5 sports scholarships for international students in the UK and Europe

Are you a high school student-athlete that’s at a cross-road after graduation: to go pro or to give it up and focus on academics? The good news is you don’t have to give up one for the other. That’s where sports scholarships come in to help you strike a balance between both. 

Being a student-athlete is exactly what it sounds like: Not only are you attending classes like every other student at the college, but you are also representing your college to compete against other colleges in your division.

If you’re looking to study in either the UK or Europe, here are five universities offering sports scholarships that can support you in your sports while helping you achieve academic success:

International Sports Scholarship Programme, University of Stirling 

The University of Stirling offers one of the largest high-performance sports programmes in the UK, helping student-athletes combine a flexible degree study with success in competing at the highest levels of sport. 

The International Sports Scholarship Programme offers generous financial support of up to 5,000 pounds per year. The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and taught postgraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in their sport. Some of their core sports include football (men and women), tennis, triathlon, rugby, golf, swimming and curling. 

Student-athletes who compete in other sports are still free to apply for this scholarship if they meet the criteria. Successful applicants get a comprehensive package of coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, performance mentoring and access to the latest innovations in sport research. 

For more information about performance sports at the University of Stirling, click here. 

WLV Sports Scholarship Programme, University of Wolverhampton 

The University of Wolverhampton offers three athlete scholar packages – Bronze, Silver and Gold, financial awards that are offered based on the level the applicant is competing in. Each of the packages offers a different amount of financial award: 500 pounds, 1,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds. Though the scholarships are assessed on a case-by-case basis, athletes whose sport features within the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) programme are prioritised. 

To be eligible for the WLV Sports Scholarship Programme, you must fulfill these criteria:

• Compete at a regional, national or international standard in your sport
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Wolverhampton. 

More information about the scholarship here.

Student-athletes are expected to balance sport, study and play. Source: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Newcastle University

Home of Newcastle Football Club, Newcastle is a renowned sports city. It’s almost natural that Newcastle University consistently places itself in the top 10 in BUCS. The performance sports programme at Newcastle University offers multiple sports scholarships and funding for student-athletes enrolled at the university, including disability sports scholarships. 

Scholarships are open to current students, both undergraduate and graduate, in any year of study. Sports scholars are eligible to receive funding of up to 10,000 pounds. Other criteria include: achieving regional, national or international standards within the last 12 months and being a member of National Governing Body’s (NGB) performance squads. Read here for more information on eligibility. 

For other sports scholarships, check it out here.

The Trinity Sports Scholarships, Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is a leading destination for high-performance athletes who wish to excel, on and off the field. Supported by renowned academics, experienced coaches, and world-class facilities, the college provides athletes and teams with an environment that nurtures development and unlocks hidden potential.

There are six different scholarships offered to student-athletes, catering to a wide range of applicants, from emerging sports talents to Olympic-level athletes. These scholarships are assessed on an individual basis and are dependent on the athlete’s achievements, potential and needs. 

Learn more about performance sport at Trinity College here. 

UL Sports Scholarships, University of Limerick

Similar to Newcastle University, the University of Limerick in Ireland offers its students sports scholarships in three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Depending on the level, students can get subsidised accommodation, training and gym membership valued at up to 10,000 euros. The UL Sports Scholarships are designed for athletes to pursue and excel in their sport while undertaking academic study at the university.

Applicants for UL Sports Scholarships will automatically be considered for a number of other sport-specific scholarships such as the The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship, ‘Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship and The Plassey Campus Company / Swim Ireland Bursaries.

UL’s campus boasts some of the best sports facilities in Europe and has a track record of developing world-class talent in a wide variety of sports.