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Support for armed forces and veterans

If you’ve served in the UK Armed Forces, we offer a tailored support programme to help you transition successfully to university and apply your existing skills to enhance your future career.

David Bell talking to two people in the armed forces on the mock hospital ward

How we can help you

Whether you're transitioning from the Armed Forces or looking to build on your existing qualifications while still serving, we offer a range of course options tailored to current and former military personnel.

We value the skills and experience gained through service, and we’ll take your previous training into account to help you find the most suitable entry point into Higher Education.

Our commitment to supporting service personnel includes:

  • Guidance through the enquiry stage – helping you choose the right course based on your experience, qualifications, and interests
  • Application support – navigating you through every step of the application process
  • Transition support – offering help with relocating and adjusting to university life, tailored to your individual needs.

This support is available to full-time, home, international, undergraduate, and taught postgraduate students.

Financial support

If you're currently serving, or have recently served, in the British Armed Forces and are looking to enhance your education, you could be eligible to receive help with funding your studies. This may include:

  • Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS)
  • Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme
  • Troops to Teachers bursary.

You can find out more information about funding for Armed Forces by visiting our financial support page.

Supporting you after graduation

Our support doesn’t stop at graduation. We're here to help you take your next steps – whether that’s preparing for interviews, exploring graduate opportunities, or considering further study. Just reach out, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Our dedicated team offers expert advice tailored to your goals. Whether you're seeking a graduate role or a part-time job over the summer, we can connect you with one-to-one support to help you plan your future with confidence.

Find out more about working after university.


Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award

We're proud to hold the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award – a mark of our deep commitment to supporting service personnel.

As a Gold Award holder, the University of Sunderland actively champions the Armed Forces community. We demonstrate this commitment both internally – through staff training and policies –and externally, by engaging with the wider community and advocating for Defence.

With well-established support structures in place, you can be confident that you’ll be joining a university that understands your unique needs and is dedicated to helping you succeed.


Contact us

Nicola Hopper is our Armed Forces contact, dedicated to providing you with the highest level of support and ensuring a smooth and successful transition to university.

You can contact Nicola on 0191 515 2216 or by email at armed.forces@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).