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Careers / Joining options
Defence STEM undergraduate scheme
Careers / Joining options

Defence STEM undergraduate scheme

Study an approved engineering-based course at university of your choice prior to joining the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer.

How it works

Applicants can apply from Year 11 till the final year of university. With the appropriate GCSEs or equivalent and predicted UCAS grades, you can apply for generous annual bursary payments as well as having tuition fees covered throughout an approved and relevant engineering degree.

There are 35 spaces available each year. If you’re successful, you’ll get the opportunity to do 45 days of Naval Service training every year alongside your studies. These include weekly training nights during term time and some military exercises during the holidays. Complete these and you’ll earn an additional £2,000 per year, all while preparing yourself for Royal Navy life.

Once you’ve graduated, you’ll head to Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) for initial officer training. Keep in mind, you’ll need to complete at least 3 years service once trained.

Study an approved engineering-based course at a university of your choice before joining us as an Engineer Officer.

What you’ll get

  • £5,000 per year towards the cost of your studies 
  • University tuition fees paid up to a maximum of £9,250 a year 
  • Opportunity to earn training pay (up to 45 days, roughly £2,000 per year) as a member of the associated University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) 
  • Experience service life before you start your career 
  • Get hands-on with some of our cutting-edge kit 
  • Opportunity to earn a place on a Master of Engineering course 
  • Guaranteed place on Royal Navy initial officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) on completion 
  • Fulfilling and challenging career as an Air, Weapon or Marine Engineer Officer working in the Surface Fleet or Submarine Service 
  • Chance to enjoy all aspects of university life. While laying the foundations for a successful engineering career that makes use of your qualifications and skills

What you’ll need

  • 5 GCSEs at grade 7 or higher, including English and Maths
  • At least 96 UCAS points are required, including 72 UCAS points in 2 non-overlapping subjects. At least 64 points should be in Maths and an Engineering-based Science) 
  • Accepted onto a UK university degree course to study an Engineering, Maths or Physics discipline (accredited by the uni) 
  • There’s no requirement for you to have been an A-level scholarship student

How to apply

Step 1

Choose a role

Choose one of the Engineer Officer roles below.

Step 2

Request application

Request an application on the role page.

Step 3

Complete Form

We’ll send you a link to a digital application form for you to complete.
Step 4

Select 'scholarship'

Use the check box to indicate that you’re applying for a scholarship.
Step 5

Submit Form

Submit your form. We’ll contact you when we’ve received it.

Engineer Officer roles

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