University of Leeds - Performance Sports Scholarship

What the Leeds Performance Sport Scholarship gives you

You will receive a bursary of up to about 1,150 EUR (up to £1,000) as well as a support package tailored to your sport. The University of Leeds awards this scholarship to elite athletes so that they can train, compete and study at the same time. In addition to the financial support, you will receive strength and conditioning programmes, weekly sports massages, physiotherapy, a premium gym membership, team leisurewear, and individual workshops on sports nutrition and sports psychology. You will also receive support in balancing sport and study – in other words, practical help in reconciling high-performance training with your studies. The scholarship does not cover either tuition fees or accommodation costs.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Leeds in the UK, or are about to start your studies there.
• Your level as an athlete: You are a member of a high-performance team within a national sports federation or are part of its development programme (U21 or equivalent). A national sports federation is the official organisation that governs your sport at national level.
• Recent results: Over the last 12 months, you have received awards at national or international level as a member of the senior national team or an age-group national team.
• Club or academy: You are a member of a recognised club or academy and, where applicable, take part in competitions at national level.
• Sport: Open to all BUCS, Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports. Priority is given to swimming, diving, artistic swimming, rowing, gymnastics, trampolining, athletics, women’s football, ice hockey, rugby union, field hockey and martial arts (taekwondo, karate, judo).
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, including international students.

How to apply

You can apply online via the University of Leeds application form for the September 2026 intake. The application deadline is 24 July. A separate form applies to cricket and netball players. For the netball, cricket and triathlon teams, a trial session is required in addition to a successful application.

How realistic are your chances?

The university points out that these scholarships are highly sought-after and the entry requirements are strict. You need a demonstrable track record of achievement, including national or international honours over the past year – simply being enthusiastic about your sport is not enough. If you clearly meet these criteria, particularly in a priority sport, your chances are good. If you cannot demonstrate any recent achievements at a competitive level, this scholarship is not the right one for you.