Military Training Funding UK: ELC, SLC and Apprenticeship Guide

The Funding Landscape at a Glance

Most service leavers have access to two main pots of money for learning: Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) and Standard Learning Credits (SLC). ELC is the bigger one, up to £2,000 a year across up to three separate financial years, but only for Level 3+ qualifications through an approved ELCAS provider. SLC is smaller and more flexible, up to £175 a year, covering 80% of shorter courses and professional development, reset every April. You can't use both on the same course, so it's worth deciding what you're studying before you claim either.

Alongside these, apprenticeships let you count Service time toward entry requirements and often lead straight into a funded qualification, and there are other funded training routes worth knowing about beyond ELC and SLC, some sector-specific, some open to all leavers.

Explore Each Route

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) →
Up to £2,000 a year toward a nationally recognised qualification. What it covers, what it doesn't, and how to claim through ELCAS.

Standard Learning Credits (SLC) →
Up to £175 a year for shorter courses and workshops. No Level 3+ requirement, resets annually.

Education & Training Opportunities for Ex-Military in the UK

Vocational Training for Ex-Military

If you prefer practical, job-ready learning, vocational training for ex-military is a great choice. Courses range from construction and engineering to IT and health care. Many are tailored to help veterans step straight into industries that value discipline, teamwork, and technical skills.

Funded Training Courses for Veterans in the UK

Veterans in the UK have access to a huge variety of funded courses that can open doors to new careers. From short training programmes to certificates and diplomas, many options are free or heavily subsidised thanks to support from the MOD, charities, and local councils.

You’ll find opportunities with trusted providers such as QA for IT skills, NEBOSH for Health & Safety, and PRINCE2 for Project Management.

Free Online Courses for Ex-Forces

If you want flexibility, there are countless free online courses for ex-forces that cover everything from coding to business management. Online learning is ideal if you’re balancing family life, a part-time job, or just testing the waters of a new career path.

Discover further free online courses for UK Veterans.

Apprenticeships for Ex-Service Personnel

What’s on Offer?

Apprenticeships for ex-service personnel allow you to earn while you learn. They’re available across a huge variety of sectors: engineering, IT, healthcare, logistics, finance, and more. For veterans, they’re a smart route into industries that value structured training and real-world experience.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

• Paid employment while you train
• Recognised qualifications
• Industry-specific skills
• A supportive way to transition from military life into civilian work

Organisations across the UK are actively recruiting veterans for apprenticeship schemes, recognising the value of military experience. There are also exciting apprenticeship routes – from Microsoft IT apprenticeships to engineering apprenticeships with Babcock – giving you the chance to earn, learn, and build a future in a growing industry.

Find apprenticeships here.

University Funding for Veterans in the UK (Loans, Grants & Bursaries)

If you’re thinking of taking your education further, there is university funding for veterans in the UK. This can come from:

• Standard government student finance
• ELCAS credits (for approved higher education courses)
• Charitable grants and bursaries specifically for ex-forces students

Many universities also have Armed Forces support officers who can guide you through the process.

Search for Grants for Ex-Forces.

Ex-Military Education, Training & Apprenticeships FAQs

What training can I access with my ELCAS credits?
You can use ELCAS credits for a wide range of approved courses, from vocational qualifications to degrees. Popular choices include project management, IT certifications, and health & safety training.

Are there free or discounted courses for ex-service personnel?
Yes. Veterans can access free online learning platforms, government-funded retraining schemes, and charity-supported education programmes. Many local colleges also offer discounts.

Can veterans get government funding for higher education?
Absolutely. Veterans can apply for standard student loans, plus additional support through schemes like ELCAS and university bursaries aimed at the Armed Forces community.

What types of apprenticeships are open to ex-military?
Pretty much all of them. From engineering and cyber security to teaching and healthcare, apprenticeships are open across industries. Many employers actively encourage veterans to apply.

Do military spouses qualify for educational support programmes?
In some cases, yes. Schemes like the Forces Families Jobs platform and certain MOD or charity-led programmes also support spouses with training and education opportunities.

What's the difference between ELC and SLC?
ELC funds higher-level qualifications (Level 3+) with larger payments across up to three financial years. SLC is a smaller annual refund scheme for shorter courses and professional development, capped at £175 a year. You can't use both on the same course.

Do I need to use an approved provider?
For ELC, yes — courses must go through an ELCAS-approved provider or the funding won't apply. SLC has more flexibility on provider choice, but always check before you book.

Can I use my funding for adventure training or professional membership?
No — ELC specifically excludes adventure training, battlefield tours and professional body membership. It's for recognised qualifications only.

When should I start planning my training?
As early as possible. ELC works across multiple financial years, so starting early gives you more scope to plan qualifications around a real career goal rather than whatever's available last-minute.