Polytechnic University of Valencia - Grants for High-Level Athletes

What you get

You will receive a one-off payment of 750 EUR, which will be paid in December 2026 for the academic year 2025/26 at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain. The scholarship is aimed at students who combine top-level sport with their studies. Each year, the UPV awards 52 of these scholarships, with a total budget of up to 39,000 EUR.

If you have taken part in international competitions as an official representative of your country (the Olympic Games, World or European Championships, or the FISU World University Games), you may instead be considered for one of the 3 higher-level ‘Excellence Sports Grants’ worth 2,000 EUR. You cannot receive both grants at the same time. Should you qualify for both grants, you will only receive the higher one.

In addition to financial support, every athlete accepted into the UPV’s high-performance programme receives academic support. You can miss lectures during competitions, reschedule exams and practicals, adapt your study groups to your training schedule, and are given priority when exchange scholarships are awarded.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at the UPV on a Bachelor’s degree programme (Grado) or an official Master’s degree programme before the deadline.
• Study progress: As a full-time student, you have passed at least 30% of the credit points taken in 2024/25. As a part-time student, you have passed at least 50%.
• Sporting record: You can provide evidence of sporting achievements that earn points under the UPV system – from regional to international championships in which you have represented the UPV or your country.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. If you are from a country outside the EU, you must provide proof that you are legally resident in Spain.
• Not eligible: PhD students, students at private partner centres, visiting or exchange students, and UPV staff.

How to apply

You must submit the application form and a standardised summary of your sporting achievements, supported by certificates from the relevant association confirming your results. Applications must be submitted via the UPV registration office or the university’s online platform. The application deadline is 13 September. A committee assesses each application on the basis of academic performance (up to 5 points) and sporting achievements (up to 45 points). The final decision will be announced on 30 November 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded on a highly selective basis. You must be studying at the UPV and have a proven track record in competitive sport, meaning that the pool of candidates is limited to serious student athletes. As there are only 52 scholarships available, athletic performance is almost the sole deciding factor in the award process; therefore, a strong track record in national or international competitions will set you apart from other applicants. If you clearly meet the requirements regarding enrolment and academic progress and can demonstrate genuine success, your prospects are good.