The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund

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 36,000 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 bursary of £3,000 for each 60 credits of OU study, 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 www.open.ac.uk/courses/choose/veterans
 

The Fund: progress

We are now supporting 312 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
2018/19 academic year

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
clare.davenport-johnson@open.ac.uk

The Disabled Veterans' Scholarships Fund is kindly supported by

Over 6,000 alumni, friends and OU supporters including:

Robin Adcock, Lara Cournoyer, Gordon Dickinson, John Duncan, Eileen French, David Godson, Colin Hume, Doreen and Anthony Van West, Rachael Webb

And:

The Army Benevolent Fund
Amazon Service UK Ltd
Amey plc
Antac Support Services
BAE Systems plc
Balfour Beatty plc
Boeing
Constance Travis Charitable Trust
Doris Field Charitable Trust
Dumbreck Charity
Fairfield Charitable Trust
GMC Trust
Gosling Foundation
John Scott Charitable Trust
Leidos UK
Lest We Forget Association
Michael Marsh Charitable Trust
Mrs J A Purssell BA (Hons)
Mrs Jane De Halpert's Charitable Trust 
Mrs Lara Cournoyer BSc (Hons) 
Saxham Trust
Simon Gibson Charitable Trust
Thales Charitable Trust
The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF)
The Aubrey Orchard-Lisle Charitable Trust
The Balney Trust
The Bergne-Coupland Charity
The Dalby Charitable Trust
The Hobson Charity Ltd
The Iron Bridge Trust
The James Wise Charitable Trust
The MacRobert Trust
The Reed Educational 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