The University of Exeter Sport Scholarships Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, helping the best student athletes reach their full potential. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package and is tailored to suit the needs of each individual athlete. Many of our graduating scholars have progressed to a professional level in their chosen sport and represented their respective countries on the global stage.
Awards Available:
Sport Scholarship
The Sport Scholarship is awarded annually to athletes competing and representing internationally (NGB Performance Pathway) within one of our performance sports. These are tailored to the needs of the individual and include a cash sum for sporting expenses up to £3,000 dependent on sporting level.
The amount awarded depends on your: Chosen sport Achievements Ability and potential to develop during your time at Exeter
As part of each award, a wider package of support services that includes physiotherapy, workshops and lifestyle mentoring as well as sport specific coaching is provided that equates to a cash equivalent upwards of £3,500.
Sport Performance Bursary
The Sport Performance Bursary is awarded annually to athletes competing and representing internationally (NGB Performance Pathway) within one of our recognised AU Clubs. These are tailored to the needs of the individual and includes a cash sum for sporting expenses of up to £3,000.
The amount awarded depends on your:
Chosen sport
Achievements and national ranking (if applicable)
Ability and potential to develop during your time at Exeter This award provides access to further support services including athlete lifestyle mentoring, dependent on the need of the individual athlete. All financial support is accessed through a claim form which will be reviewed by the performance team. These bursaries may be awarded at the discretion of the Performance Unit.
Bursary
The Bursary is awarded annually to athletes competing at the highest domestic level competition within their sport, where the training base and competition venue is located outside of Exeter. These are granted annually and include a cash sum for travel expenses of up to £750.
The amount awarded depends on your:
Chosen sport Club/team you represent Level of representation Examples of recent recipients of the bursary include first class county cricketers, tennis players competing in the LTA British Tour and netballers representing VNSL franchises. All financial support is accessed through a claim form which will be reviewed by the performance team. These bursaries are awarded at the discretion of the Performance Unit. All of our sporting awards are funded centrally by the University Performance Programme. However, several partners, local and national sponsors also show great generosity by financing several individual scholarships and bursaries.
Eligibility
Sports Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and are available to undergraduate and postgraduate applicants, as well as current students. Every Sports Scholar must be a student at the University of Exeter and compete for the University in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) events.
Criteria:
- To be part of an Olympic NGB Performance Pathway (Age Group U19 upwards) whom competes internationally in their chosen sport - In addition to the above, have a national ranking (if applicable) - Ability to represent the university in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) events - Continuation of national/international competition whilst studying at the university Scholarships are only offered to students who have gained a place or normal admission to a course at the University of Exeter. No special reduction in entry criteria is offered as part of the scholarship and all offers of a place on the scheme are subject to receiving an offer at the University.
How To Apply
Applications for the Sport Scholarships Scheme are open between the 31st October to the 31st May for each corresponding September entry.
The Performance Team will assess all applications during the summer of 2025 and may ask shortlisted candidates for further information between June and August 2025.
In most circumstances, shortlisted applicants will be invited to pre-season training in late August onwards (if applicable). A final decision on the award will then be made and will be allocated between September to the beginning of November depending on yearly selections within your sport.
Applications for each award are submitted via the Sports Scholarships Scheme Application and, dependent on success, the applicant will be notified of the award offered.
For current students, if you have recently been selected for an international squad, please contact sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk for consideration.
Contact:
If you have any questions about the sport scholarships scheme, the awards or how to apply, please contact the Performance Sport team on sportscholarships@exeter.ac.uk
STUDYING AT EXETER
The University of Exeter is renowned for its academic excellence, establishing itself in the top 1% of Universities worldwide (The Times World University Rankings) and placing 19th in The Complete University Guide UK rankings.
The University has four, two in Cornwall with two in Exeter, closely located to the thriving commercial city centre and large St David’s train station. The University currently has around 23,000 students, of which almost 5,000 are international students. In total, the University hosts students from over 130 different countries making for a truly vibrant and inclusive academic community.
Duncan Scott BSc Geography (2017-2021)
Duncan was a BSc Geography student at the University and also part of the Great Britain Men’s Elite Development Programme. He was Great Britain’s top goal scorer for the U21 side at the Sultan of Johor Cup in 2017 where the squad came away with a silver medal. Duncan represented the University of Exeter Men’s 1st team in BUCS National League and the Premier Division of the England Hockey League. “The scholarship I received supported me greatly with travel costs relating to Great Britain training camps so having a scholarship has ensured my continued development and involvement with GB EDP.”