The Free Degree Scheme - Publicly funded Further & Higher Education for Service leavers

(Also known as the PF FE/HE Scheme)

Just before the 2008 summer recess of Parliament the Government announced a package of cross-government support to Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans. One of the strands of the Service Personnel Command Paper commits to providing Service Leavers (SL), with access to a first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to two GCE A levels or vocational equivalent), or a first higher education qualification (a foundation degree or first undergraduate degree or national equivalent) free from tuition fees.

Since the announcement in the Command Paper MOD has consulted with the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS), the three Service Directorates of Education, Defence Resettlement staffs and other key players to implement the Government’s commitment and devise an application process similar to the ELC claims process to enable eligible SLs to apply for qualifications starting academic year 2009/2010.

The support is aimed at those SL who will benefit the most and the application system is really no different from the current ELC rules other than the state (MOD and the relevant national education authority in England, Scotland or Wales pay for the tuition fees in full rather than the individual making a contribution towards the cost.

Key points for Service Leavers to note on the new PF FE/HE Scheme

Eligibility Rules

In order to take advantage of the support claimants must:

• have completed six years full-time service;
• previously joined the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and completed at least 4 years qualifying scheme membership;
• only apply for a first eligible FE/HE qualification at the level for which they are academically qualified to enter learning on leaving the Service;
• have left the Service or entered their qualifying resettlement phase on or after 17 July 2008;
• meet UK’s residency requirements to qualify for full state subsidy;
• be undertaking at least the equivalent of 50% of a full time course;
• Undertake learning with an approved provider listed on the ELCAS database as a PF FEHE provider and ensure the chosen course also receives funding

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a claim?

• Firstly, read 2009DIN07-042
• Find and talk to your education and resettlement adviser
• Download the PF FEHE claim form (update Apr 11)- only this version can be used. Any other replicated form will be rejected.
• Check the ELCAS database of approved PF FE/HE providers – Publicly Funded FE/HE providers for the purpose of this support will be highlighted Search Engine for Providers delivering Publicly Funded FE and/or HE qualifications is currently under construction
• If wishing to use a new provider ensure they will be eligible to participate in this scheme (they must deliver Publicly Funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme membership as per the information on the ELCAS website. On-line Learning Provider application form currently under construction
• As with the current ELC scheme – try not to leave everything to the last minute. Allow time for any new providers to be accepted onto the scheme. Once accepted you can submit your application. Allow at least eight weeks to go through this process – more if possible. Leaving it too close to the wire may result in your application not being processed in time for the start of your course.

Help and Advice for Claimants

Enhanced Learning Credits Administrator
Room 24, Hunter Block
HQ 22 Gp
Air Command
RAF High Wycombe
Naphill
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP14 4UE
Tel: Mil: 95221 5957 / Civ: 01494 495957
E-Mail: 22TrgGp-LrngCreditsAdmin@mod.uk