If you’re planning to join the RAF once you graduate we could sponsor your medical training if you’re studying at medical school. As part of this you could receive a bursary or a cadetship leading to a career as an RAF Medical Officer. There are additional benefits as a Medical Cadet too, including a salary and a grant to cover tuition fees.
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When you apply for a bursary you will need to join the University Air Squadron linked to your university and then apply for an upgrade to a cadetship for your last 2 years of medical school. You can apply for a cadetship, to cover your penultimate and/or final year of medical school, without previously having a bursary. Applications for medical sponsorship are welcome between 1st May and 31st October.
Regular Entry Requirements
Age: 21–43*
*Candidates must commence SOIT prior to their 43rd birthday.
Qualifications
Sponsorship is available for the final three years of study in a UK Based Medical School. Not open to those paying Int fees.
Residency
You must have resided in the UK for a minimum of 3 years immediately preceding your application. In certain circumstances, if your period of residency has been broken, we may still be able to consider your application.
Nationality
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or holder of dual UK/other nationality.
Cadetship Upgrade Selection
An upgrade from a bursary to a cadetship is competitive and dependent upon passing an upgrade selection interview. This is assessed by a panel of senior Medical Officers, the MDRT and members of the RAF sponsorship team. You will also be assessed for evidence of satisfactory academic performance, service knowledge, continuing good character and maintaining a satisfactory level of physical fitness whilst a bursar.
Important Considerations
Sponsorship may be terminated at the discretion of the Ministry of Defence i it becomes evident that the scholar is failing to make satisfactory progress at university. The availability and number of specialist training places will be subject to the needs of the Service, resulting in some individuals not being able to pursue their primary choice of medical career; Paediatric, Geriatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology are permanently excluded.
The Bursary
For undergraduates studying to be doctor and who plan to become RAF Medical Officers
Bursaries of £3,000 are available during year 2 of a 4-year postgraduate course, year 3 of a standard 5-year course, or year 4 of a 6-year programme
Cadetships are available in the final 2 years of medical school and offer a salary, which is in-line with the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, plus tuition fees paid up to £9,535
Plus up to £55 per day for up to 30 days of training per year
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