Scholarships for children whose parent died in service
Printable version
1. Overview
You can apply for help with the costs of further and higher education if all of the following are true:
- one of your parents died as a result of their service in the armed forces
- your parent died on or after 1 January 1990
- you’re 16 or over and in full-time education
- you or a surviving parent receive bereavement benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme, War Pension scheme or Armed Forces Attributable Benefits scheme
You cannot apply if you were the foster child of the person who died.
What you can use the scholarship for
You can use the money to pay tuition fees and your maintenance for:
- a further education course of up to 3 years
- your first undergraduate course at a UK university or other higher education institution (such as a college or art school) - this can include study abroad if it’s part of the course
- a higher level technical education course at qualification levels 4, 5 or 6
If you’re unsure about the type of course ask the college or university you want to apply to.
2. What you'll get
In the 2018 to 2019 academic year you can apply for up to:
- £1,500 for a further education course
- £9,250 for tuition fees and £4,950 for a Maintenance Grant for a higher education or higher level technical education course
If you’re studying in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, you can apply for up to £9,000 for tuition fees and £4,950 for a Maintenance Grant.
How the payments are made
Payments are made 3 times a year no later than:
- 31 October
- 31 January
- 30 April
Your college or university must have confirmed that you’re registered for a course and attending before any payment is sent.
Payments can be backdated in some circumstances, for example you become eligible for a scholarship and apply while studying.
Further education scholarships are paid to either you or your parent or guardian.
University and other higher education scholarships are paid directly to you.
All scholarships are tax free.
3. How to apply
Download and fill in the bereavement scholarship scheme application.
Post your application to the address on the form.
If you’re applying for a higher education scholarship (for example, an undergraduate degree from a UK university), also include:
- a letter from the college or university confirming that you’ve accepted their offer of a place
- proof of the fees, for example a photocopy of your tuition fees invoice
Deadlines
Veterans UK must receive your application by 31 January in the academic year of your further education or university course.
You can apply from 1 April in the academic year you’ll begin studying.
Example
Your course starts in September 2018. You can apply from 1 April 2018 and Veterans UK must have received your application by 31 January 2019.
What happens next
»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp Veterans UK Scheme Administrator will get in touch to confirm whether you’re eligible for the scholarship you’ve applied for.
How long it takes to find out if you’re eligible depends on the evidence you provide with your application.
If you’re applying for a university or higher education scholarship
Register with the to ensure you’re charged UK student fees for your course.
Appeals
If you disagree with the decision you must appeal to Veterans UK in writing.
Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme Adjudicator
Veterans UK
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3WP
4. Help with your application
Contact the Veterans UK helpline if you have any questions about the scholarships, for example what you need to do to apply or how to fill out the application form.
Veterans UK helpline
[email protected]
Telephone: 0808 1914 218
Telephone: +44 1253 866 043 if you’re abroad
Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 6.30pm
Friday, 7.30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme Administrator
Veterans UK
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
Lancashire
FY5 3WP