How To Apply For British Army As Foreigner | Detailed Steps
How To Apply For British Army: Before you start your Army application, you need to check that you meet the nationality and age requirements to join the British Army.
British Citizen
As a British Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject, British National (Overseas) citizen and British Protect Person, you’re able to apply to join the Army.
British Citizen
As a British Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject, British National (Overseas) citizen and British Protect Person, you’re able to apply to join the Army.
Refugee or asylum seeker
Unfortunately you are not able to join the British Army.
The Commonwealth
Commonwealth soldiers are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the fabric of the British Army.
The application window will be open to candidates from the Commonwealth on 19th August 2024 at 0700hrs (UK Time (UTC + 1)) for up to 1 week.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications received outside of this window will be rejected.
Only applicants that apply for ‘available roles’ will be considered, so you must be applying for one of the following:
- Musician
- Royal Electrical
- Mechanical Engineering roles
- Royal Engineers Technician and Tradesman roles
- Paratrooper
Applications MUST be linked to the Recruit Bounty Referral Scheme. Any Applications that are submitted outside of the Recruit Bounty Scheme will be rejected, except for those applying as a musician.
To apply to join as a musician you must be able to meet the musical standards required. More information can be found here: Army Musicians.
Applications will be closed during Sep – Oct 2024. Applicants will need to be in a position to be invited to come to the UK to progress their application in Oct – Nov 2024 for entry to Basic Training in Jan – Mar 2025.
We thank all Commonwealth candidates and their sponsors for their patience and commitment.
Age requirements to apply for British Army
To join as a Soldier:
- You must be at least 16 years old to join the Army as a soldier. This can change depending on your role, so check the individual role details.
- You can start your application when you’re 15 years and 7 months, but you won’t be able to go to the assessment centre until you’re at least 15 years and 9 months old.
- If you are under 17 years 6 months you will attend Army Foundation College, as a Junior Solider, before starting Standard Entry training.
- If you’re under 18, you’ll also need parental consent to join.
- Be enlisted before your 36th birthday.
To join as an Officer:
- Be between 18 and 29.
- Higher age limits apply for specialists, eg Doctors.
- Over 30s are considered only by exception, on a case by case basis. Please contact us on 0345 600 8080 to discuss your options.
- Scholarship applicants must be under 18 on 1 August in the year of the award.
As a Reservist Soldier:
- Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.
- You can apply for most roles until you’re 42 years and 6 months old, but you must have joined by your 43 birthday – check Role finder for more information about the role you are interested in joining.
- There are higher age limits for some specialist roles.
As a Reservist Officer:
- Be at least 17 years and 9 months when you apply.
- Apply by the time you’re 48 years and 9 months.
- There are higher age limits for some specialist roles.