ARE you an athlete? Have you always been interested in sports and excelled at one in particular? If so, you will find that many universities in the UK offer sports scholarships for those who have a good level in their sport of choice. Here we present you with some of the funding opportunities that we have found for you.
The University of Kent has a sports scholarship for sportsmen and women in any sport who compete at country level or equivalent. Successful students represent the University of Kent and preferably play for their teams based at their Canterbury Campus. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are welcome to apply. The scholarship includes financial support of £300 to £5,000 (to cover equipment, physiotherapy, travel, etc.), free sports membership, fitness programmes, monitored fitness testing, weekly supervised workouts, and sports advice and guidance.
The Brunel University London also has sports scholarships for anyone who has demonstrated sufficient achievement at Junior International level or equivalent in one of their priority sports; this includes athletics, netball, rugby, archery, badminton, basketball, canoeing, women’s football, cycling, golf, hockey, judo, squash, swimming, table tennis and triathlon. Other sports might be considered as well. Evidence of your sporting achievements must be shown accompanied by information from your National Governing Body Performance Director or National Coach. Scholarships are offered in 3 types: for students competing internationally at senior level, junior international competitions, and for national level. The scholarship award is £300 to £5,000 per year, access to athlete-friendly accommodation on campus next to sports facilities (however, it does not cover its cost), sports science support, free use of world class facilities, free fitness and injury rehabilitation, free spa access, and a sport scholarship kit.
Another university offering sports scholarships is the University of Manchester. Postgraduates or undergraduates are welcome to apply. Students must be competing at a minimum of Junior International level, able to demonstrate a commitment to striving for personal excellence, and being an ambassador of your sport. There are different types of scholarships. First, the Focus Sport scholarship (value of £3,500 per athlete), awarded to 3 students annually in the sports of lacrosse, netball or squash. Secondly, one Overseas Scholarship (value of £2,000) per year. Thirdly, 10 Athletic Union Awards (value of £500 per athlete), for individuals who compete on a UK sport or Sport England Talent pathway, are a great ambassador and add value to the Athletic Union Sports Club for their sport. And finally, 15 annual SPORT scholarships (value of £2,500 per athlete per year) awarded to student athletes on a UK sport or Sport England Talent pathway.
Additionally, there is a SPORT Manchester Scholarship package for those students balancing studying an academic degree with achieving their sport aspirations. This package includes: training and competition expenses, annual gym pass, Athletic Union club membership, one to one sessions with an expert strength and conditioning coach, free physiotherapy, mentoring, free sports scholarship kit, access to workshops, promotion of your success, and the opportunity of being an ambassador of your sport.
The University of Bath also offers a series of sports scholarships for students who have been offered a place at the university, have been recommended by their own coach or the university’s coach in their own sport, and have demonstrated their potential to compete at elite level internationally and contribute to the University’s British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) points. The Trendell Sports Scholarship has a value of £1,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years for those students who compete in athletics, badminton, football, tennis, judo, hockey, netball, rugby or swimming. The Bill Whiteley Sports Scholarship has a value of £5,000 per year, for up to 5 years, for a new scholar accepted in the schools of Management, Faculty of Engineering and Design or the Department of Economics. These students must be on a full time undergraduate degree, and who is able to make positive impact on the University´s sports standing.
Other sports scholarships in the University of Bath include the Santander scholarships (for UK, Iber-American or Iberian Peninsula students), the King scholarship (for students undertaking a course in the school of Management or a sport-related course in the Department of Health), the British Swimming National Training Centre scholarships, the Thomas Education Trust scholarships (for British citizens undertaking a course in the Faculty of Science or in the Department of Health), and the Goldsmith scholarship (for UK nationals in the sports of badminton or hockey, preferably).
Finally, the University of Nottingham offers a range of possibilities to study and get a scholarship award. The Deng Yaping Sports Scholarship provides two Masters scholarships and four Undergraduate scholarships. It is available to Chinese national table tennis players in honour of Nottingham gold-medal-winning graduate Deng Yaping. There are also a number of sports scholarship packages worth between £2000 and £8000 for students of regional, national or international standard in thier sport.
There are many other universities around Europe (and especially the UK) where sports scholarships are awarded. If these do not fit your requirements, other most certainly will! Remember that in all cases, first, you will need to have a conditional or unconditional offer to study in order to apply. And, when you do, make sure you apply as soon as possible – with scholarships, the competition is always fierce!
