RAF Careers – Education & Funding

The RAF train all their personnel to the highest standards and offer scholarships and sponsorships to support outstanding candidates.

All RAF personnel receive initial training that teaches them about RAF culture and equips them with the basic skills necessary for working in a military organisation.

All RAF personnel also receive specialist training so they can perform their roles effectively and with confidence.

Education

Quality education is one of many benefits of the RAF. All of our personnel stay at the forefront of their field through continuous learning, hands-on experience and training.

As a Reserve, you’ll have access to our Learning Portal and a range of other opportunities for self-study. This education will support both your Reservist role and your civilian job.

As a Regular, you’ll receive an annual allowance for new qualifications. As part of the Standard Learning Credit Scheme you’ll also receive up to 80% off fees from day-release courses and vocational training through to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

The pace at which you can develop and gain additional skills – both personally and professionally – is limited only by your own ability level and depth of commitment.

Scholarships

The RAF holds an annual national competition for RAF Scholarships to attract high quality candidates towards a full time career in the RAF. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards education and developing personal qualities.

They’re only available for applicants who have completed their A levels and are interested in pursuing one of the following roles after completing their education: Pilot (Officer); Air Traffic Controller (Officer & Senior Non-Commissioned Officer); Aerospace Battle Manager (Officer), Intelligence (Officer); and Logistics (Officer).

The closing date for applications is early December. Contact us for further details and to find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Sponsorship

The RAF holds an annual national competition for RAF Scholarships to attract high quality candidates towards a full time career in the RAF. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards education and developing personal qualities.They’re only available for applicants who have completed their A levels and are interested in pursuing one of the following roles after completing their education: Pilot (Officer); Air Traffic Controller (Officer & Senior Non-Commissioned Officer); Aerospace Battle Manager (Officer), Intelligence (Officer); and Logistics (Officer).

The closing date for applications is early December. Contact us for further details and to find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Students and Undergrads

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be an Officer in the RAF, you could receive a sponsorship through sixth form and even University. Competition is tough though so you’ll need to show a real commitment to your studies and a potential future in the RAF.

Medical Sponsorship

If you’re studying at or applying for medical school and willing to serve at least six years in the RAF, we could sponsor your medical training. As part of this sponsorship you would receive a bursary or a cadetship, which leads to a career as a Royal Air Force Medical Officer.

Engineering Sponsorship

The RAF offers a range of engineering sponsorships to support engineering education for those interested in becoming Engineer Officers in the RAF. Get in touch or contact a RAF Senior Careers Liaison Officer via the careers staff at your school or college for details about this opportunity.

Technical Officer Sponsorship

The Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Scheme provides education support to students interested in a full time career as an Engineer Officer or Technical Officer. To promote personal development and leadership, it provides sixth form college or University academic support alongside adventurous training and sports.

Sponsorship

Defence Sixth Form College (Welbeck)

We can offer a high standard of A-level education at the Defence Sixth Form College, our residential centre near Loughborough for potential officers studying technical and scientific subjects. You could be eligible to attend if you are:

  • aiming to join the RAF as an Engineer or Logistics Officer
  • aged between 15 years and 17 years 6 months on 1 September of your Year 12.

In return, we expect you to:

  • participate fully in appropriate activities at the Defence Sixth Form College; and
  • join the RAF once you’ve finished college and university.

For your university studies, we’d hope to award you a place on the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS), providing you gain satisfactory A-level results.

To apply to the Defence Sixth Form College, we recommend that you visit your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO)/Senior Careers Liaison Officer before the end of September of your Year 11. The latest date for applications is the following 28 March. We’ll ask your head teacher to write a report on your academic progress at school to help us decide whether to shortlist you. Selection interviews take place at the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire in June or July, lasting three days.

You can find out about the Welbeck Defence Sixth Form opportunities here.

University Air Squadron Bursary Scheme

The RAF holds an annual national competition for Bursaries to attract high quality candidates towards a full-time career in the RAF. These Bursaries provide financial assistance towards education and developing personal qualities. They’re only available for applicants who are currently studying at university. The closing date for applications is early December. Contact us for further details and to find out if you’re eligible to apply.

Students and Undergrads

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be an Officer in the RAF, you could receive sponsorship through university. Competition is tough, so you’ll need to show a real commitment to your studies and a potential future in the RAF.

Medical Sponsorship

If you’re studying at or applying for medical school, we could sponsor your medical training. As part of this sponsorship you could receive a Bursary or a Cadetship leading to a career as a Royal Air Force Medical Officer. The Cadetship attracts additional benefits including a grant to cover tuition fees.

Engineering Sponsorship

The RAF offers a range of engineering sponsorships to support engineering education for those interested in becoming Engineer Officers in the RAF. The Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Scheme provides education support to students interested in a full-time career as an Engineer Officer or a Logistics Officer. The scheme promotes personal development and leadership, providing sixth form college or university academic support alongside adventurous training and sports. In addition students may receive a generous bursary during their time at University.

Get in touch or contact a RAF Senior Careers Liaison Officer via the careers staff at your school or college for details about this opportunity.

Information about the DTUS or UAS Bursary Scheme can be found here.