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How to study an ELCAS funded course from home

Find out more about our ELCAS approved online courses for members of the armed forces.

What is ELCAS funding?

The Ministry of Defence’s Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) scheme enables members of the armed forces to claim financial support towards lifelong learning. The ELCAS scheme is designed to help those in the military looking to progress their career as well as those leaving the forces and moving into a new career. This allows them to study a nationally recognised level 3 course or above with an approved learning provider during their time with the armed forces and up to 10 years after leaving.

Many members of the armed forces start planning their post-military career years before they leave. For those that haven’t thought about that yet, there’s never a bad time to start thinking about what’s the best path for their development. A good way to do this is by looking at desired career paths and skill sets, then picking from the range of courses we offer that are included in the ELCAS scheme, this could be something from accounting and bookkeeping to business start-up and personal training.

Browse our ELCAS courses

ELCAS entitlement is split into two different tiers, the higher tier, and the lower tier. For the higher tier, you are required to complete a minimum of eight years of service in the armed forces. The lower tier, however, requires you to have completed a minimum of four years of qualifying service prior to April 2017, or no fewer than six years of eligible service if you enlisted on or after the 1st April 2013.

The amount of ELCAS funding members of the armed service can claim depends on what tier they are eligible for. On the lower tier, they are entitled to claim 80% of the cost of a level 3 or above course, up to the maximum of £1,000. Meanwhile, if they’re eligible for the higher tier, they can claim up to £2,000.

To claim enhanced learning credits, members of the military must complete an online claim and submit this to your education staff. This must be done a minimum of 25 working days prior to the start of their course date.

Once that has been accepted, they must present your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) to your chosen learning provider before the course is due to start.

Members of the armed forces must have completed no fewer than six years of eligible service before being able to make an ELC claim.

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