Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

You get a cut in your tuition fees plus a full support package for athletes while you study at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus. A Level 1 award cuts your tuition fees by 25% and is for top-level athletes. A Coaching Scholarship for postgraduate coaches usually cuts fees by 20%, and up to 100% for exceptional candidates. There is also a Level 2 award for athletes earlier in their career. On top of the fee cut, every scholar gets free membership of Oriam (Scotland's national sports performance centre), strength and conditioning training twice a week with a sports scientist, physiotherapy, sports psychology, fitness testing, nutrition and anti-doping workshops, weekly recovery in a hydrotherapy pool, and a kit set. The programme runs with the university, Oriam and the Heriot-Watt Sports Union.

Who can apply

• University: You study at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh campus.
• Level: You are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, including graduate apprenticeships.
• Study mode: You study full-time or part-time.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, in any year of study.
• Sport: Priority goes to Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports, then to BUCS priority sports (the British university sports league). Other sports are judged case by case.
• Level 1 standard: You compete at the highest level, for example the Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth Games, a senior GB or Scotland international selection, or a professional contract. You need references from your national governing body and your coach.
• Coaching Scholarship: You are a postgraduate coach with a Level 2 coaching qualification (or equivalent) and IELTS 6.5.

How to apply

First apply for your Heriot-Watt degree through UCAS. Then submit the sports scholarship form online. If contextual admissions apply to you, send the form within 7 days of your university application. Your references are contacted to confirm your sporting record, and Oriam's Performance Sport Panel reviews the applications. The scholarship is currently open.

How realistic are your chances?

This award targets genuine high-performance athletes, so meeting the criteria alone does not guarantee a place. If you clearly compete at Olympic, Commonwealth, professional or senior-international level in a priority sport and can supply the required references, your prospects are good. Apply early and line up your governing body and coach, since the panel decides on the strength of your sporting record.