Now in its fourth year, The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund is once again open for applications offering 50 free study places at The Open University to individuals injured whilst in military service.
So far the OU has given 160 scholarships helping veterans from a variety of service backgrounds who have a range of complex health challenges due to their service, including those that suffer with mental health conditions.
Building on the success of the scheme over the last three years, the OU and its partners are hoping for applications from as wide a field of disabled veterans as possible, with free study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, and specialist support to help them forge new careers in the civilian world.
A scholarship fund that changes peoples lives
There are around 2.6 million veterans’ living in the UK. More than four in ten (44%) of veterans with a disability reported that they found the experience of finding the right job role as difficult.
The OU has a long experience in working with disabled students – many of whom would find it difficult to attend a traditional face-to-face university – and a deep understanding of how high-level skills training through distance learning can transform their lives.
Jhumar Johnson, Director of Development, The Open University said:
“We are delighted to invite applications for the fourth cohort of Disabled Veterans to start studying with the OU in the autumn. It is thanks to the fantastic generosity of our donors that makes this scholarship scheme so successful and by giving this gift of education, we are helping to change people’s lives.”
Steven: Disabled Veteran and OU student:
“The DVSF has given me the chance to get a fresh start and achieve something positive from the rest of my life: a fresh start, a new house and hopefully a new career doing something worthwhile.
“This is an amazing opportunity, it gives others a light at the end of the tunnel, the chance to retrain for a job that would bring meaning and brings a sense of purpose back to their lives.”
Read more about Steven here: Steven’s story so far
Kate: Disabled Veteran and OU student:
“Studying has been massive in helping me to regain my confidence and to feel like I’ve got control of my life again. Because when I was medically discharged, everything about my life had changed so significantly that I didn’t think I would ever be the same again. The DVSF has helped my self-esteem and my confidence. It’s given me the opportunity to gain meaningful employment.”
How to apply to the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund:
For more information visit: Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund
To apply, you’ll need to download the full scholarship terms and conditions, as well as the scholarship application form.
Once completed, email your application and supporting evidence to our Student Fees team. You’ll find their contact details on the first page of the application form.
Applications close midnight 9 July 2021. If you’re successful, we’ll email you by 23 July 2021 to confirm. We’ll also contact you soon afterwards to help you choose your course, so don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want to study.
Need more information?
If you’ve got a question about the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund or need help completing your application, our advisers are here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 303 5303.
