University of Liverpool - Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Under the University of Liverpool programme, elite athletes receive a grant (a non-repayable award) of up to about 4,100 EUR per year (up to 3,500 GBP). The grant is intended exclusively for the ‘High Performance Athlete’ category, and places are very limited. Every athlete in the programme also receives benefits in kind: access to a high-performance gym, bespoke strength and conditioning training, physiotherapy, anti-doping advice, and workshops on nutrition, psychology and lifestyle. Athletes at the higher levels also receive personalised nutrition and psychology coaching, mentoring (regular support from an experienced adviser), academic support and membership of the Athletic Union. The programme is based on a ‘dual career’ approach: athletes build their sporting careers and their studies simultaneously.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are studying at the University of Liverpool or are planning to study there. Students who wish to study abroad for a semester or a year are also welcome to apply.
• Age: You are at least 16. You can apply before you start your degree.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: Any nationality.
• Sport record (for the bursary): You are on a development pathway with a national sports federation, are already representing your country at junior or senior level, and are planning a full-time career as an athlete after you graduate.
• Sport record (for the non-cash tier): You compete at district level or above, or have achieved success at national or international level in the junior or senior categories, and would like to represent the university at BUCS competitions (the British inter-university sports league).
• Commitment: You are prepared to balance your training with your studies and to take part in competitions on behalf of the university.

How to apply

You can apply at any time of the year using the programme’s online form. Applications are currently being accepted for the September 2026 intake. Applications received by December 2025 will be assessed in January 2026. If you apply early, you may receive an offer or provisional feedback before you have finalised your choice of course.

How realistic are your chances?

The fee-paying tier is very limited: the scholarship offers only a very small number of places and requires athletes to have achieved success at national level in a recognised sport, meaning that only a few athletes qualify and they then compete for a small prize fund. The non-monetary tiers are far more open, as strong athletes at district level in any sport can register to make use of the training and facilities. If you clearly meet the sporting criteria and apply early, your chances of securing a place are good.