DTUS

[midlands janner]

Hi All.
Does anyone have an idea what happens if an Officer Cadet on a DTUS Uni course fails the degree in regards to options still for joining.
Do they need to pay back the sponsorship money. Can they change branches to still join up.
Do they have to pay back if they failed due to medical grounds but they are fit now.
Any advice welcome.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Applicants need to pass the full selection process for entry, including the medical examination.

Those not joining the service after taking the DTUS sponsorship butrsary would be liable to pay it back under normal circumstances.

Generally, the situation would be reviewed on a case by case basis, but anyone setting-out to take a bursary with no intention of joining or knowingly submitting a fraudulent application would be advised not to run the risk.

No applicant is obligated to join the service and everyone can change their level of entry and branch of choice prior to entry.

Given that a Accelerated Apprentice with Level 3 Engineering qualifications can join on £6K more starting pay than an engineering graduate, still with the opportunity to gain a degree whilst earning £31K upwards, does make you wonder which is the better offer - particularly since the DTUS offer has decreased by £500 per year.

 

[soleil]

Hi All.
Does anyone have an idea what happens if an Officer Cadet on a DTUS Uni course fails the degree in regards to options still for joining.
Do they need to pay back the sponsorship money. Can they change branches to still join up.
Do they have to pay back if they failed due to medical grounds but they are fit now.
Any advice welcome.

MJ

Are you concerned that you might find yourself in this situation in the near future?

 

[midlands janner]

Not myself but a sibling and we are sounding out the options.

 

[soleil]

Not myself but a sibling and we are sounding out the options.

Can you say, roughly, why he/she thinks that he/she is not going to get his/her degree?

I ask in case this enables someone with more specific knowledge of this area to advise.

 

[midlands janner]

In short they went through 3 massive family issues last term with both a parent and grandparent undergoing chemotherapy being 2 of them. Now believes that won’t be ready for the 8 exams coming up for the final term and was due to join in Sept. can defer some of the exams until Aug but unsure what the Mob with think of the joining date and that’s if the degree is passed.

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

As already alluded, the service is more concerned with those that set out to commit fraud to gain their degree.

The repayment aspect is very much case by case & on the face of it, genuine reasons for not meeting the predicted graduation timeline would be viewed with appropriate compassion.

One thing the AIB does not have is clairvoyancy, so communication is key ...not after the occurrence ideally, but certaily not at the stage when seemingly backed into a corner, then calling-out as a last resort.

It's good to talk, it saves no end of needless angst.

 

[soleil]

Might the candidate be able to get a later joining date, Ninja, if the opportunity to take some of the exams in August is offered?

 

[Ninja_Stoker]

Might the candidate be able to get a later joining date, Ninja, if the opportunity to take some of the exams in August is offered?

I guess the best thing is for @midlands janner is to advise his/her sibling to give the ACLO a bell to ask. I'm pretty sure it won't be the first time that this sort of thing has occurred.

If the individual graduates for a service-sponsored vocational degree, whenever that may be, then the deal is they are usually expected to join in the job that requires the vocational qualification or expect to pay back. If they jib the degree without graduating due to compassionate reasons, then AIB will make the call.

The only thing I'd caution is that individual's shouldn't expect to have their cake and eat it by changing jobs and still gaining their service sponsored degree without some form of payback because the Armed forces are not regarded as a charitable organisation by the UK taxpayers who foot the bill.