We offer three different types of bursaries - University Air Squadron, Medical and our Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) scheme. The University Air Squadron Bursary is open to everyone who is planning a future career with the RAF. Medical Sponsorship is for those who are studying to be a doctor, and the DSUS is for those who are studying engineering.
- For undergraduates who plan to join the RAF
- £3000 to £6000* per year during your second and third years of studies
- Plus up to £1500 for 30 days of training
If you’ve got what it takes to commit to a career in the RAF you could receive sponsorship through university with a UAS bursary. Competition is tough so you’ll need to show real commitment to your studies, and a future in the RAF. You don’t need to be a part of your UAS before applying but the application process is quicker if you are. Applications open on 1st Sept and close on 31st March, however you are advised to apply by January.
*Roles with a Bursary of £6000 per year are Air Operations Officer (Controller & Systems), Air Traffic & Weapons Controller, Weapon System Operator and Weapon System Operator (Linguist)
- For undergraduates studying to be doctor and who plan to become RAF Medical Officers
- Bursaries of £3000 are available during year 2 of a 4-year postgraduate course, year 3 of a standard 5-year course, or year 4 of a 6-year programme
- Cadetships are available in the final 2 years of medical school and offer a salary, which is in-line with the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, plus tuition fees paid up to £9250
- Plus up to £1500 for 30 days of training
If you’re planning to join the RAF once you graduate we could sponsor your medical training if you’re studying at medical school. As part of this you could receive a bursary or a cadetship leading to a career as an RAF Medical Officer. There are additional benefits as a Medical Cadet too, including a salary and a grant to cover tuition fees.
When you apply for a bursary you will need to join the University Air Squadron linked to your university and then apply for an upgrade to a cadetship for your last 2 years of medical school. You can apply for a cadetship, to cover your penultimate and/ or final year of medical school, without previously having a bursary. Applications for medical sponsorship are welcome between 1st May and 31st October.
If you’re interested in applying we recommend that you contact the Medical and Dental recruitment team on 01400 266811 or [email protected] to arrange to attend a Medical Sponsorship presentation.
Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme
- For those who plan to join the RAF as an Engineer/ Cyberspace Officer
- £5000 per academic year
- Tuition fees up to £9250
- Plus up to £1500 for 30 days of training
The DSUS scheme is open for students who will graduate from university from summer 2025. You must be studying a suitable Engineering/Cyberspace course (see eligibility criteria under Engineer Officer AeroSystems and Engineer Officer Communications/Electronics). All selected DSUS students will become a member of their local University Air Squadron, if they aren’t already. You’re encouraged to apply to join your local UAS on arrival at University, as being a UAS member allows you to be fast tracked through the RAF Bursary selection process. Being a part of the DSUS will give you unique, hands-on experiences that will prepare you for life beyond university, and in your future career.
Apply via the RAF careers website for sponsorship to start in the next academic year. Applications are open between 1 September and 31 March, but you’re strongly advised to apply by January.
Initially Register for your chosen Engineering Officer Specialisation (Aerosystems or Cyberspace Communications Electronics) from the link below, but when you start your formal Application select DSUS Cyberspace Officer or DSUS Eng (AS) Officer as your chosen role from the drop down menu; this will allow the sponsorship team to track your application.
All postings are coordinated by the Royal Air Force with input by the Cadet. Cadets will undertake their Foundation Years training through the Defence Foundation Programme.
Following FY and Specialist Officer Initial Training, General Duties Medical Officers (GDMOs) are posted to a RAF Station GP Training Practice until their professional training begins. During this time, GDMOs will experience life on a working RAF station first hand.
