University of Hertfordshire - Sports Scholarship

What you get

You will receive a support package tailored to your sport, which is put together individually for each athlete; there is therefore no fixed amount of money. It may include a financial award towards training, competition and living costs, free membership of the on-campus gyms, strength and conditioning training, and physiotherapy. It can also cover your costs for BUCS competitions (the national university sports league in the UK). You’ll also receive workshops on nutrition, sports psychology and anti-doping, team kit, a lifestyle mentor (someone to help you balance sport, study and everyday life), as well as a study plan tailored to your training camps and competitions. The programme is run by the ‘Performance Sport Programme’ at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Hertfordshire or are planning to study there.
• Degree level: You may be a Bachelor’s or Master’s student.
• Field of study: Any subject, provided you meet the entry requirements for the relevant degree programme.
• Nationality: Students from the UK and abroad are welcome to apply.
• Your sport: Priority is given to the university’s competitive sports: women’s football, men’s and women’s futsal, men’s basketball, netball and American football.
• Your level: Athletes from other sports may also apply, provided they compete at national age-group level or higher (or at an equivalent level in sports with different career paths).
• Commitment: You will take part in every BUCS competition for which you are selected and contribute to the programme.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form on the “Performance Sport Programme” website. When applying, please provide details of your sporting ability and the degree programme you wish to pursue. Applications are accepted throughout the year; you should therefore apply as early as possible, ideally before you start your degree programme. If you are selected, the team will contact you to draw up a personalised scholarship agreement.

How realistic are your chances?

Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so there is no standard entry threshold that must be met. The decisive factor is your level of performance: priority is given to the competitive sports listed, and athletes in other disciplines must compete at national level or higher. If you practise one of the priority sports or compete at this level and apply before the start of the semester, your chances are good. A convincing sporting track record counts for far more here than your academic grades.