University of Central Lancashire - UCLan Sports Scholarship

UCLan Sports Scholarship

You get up to £5,000 in cash (about 5,800 EUR) for one academic year, plus a support package on top. The award comes in three tiers based on your sporting level. Bronze gives up to £500 cash (about 580 EUR) with support worth around £750. Silver gives up to £2,000 cash (about 2,300 EUR) with support worth over £1,000. Gold gives up to £5,000 cash with support worth around £2,000. Every tier includes free sports-facility and club membership, a kit package, physiotherapy, group strength and conditioning sessions, and group sessions on lifestyle, nutrition and psychology. You also get academic flexibility built around your training and competition schedule. The scholarship comes from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston, for athletes who want to keep competing while studying for a degree.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You study a bachelor course or a taught master course at UCLan, full-time or part-time. Part-time students get a reduced award, scaled to your study load.
• Field of study: Any subject. The award is about your sport, not your course.
• Your sport: You compete in a sport run by BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) or BUCS Para Sport. You are ready and able to represent UCLan in competition.
• Priority sports: Athletes in six sports get priority: basketball, netball, golf, rugby league, table tennis and women's football. You can still apply in other BUCS sports.
• Performance level: You compete at national up to international level for your sport and tier. You can prove it with rankings, results, video or performance stats from the last 12 months.
• Nationality: UK, EU and international students from over 130 countries can apply. International students have a total cap of £5,500 per year across all UCLan scholarships combined, so your cash is reduced if you already hold another award.

How to apply

You fill in the application form and email it to the sports scholarships office. Include evidence of your sporting achievements from the last 12 months and a short confirmation from your current coach. The final deadline for 2027/28 entry is 5 May 2027. Apply by the early deadline of 21 March 2027 to hear back by 3 May 2027. A panel reviews applications as they come in, so apply as soon as you have your university offer.

How realistic are your chances?

Places and budget are limited, and the university says that meeting the criteria does not guarantee an award. Selection follows its strategic priorities. If you compete in one of the six priority sports and can clearly document a national or international level, your prospects are stronger. Apply early: decisions are made as applications come in, and the money runs out.