Armed Forces Support at BGU

Fund your future with up to 80% tuition support!

Are you serving in the military or a family member looking to advance your education? We provide flexible, high-quality courses designed to fit your lifestyle, whether you're on active duty or transitioning to civilian life. From Foundation to Postgraduate and Vocational studies, our programs help you gain the skills and qualifications you need for your future.

Start your journey today and explore our range of courses!

All Courses

Looking for more flexibility? Explore our online programmes designed to fit your schedule and learning needs.

Online Learning at BGU

How we can support you

ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) is a scheme designed to help members of the British Armed Forces continue their education with financial support.

At Bishop Grosseteste University, we’re proud to be a registered learning provider with the Ministry of Defence’s ELCAS scheme, meaning military personnel, veterans, and reservists can use this funding to support their studies with us.

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, joining other businesses in pledging our support for the defence and armed forces community.

FAQs

What can ELCAS funding be used for?

ELCAS funding is available for higher-level learning, including university courses that lead to a nationally recognised qualification at:

Level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (England, Northern Ireland, and Wales).
Level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
If studying overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification.

Who can apply for ELCAS funding?

ELCAS funding is available to:

✅ Currently serving military personnel
✅ Veterans
✅ Reservists

To qualify, you must have completed at least six years of service. Your ELCAS credits remain valid for ten years after leaving the forces.

Important: ELCAS funding isn’t available for the spouses or family members of military personnel.

Can I use ELCAS funding with a student loan?

Yes! If you're eligible, you can combine ELCAS funding with a student loan to help cover tuition and maintenance costs.

How much ELCAS funding can I receive?

The ELCAS scheme offers financial support in up to three separate financial years.

The funding you receive depends on your time in service and falls into two tiers:

£1,000 or £2,000 per year, covering up to 80% of tuition fees.
You’ll need to cover the remaining 20%, but some training providers (including BGU) offer flexible payment plans.

How do I apply for ELCAS funding?

You’ll need to apply at least five weeks before your course starts. The process includes:

Checking your eligibility – If you're still serving, speak to your local Education Staff or chief clerk. If you've left the forces, your Single Service representative can advise.
Submitting your claim – Once you’ve registered as a Scheme Member and accrued enough service time, you can apply.
Completing your Course Evaluation – Before making another claim, you’ll need to submit an evaluation after each course.

For full details, visit the ELCAS website.

Our Story

Our story began in the 1860s as an Anglican teacher training college for women. We’ve grown, adapted and modernised over time to become the thriving university we are today, located on a single-site campus in the heart of historic Lincoln.

We’re still experts in teaching and education – we have been doing it for over 160 years after all – but we’ve now got a wider portfolio of exciting degree courses than ever before. We currently educate over 2,000 students in a wide range of subjects, from Undergraduate Degree level to PhD, and much more in between.

Our purpose

Bishop Grosseteste University's purpose is to support individuals to realise their ambitions and create positive change in their communities and beyond.

Our mission

To bring together people and organisations through transformative education and professional partnerships, achieving our social purpose for the benefit of our communities.