High Performance Sport Scholarship (Sports Scholarship Programme)

What you get

As a High Performance Sport Scholar at the University of Leeds you get support built around your sport, plus a cash bursary (a one-off grant) paid to individual athletes on this scholarship. The exact bursary amount is not published. The non-cash support includes:

• A strength and conditioning programme
• Weekly sports massage, free for scholars
• Physiotherapy
• Premium gym membership at The Edge
• Leisurewear
• Sports nutrition and sports psychology workshops, with one-to-one advice where needed
• Dual-career support to help you balance training and study

The scholarship is run by Sport & Physical Activity (Leeds Gryphons) at the University of Leeds. It does not cover your tuition fees or accommodation.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You study at the University of Leeds.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, including international students.
• Your sport: You compete in a BUCS, Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth sport. BUCS is the British university sports league.
• Performance level: You must meet at least one of these. You are in your national governing body's performance squad or its under-21 pathway. You have won national or international honours in the last 12 months. You belong to a recognised professional club or academy. Or you compete at national level.
• Field of study: Any subject can apply.
• Priority sports: Any eligible sport can apply, but priority goes to swimming, diving, artistic swimming, rowing, gymnastics, trampolining, athletics, women's football, ice hockey, rugby union, hockey and martial arts (taekwondo, karate, judo).

How to apply

Apply online through the University of Leeds sport scholarship form for September 2026 entry. Athletes in cricket or netball use a separate form; all other sports use the general form. Cricket, netball and triathlon squads are part of the team scholarship and need a trial as well as an application.

How realistic are your chances?

The university says these scholarships are highly competitive, and the bar is set by clear performance criteria: a squad place, recent honours or a professional club link. That narrows the field to elite athletes. If you compete in a priority sport and can prove your level, your prospects are solid. Awards are limited each year, so apply early.