Why does the Veterans' Foundation support The Open University?

The Open University is the UK’s leading distance learning university. It allows millions of people to access world-leading teaching and enables them to gain meaningful degrees in many varied subjects. Currently, over 2 million students have successfully gained degrees across 157 countries.

Through the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, The Open University gives 50 disabled British Armed Forces veterans access to free education every year. To provide even more value for veterans, the university provides specialist career guidance and support meaning that disabled veterans on the course increase the likelihood of finding work after completing their course. The Open University also offers these veterans bespoke disability support, if a veteran needs a little extra help, the university staff ensure that their needs are catered to.

1 in 5 servicemen and women are discharged from the British Armed Forces due to both mental and physical injuries sustained in service. The Open University believes that these veterans have unique and valuable skills that are transferrable to the civilian world. From expert communication to project management, veterans are capable of handling situations using logic and decisiveness. Many veterans also have experience putting STEM skills into practice. This unique preparation makes many veterans naturally inclined to excel in the workplace. 

The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund has been set up to unlock the potential many veterans have and help them build a valuable life outside of their service. As 44% of disabled veterans find it difficult finding work, the Disabled Scholarship Fund provides a valuable lifeline to Disabled British Armed Forces veterans.