Development Trust Sports Bursary

Development Trust Sports Bursary

You get a cash award of about EUR 290 to EUR 1,150 (usually between £250 and £1,000) for one year, and you can apply to renew it. You also get a support package: gym membership at Aberdeen Sports Village, strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, yoga sessions, seminars on topics like nutrition and sports psychology, and bursary clothing. If you compete at the highest level, university staff can help you arrange flexibility around your studies for events such as the Olympics or a World Championship, and you may be able to share accommodation with other athletes. The University of Aberdeen funds this through its Development Trust from donations, and hands out around 20 bursaries each year.

Who can apply

• University: You study at the University of Aberdeen, as an undergraduate or postgraduate.
• Sport: Any sport, for example athletics, rowing, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, rifle, boxing, weightlifting, rugby or modern pentathlon.
• Performance: You compete at a high level and can prove it with recent results. Examples include a 'Power of 10' athletics ranking or a time close to a BUCS qualifying standard. In a team sport, show your own record, such as representative honours or a realistic chance of playing at national league level or above.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Fill in the application form and submit it with evidence of your current sporting results. Applications usually open in April. The deadline for the 2026/2027 year is Friday 18 September 2026, and a decision follows early in the academic year. You can apply for the John Robertson Sports Scholarship at the same time, but you cannot hold both.

How realistic are your chances?

With around 20 bursaries each year, there is real room, but the award is aimed at genuinely high-performing athletes, so your results have to back up your claim. If you can document a strong ranking or clear representative honours in your sport, your prospects are good. Apply early and present solid evidence.