University of South Wales - Sports Scholarship

USW Sport Scholarship

As a new Bachelor’s or Master’s student, you will receive one-off payment of about EUR 2,300 (£2,000); as a re-enrolled student, you will receive approximately 1,150 (£1,000) euros. The amount is paid as a one-off lump sum rather than monthly. Bachelor’s students receive the payment in November 2026. PhD students receive the payment in November, amounting to 2026, or in March, amounting to 2027. The University of South Wales awards this grant to high-achieving athletes who compete for the university in university sports, particularly in BUCS competitions (British Universities and Colleges Sport, the national league system for British universities).

Who can apply

• University: You are studying at one of the University of South Wales’ campuses: Treforest, Glyntaff, Cardiff or Newport.
• Degree level: You are a new full-time undergraduate student (in the 0 or 1 year of a degree programme lasting at least 3 years, starting in September 2026), a new full-time Master’s student (a degree programme lasting at least 1 years, starting in 2026/27) or a student who has re-enrolled in a higher year of study.
• Degree type: Your degree programme is classified as a full degree programme leading to an honours degree. HND/HNC, Cert HE, foundation degrees, postgraduate years and degree programmes not leading to an honours degree are not permitted.
• Nationality: You are a student from the UK. International students are not eligible to apply.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Sporting level (at least one): You have represented your country at age-group or senior level, hold a top position in the development programme run by the national governing body for your sport, have extensive experience at academy level or higher in a professional sport, or regularly win national championships at age-groupor senior level.
• Commitment: You will take part in competitions on behalf of the university, act as a student ambassador, attend open days and complete the student union’s workshop on values and conduct.

How to apply

You must complete the online form and attach two references confirming your sporting achievements, as well as a short covering letter. The deadlines depend on your group: 6 May 2026 for new Bachelor’s students, 30. June 2026 for new Master’s students and 31 July 2026 for returning students. A committee will then make a decision, which is final and cannot be appealed.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is intended exclusively for serious competitive athletes, which is why most students do not meet the eligibility criteria at all. You need a proven track record of success, such as international honours or a place on a national sports federation’s development programme. If you can demonstrate this level of achievement with two strong references, the pool of eligible applicants is small and your chances are good. Please apply by the deadline for your group, as late applications will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.