The Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund

There are estimated to be around 2.6 million veterans living in the UK. Having served in the Armed Forces and dedicated their lives to the safety of the nation, they are men and women who have trained explicitly for the demands of military life in our nation’s unfailing defence. 

Unlike colleagues who make plans for retirement, unexpected discharge from service life due to disability is likely to mean that these individuals are less prepared for a new life outside the military. And, according to the Career Transition Partnership annual statistics, veterans are significantly less likely to have a degree than non-veteran counterparts, which could leave them at a disadvantage in the jobs market.
 

Our solution

The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF) has been tailored to fully support disabled veterans, injured or disabled in or due to service, as they transition to civilian life. It provides a free OU education and a wraparound support service. The large majority of veterans make a successful move out of the military, however, for those who do struggle this Fund offers a lifeline.

Finding a fulfilling, sustainable job is an experience that 44% of disabled veterans find difficult according to the Deloitte report Veterans Work: Moving On. They identify obstacles such as: matching their existing skill-set to civilian roles, having insufficient or unrecognisable qualifications, and writing CVs or job applications. The careers support offered by DVSF aims to address these difficulties so that veterans are able to put their considerable, valuable skills to use in the workplace.

The OU is well-placed to deliver this programme. Currently over 38,000 of our students have a registered disability. Our distance learning is sent straight into students’ homes which is ideal for anyone with health issues. We also enhance our flexible learning with specialist equipment and assistance such as alternative format study materials.
 

Eligibility criteria

• Eligible applicants resident in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland may apply for a scholarship of up to £25,000 for up to 360 credits (for a full undergraduate degree).

• The applicant would have to provide proof of disability, sustained in or due to service life.

• The applicant must intend to study at a minimum of 25% intensity (at least 30 credits per academic year).

Full terms and conditions are available at https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding/disabled-veterans-scholarship-fund/
 

The Fund: progress

We have now awarded 393 scholarships to DVSF students. These individuals come to us from a variety of backgrounds and have a complex range of health challenges. 

I really appreciate this opportunity given to me by the OU. To have this ability to study is an intrinsic part of my recovery. It gives me a focus and a purpose each day and will lead me towards employment in my chosen field

Scholarship recipient

The Fund: how to support

Through joining our family of DVSF supporters you can help make it possible for us to continue to offer this life changing opportunity to veterans. 
 

Get in touch

For more information please contact:

Clare Davenport-Johnson

Head of Corporate Partnerships
01908 654739
[email protected]

The Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund wouldn't be possible without the support of our generous donors

The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous donors. The scheme has been kindly supported by thousands of alumni, friends and OU supporters, including:

Antac Support Services, BAE Systems plc, Boeing Defence UK Ltd, Edith Murphy Foundation, Fairfield Charitable Trust, Gosling Foundation, Hutchinson Charitable Trust, John Scott Charitable Trust, Leidos Europe Ltd, Lest We Forget Association, Michael Marsh Charitable Trust, Mr Doug Webb, Mrs Lara Cournoyer, Mrs Rachael Webb, Patricia Routledge Foundation, Reed Foundation, Sandra Charitable Trust, Serco Group plc, Sigrid Rausing Trust, Simon Gibson Charitable Trust, Thales Group UK, The Army Benevolent Fund, The Balney Trust, The Dalby Charitable Trust, The Frank Litchfield General Charitable Trust, The Hobson Charity, The Utley Family Charitable Trust, The Veterans' Foundation, The Worshipful Company of World Traders.

The Open University has numerous support programs addressing a wide variety of limitations or disadvantages that prospective students might face. For example, we offer financial support for carers, care-experienced learners, Black students and disabled veterans and those who are seeking sanctuary in the UK. We also offer the study-related costs fund, which is open to anyone on a low income. Information on all our bursaries, scholarships and assistance schemes can be found here: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding