University of Bedfordshire - Sports Scholarships

University of Bedfordshire Sport Scholarships

Depending on your performance level, you will receive a sports scholarship worth a total of between £600 and £1,500 (about 700 to 1,750 EUR). Each scholarship consists of a lump sum paid at the start of the year, as well as additional support. The entry-level ‘Talented Performance’ and ‘Talented Coach/Official’ scholarships comprise £200 in cash, as well as sports science support and sports equipment (totalling £600). The Gold scholarships (including football and rugby union) comprise £600 in cash, as well as sports science support, equipment and a sports membership (totalling £1,000). The highest ‘Platinum Performance’ scholarship comprises £1,100 in cash, as well as the same benefits (totalling £1,500). You may only apply for one performance award or one coach/official award per year. In addition to the sports award, depending on your UCAS entry points, you may also qualify for additional academic funding: the ‘Excellence Scholarship’ (£2,500 per year for 3 years) or the ‘High Achievement Scholarship’ (£500 per year).

Who can apply

• University: You have been admitted to the University of Bedfordshire as a full-time student, or are already enrolled there.
• Degree level: Both Bachelor’s and Master’s students are eligible to apply.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, including local, EU and international students.
• Sporting level: You compete at regional, district, national or international level, or have played in the BUCS (the British Universities Sports Confederation) in the last 12 months. To qualify for the Platinum Award, you must have competed at national or international level.
• Coaches and officials: To be eligible for the coaching award, you must hold a coaching qualification at level 1 (or an equivalent qualification). To be eligible for the refereeing award, you must be active as a referee or judge at district, regional or international level.
• Sport: Any sport may be considered, although priority is given to BUCS, Commonwealth Games, Olympic and Paralympic sports. To be eligible for Gold awards in football and rugby union, you must be enrolled on a sports-related degree programme.

How to apply

You must submit an online application form together with a letter of reference on official letterhead from your national governing body, coach or club, confirming your level of performance. The deadlines are 15 July and 31 October. A panel consisting of a member of the academic staff, a representative of the student union and staff from Sport Beds will decide on the awards.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is tied to a specific university and is divided into seven tiers. So if you’re going to Bedfordshire and can demonstrate genuine sporting achievements, there’s likely to be a tier that suits you. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee that you will be awarded the scholarship, and you must provide evidence of your achievements over the last 12 months – which is why a strong, well-documented recommendation is important. The scholarship is not automatically renewed, so you will need to reapply each year.