Depending on when you joined the Armed Forces, you can apply on entering your resettlement phase or for up to 5 years after leaving. Full details related to entitlement and eligibility criteria can be found in JSP 822
Publicly Funded Further and Higher Education
Get free higher education qualifications, including undergraduate degrees when you leave the Armed Forces
Eligibility check:
What’s it for?
The Publicly Funded Further Education Higher Education scheme provides eligible Service leavers with access to a fully funded first Further or Higher Education qualification.
What do I get?
You can claim tuition fees for your first full Further or Higher Education qualification, up to the current tuition fee cap of £9,250 per year. For courses over a year in duration you can submit claims for each year of study (within your PFFEHE scheme eligibility period)
You can use the funding towards a first full Further or Higher Education qualification of your choice, in any subject area. Higher and Further Education qualifications include a diploma, foundation degree and undergraduate degree.
How do I claim?
1
When you can apply
2
Find a suitable course
Check the ELCAS website of approved Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education providers and ensure the chosen course is designated for student support. If you find a Further Education (FE) or Higher Education (HE) course that is not listed on the ELCAS website, please approach the Learner Provider and ask if they are willing to become an ELCAS approved provider
3
Submit a claim form
Complete the claim form (in either paper or electronic form) which available on the ELCAS website and submit it to your Single Service Representative (SSR) at least 25 working days prior to your course start date/registration date. Full contact details for the SSR are located on the ELCAS website and can be found here.
You should submit a separate claim for each year of the course.
Page last updated: 23 January 2024
Need more information?
JSP 822 Publicly funded higher education
Read JSP 822 volume 9 for more information about publicly funded further and higher education