultra-modern campus. The tuition is free, although parents may have to contribute towards living expenses and upon completion of their degree, students undertake to join the Army for a period of time.