University of Nottingham Sports Scholarships (Bronze/Silver/Gold)

What you get

You get a cash award towards your training and competition costs, plus a support package while you study at the University of Nottingham. The amount depends on your tier: Bronze up to about EUR 1,150 (£1,000), Silver up to about EUR 4,600 (£4,000), and Gold up to about EUR 9,200 (£8,000) per year. On top of the money, you get free access to the university's sport and fitness facilities, strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy at the sports injury clinic, and advice on nutrition, sports psychology and anti-doping. You also get performance-lifestyle mentoring (one-to-one guidance to balance training and study) and branded university kit. The scholarships are run by the University of Nottingham's Department of Sport.

Who can apply

• Sporting level: You compete at academy, national or international standard, or you can show strong evidence of future potential.
• Your sport: Priority goes to Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports, and sports in the British university (BUCS) programme, such as hockey, rugby, swimming, athletics, netball and tennis. Other sports are looked at case by case.
• Study place: You have an offer from the University of Nottingham, or you already study there. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses both count.
• Course load: You study at least 60 credits per year.
• Nationality: Open to home, EU and international students.

How to apply

Fill in an Expression of Interest form on the University of Nottingham Sport website. A member of the team then contacts you. The team recommends submitting it alongside your UCAS application by 15 October. The final deadline for the Expression of Interest is 1 December. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee an award.

How realistic are your chances?

These scholarships target elite athletes, so the field is limited to students already competing at academy, national or international level. If you fit that standard, especially in a priority Olympic, Paralympic or BUCS sport, and you secure a place at Nottingham, your prospects are solid. Meeting the eligibility does not by itself guarantee an award, so apply early and make your sporting record clear.