We recruit from only five universities in the South-West, these are:

• University of Bristol
• University of the West of England, Bristol
• University of Bath
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth

Please note: to be eligible to join Bristol UAS you must be in full time attendance at one of the above universities, unfortunately we are currently unable to accept un-sponsored applications from affiliated or associated colleges or universities.

If you are at a college or university not mentioned above and you are interested in a career with the RAF please contact your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) to request further information.

The Recruitment Process

At the start of each academic year we visit the univeristy Freshers' Fayres at Bath, Bristol and UWE to recruit our new students. Due to the demands of our application process we are only able to accept students who attend their respective fayre as it is at this point that we hold initial interviews, fill in some paperwork and begin the selection process.

Please contact your university Students' Union to find out when your September/October fayre will be.

However, due to the fact that we are unable to attend their fayres, Exeter and Plymouth students are to apply in writing over the summer (June-August). Competition to join the Squadron is fierce therefore we advise that you contact us early in the summer months to avoid missing the final application deadline in early-mid September. Details on how to get in touch with BUAS can be found in the contacts page (see above link).

Once all applicants have gone through the initial stages of recruitment, some will be invited for further selection procedures at Colerne. Those successful at this stage will be required to obtain medical clearance from their GP (see below for further details) and, once all the relevant paperwork has been cleared, they may be offered a place on the squadron to begin their two year membership which can be extended or withdrawn at the discretion of the Squadron commander.

NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED

Eligibility

If you do join a UAS you will be enrolled as a member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAF(VR)). Membership entitles you to participate in adventurous training, to fly in military aircraft and requires that you satisfy some age, education and nationality requirements. Broadly speaking, this means you must be:

• Older than 18 years on joining.
• An undergraduate, attending one of the above universities, with 2 A-levels or equivalent, studying for your first full-time degree with at least 3 full academic terms remaining before graduation (ie at least 1 year left at university).
• A British National (or dependent territory) who has resided in the UK for at least the last 3 years.
• In receipt of a National Insurance number.

There are also various other medical requirements that applicants must satisfy - at the moment the required medical standard is that of a Group 2 (HGV) drivers' licence, please see the DVLA website for further information (link to the right).

If you are unsure if you fulfill the nationality or residency requirements please click here to visit the RAF Careers website, remembering that the UAS will not accept applicants with less than 3 years residency.

Please note: Successful entry into the UAS does not guarantee a full career with the RAF.

Enlistment and Status

If selected you will join BUAS with the rank of Officer Cadet. UAS membership carries no obligation for you to join the RAF, on the other hand the RAF does not have to offer you a commission. As an RAF(VR) member you will be subject to RAF law and will be expected to behave in a way that will not bring the RAF into disrepute. Your UAS membership will be terminated if you fail to make satisfactory progress, similarly if you decide the UAS is not for you then you are free to leave.

Sponsorship and Joining the RAF

Many students are so attracted by the lifestyle that they decide to apply for sponsorship to help them through their degree, or apply for direct entry to the RAF upon graduation. This necessitates a visit to OASC (Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre) at RAF College Cranwell. Those successful in applying for sponsorship may be offered a Bursary in exchange for a commitment to take a short-service commission after leaving university.

For further enquiries on this matter please contact your local AFCO or visit the RAF careers website using the link at the top of this page.