Performance Student-Athlete Award

What the Performance Student-Athlete Award gives you

You get a non-cash support package built around your sport at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The support is shaped to your needs once you arrive. It includes access to UWE Bristol's performance facilities, membership of the TeamBuildr training app for strength and conditioning, coaching from performance staff, and access to physiotherapy. Depending on your needs, you can also get support in sports psychology, nutrition and performance lifestyle. There is no cash payment. The value is in training, medical and expert backup that would otherwise cost you money.

Who can apply

• University place: You meet UWE Bristol's entry requirements for your degree and have an offer of a place.
• Level of study: You can be an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
• Sporting level: You compete at an elite level in your sport and can prove it, for example with video of you performing.
• Sport: Many sports qualify. UWE Bristol runs four top-level programmes (American Football, men's basketball, squash and women's volleyball), but high performers in other sports are welcome too.
• Commitment: You are ready to represent the university in BUCS competitions, the league system run by British Universities and Colleges Sport.
• Where you are from: This award is for UK home students. If you apply from overseas, UWE Bristol points you to its separate International Sport Scholarship instead.

How to apply

Register your interest through the online application form as soon as you start considering UWE Bristol. Include links to videos of you competing plus strong references, which count as heavily as your sporting record. Applications are currently open for the 2025-26 academic year. If you are selected, the performance team invites you to an interview. Because of the number of applications, those who are not selected do not get a reply.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is aimed at genuine high performers, so the bar on sporting level is high, and many applicants hear nothing back. Because character and references count as much as results, a clear elite record backed by a strong reference gives a well-matched applicant real prospects. Apply early, once you are considering UWE Bristol, and make your sporting evidence easy to check.