Forces Veterans
Cardiff University defines a veteran student as a current or ex-service person who has served a minimum of one day in the Armed Forces. This also includes National Servicemen, Regulars and Reserves.
Student Advice
Student Advice is a free, confidential and independent service available for students of Cardiff University. We are independent of the University and our role is to give you impartial advice and guidance and help you understand the options available to you.
If your role as a veteran, or any other circumstances, are affecting your wellbeing and/or ability to study and perform at your usual level, we can
- advise you on how to report Extenuating Circumstances to the University;
- advise you on how to submit and Academic Appeal if you have missed the Extenuating Circumstances deadline, or you circumstances have been refused;
- advise you on how to take an Interruption of Study and what you need to think about when deciding what to do;
- advise you on how to submit a University Complaint if you feel you are being unfairly treated or discriminated against because of your circumstances;
- signpost you to other support services.
Cardiff University dedicated support service
If you are a member of the armed forces (regular or reserves), a veteran, or a family member, then you can read about the support that is on offer on the University intranet or by contacting the Advice and Money Team or Tom Spare on the details below.
Armed Forces Lead Contact
Tom Spare is the dedicated contact in the University for students who are veterans. Tom has been working closely with colleagues across the University to support to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Tom can help with:
You can contact Tom Spare on the contact details below;
Tom Spare – Executive Officer (Transitions and Engagement)
Armed Forces Champion
Paul Thomas represents the University externally on matters relating to the Armed Forces. He is happy to connect with students and staff associated with the Armed Forces.
Alongside his day job within the Research and Innovation Services Department, as Armed Forces Champion Paul, helps develop and support Cardiff University’s Armed Forces Community.
He acts as a designated point of contact within the institution and represents the University on matters relating to the Armed Forces Community and is happy to provide informal advice to staff and students connected with the military. Paul is a Royal Naval Reservist assigned to Wales University Royal Naval Unit as a Training Officer and teaches full time students (Officer Cadets) in the classroom, at sea, at sports and facilitates military acquaints.
Contact Paul
Armed Forces Champion
Lieutenant Paul Thomas
Armed Forces Covenant
In 2019 Cardiff University signed the Armed Forces Covenant. This is a commitment from the University that those who have served in the armed forces, and their families are treated fairly.
The Armed Forces Covenant focusses on helping members of the Armed forces have the same access to government services, commercial services and products as other people.
Armed forces Bursary
The Armed forces bursary gives student veterans the financial ability to purchase items relation to their education, cover travel costs or to use as a bond should they wish to live in private accommodation.
For more information, you can contact Cardiff University Advice and Money Team; adviceandmoney@cardiff.ac.uk
Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship
The Armed Forces bereavement scholarship is for students who study at Cardiff University and who have lost a parent while they served their country.
For more information, you can contact Cardiff University Advice and Money Team; adviceandmoney@cardiff.ac.uk
Contact Student Advice
Advice@cardiff.ac.uk
+44 (0)2920 781410