Bournemouth University - BU Sports Scholarship

Benefit

You will receive up to about 5,900 EUR (£5,000) for your first year from Bournemouth University in the UK. The funding is provided in the form of financial support, sports science services, or both. You can use the money for training, kit, competition travel costs and entry fees. The services include a gym membership, chiropractic treatments, sports massages, and strength and conditioning training via SportBU. The exact amount depends on your needs, your performance level and your experience; repayment is not required. The university awards between 60 and 65 of these scholarships each year. The funding applies only to the first year, but may be extended if you meet the requirements regarding training attendance and performance.

Who can apply

• Degree: You have accepted an offer for a full-time degree programme at undergraduate or postgraduate level at Bournemouth University and are studying for at least 60 credits per year.
• Sport level: You will be competing for a regional, national or international team. If you are competing as an individual, you must be able to hold your own against the best athletes in the BUCS programme, the UK’s inter-university sports competition.
• Sport: Every sport counts, including those that are not part of the BUCS programme.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities and genders, regardless of whether you’re already studying in the UK or coming from abroad.
• Commitment: You wish to develop further in your sport and your studies, and will participate fully in the University’s support programmes.
• Reference: You will need a letter of recommendation from a coach at a high-performance or national sports organisation. For sports not included in the BUCS programme, you will need two letters of recommendation.

How to apply

Complete the online application form and submit your coach’s letter of recommendation. The application deadline is 31 August for a September start and 30 November for a January start. You will then take part in a trial training session, during which you will be assessed by BU coaches. A selection panel will review the applications approximately 10 days after the application deadline and will inform you of the result within 7 days. You cannot defer the scholarship to a later year.

How realistic are your chances?

With between 60 and 65 scholarships awarded each year, this scholarship is easier to secure than a single high-profile award. However, you do need to be playing at team level, which limits the pool of applicants. If you can prove that you are a member of a team, provide a convincing recommendation from your coach and perform well at the trial, your chances are good. The most important thing is to apply by the deadline and be well prepared for the trial.