Heriot Watt University - Sports Scholarship

What you get

Whilst studying at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus, you will benefit from a comprehensive package of performance-focused sporting support that is firmly integrated into your weekly routine. At every stage, this includes membership of Oriam (Scotland’s national elite sports centre), twice-weekly strength and conditioning sessions with sports scientists, physiotherapy, sports psychology, personalised lifestyle advice, fitness tests, and weekly recovery sessions (massage jets, underwater treadmill, cryo-spas, sauna). You will also receive workshops on nutrition and anti-doping, academic flexibility to accommodate your training, and a sports scholarship kit. The highest tier, Level 1, also offers a 25% cut on your tuition fees. The university runs the programme in partnership with Oriam and the Heriot-Watt University Sports Union.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus.
• Level of study: You are studying for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (including work-study programmes) on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Year of study: Every year. You can apply as a new candidate or even if you are already enrolled.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply (Scotland, the United Kingdom, EU and non-EU citizens).
• Sport: Any sport may apply. Priority is given to Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports (in the 2026 winter or 2028 summer programme), followed by the BUCS priority sports. Other sports will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Sporting level: You are competing at a high level. The fee reduction 25% (level 1) is intended for elite athletes, such as those competing in the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games or the Commonwealth Games, athletes with a professional contract, or players who have been selected for the senior national teams of Great Britain or Scotland. The lower tiers are designed to support athletes who are capable of reaching this level.

How to apply

Applications must be made via an online form on the Oriam website. The application deadline is 31 March. If you are a first-year student, you must first apply for your degree programme via UCAS and then submit the scholarship form. If you have any questions, please contact the university’s ‘Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator’.

How realistic are your chances?

The lower funding tiers are open to all student athletes who compete at an appropriate level, meaning that the field of participants is very diverse. The fee reduction 25% at level 1 is much more strictly defined and requires genuine elite credentials, such as a nomination for the national team or a professional contract, supported by references from your national sports federation and your coach. If your sport is an Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth discipline and you clearly meet the criteria for a particular tier, your prospects are good, particularly if you apply well in advance of the March deadline 31.