University of Ulster - University of Ulster Talented Athlete Entry Scheme

What you get

Ulster University’s ‘Talented Athlete Entry Scheme’ (TAES) lowers the required entry grades for admission to a full-time undergraduate degree programme at the university. As a rule, the requirements are lowered by two grades, for example from BBB to CCC at A-level, with a minimum grade of CCC (or ‘Merit’ for BTEC or 96 UCAS points) applying after the reduction. For vocational qualifications such as BTEC or OCR, the requirement is lowered by one grade, from ‘Distinction’ to ‘Merit’. For the Irish ‘Leaving Certificate’, the requirement is lowered by 16 tariff points or two grade levels. As well as a place at university, you’ll receive support in competitive sport: fitness programmes, workshops on performance-related skills, a mentor (an experienced person to advise you), offers of membership at sports centres and clubs, fan merchandise, and the opportunity to apply for the university’s ‘Dual Career Programme’. This is not a monetary scholarship, but an offer with reduced entry requirements for competitive athletes.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a full-time bachelor’s degree at Ulster University as a school leaver. Master’s programmes, part-time programmes and other levels of study are not taken into account.
• Your sport: You are involved in a sport that is recognised by ‘Student Sport Ireland’ (SSI) or ‘British Universities & Colleges Sport’ (BUCS) and in which the University of Ulster can take part in inter-university competitions.
• Your level: Over the last 24 months, you have been selected to take part in competitions in this sport at international, inter-provincial or district level (or higher) in your age group.
• UCAS choice: You have listed Ulster University as your ‘firm’ choice (first choice) on the UCAS system.
• Commitment: You are prepared to compete for Ulster University in your sport throughout your degree programme, provided you meet the necessary physical requirements and are selected.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. You are studying in Northern Ireland, in the United Kingdom.

How to apply

Complete the online form on the Ulster Sports website by the deadline of 14 January, which coincides with the deadline for equal consideration under UCAS. When doing so, please provide the personal ID and email address from your UCAS application and name a referee, as the university may ask sports organisations for an assessment. Applications will be assessed against set criteria and reviewed over a period of several weeks.

How realistic are your chances?

The programme is aimed at a specific target group: competitive athletes at district level or above who list Ulster as their first choice on their UCAS application. The pool of applicants is therefore smaller than for an open scholarship. For team sports, places are limited to the official team size, so the selection process is more competitive here; for individual sports, there is no limit. If you clearly meet the required competitive standard, achieve the minimum score in the aptitude test and apply by the January deadline, your chances are good.