What you need to know
The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme is designed to help Service people gain nationally recognised qualifications.
It is important that you have read and understood JSP 822 Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education (volume 9) before proceeding.
You can use ELC funding towards qualifications at Level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (England, Northern Ireland and Wales), at Level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification with an approved learning provider.
The funding is not to be used for Service training, civilian-accredited Service training, professional bodies and institutes, course material, pure sport and Adventurous Training, battlefield tours, or the City and Guilds Professional Recognition Awards scheme. Standard Learning Credits may not be used simultaneously to fund elements of a course of study which is supported by Enhanced Learning Credits funding.
Enhanced Learning Credits come in the form of a single up-front payment in each of up to three separate financial years. You’ll get £1,000 for a lower-tier claim or £2,000 for a higher-tier claim. You can also choose to aggregate your three lower-tier claims as a single one-off £3,000 claim.
You are expected to make a personal contribution of at least 20% towards the fees using your own funds, as well as using off-duty or leave periods for study.
What you need to do
- You need to speak to the Education Staff at your local Education or Learning Centre, which can be found at the following link: https://www.modelc.com/Account/Login/MBR
- Claims are then made online via the ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com. You should submit any claim at least 25 clear working days before the course starts
- Payments will be made direct to the Learning Provider on receipt of a correctly completed invoice on or after the course start date
