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Sport
Scholarships
Sport Scholarships
at the University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has long been considered a highly-regarded, sector-leading institution and is a destination of choice for high performance, dual career student-athletes in the country.
Our aim is for dual excellence, combining outstanding academic results and graduate outcomes with our ability to unlock your sporting potential, supported by our Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Department, that ranks in the top ten globally. Our data evidences that our Sports Scholars gain higher ranking degree outcomes, and by facilitating comprehensive support across a range of sport scholarship programmes, we provide talented student-athletes with the relevant, needs-based support required for them to progress along their respective sporting pathways and maximise their potential during their time at the University of Birmingham and beyond.
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With a team of expert practitioners, specialist support services, state-of-the-art facilities and an athlete-centred approach, we have supported the development of many world-class athletes including those that have medalled at major international championships, such as 2016 Olympic and 2022 Commonwealth Games’ Gold Medallist Lily Owsley MBE.
Other recent and current scholars include Francesca Williams (2019 Netball World Cup Bronze, England Roses), Anna Henderson (2019 UCI Road World Championships Bronze and 2022 Commonwealth Games Silver), Lily Walker (2022 Commonwealth Games Gold, GB Hockey), Lachlan Moorhead (2022 Commonwealth Games -81kg Gold, British Judo), Oliver Morgan (2026 Commonwealth Games 5xSilver, Swimming), Ben Levy (2026 Commonwealth Games Silver, Judo), Georgia Hunter-Bell (2026 Commonwealth Games Gold, Athletics) and Kimani Jack (2026 Commonwealth Games Bronze, Athletics).
We have three tiers of scholarship at University of Birmingham, with the following levels of provision and support:
Tier 1 – Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP)
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This scholarship mirrors the support of a world class performance programme and is tailored to our highest performing student athletes who are targeting major international championships and events.
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With a cash award of up to £5000, the total value of the scholarship inclusive of the high degree of support services is in excess of £8000.
Tier 2 – Performance Sport Scholarship
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Our Performance Sport Scholarships support our student athletes who may not reach the criteria for EDCAP, but have the potential to make a significant impact in our flagship and performance sport 1st Teams and squads, talented athletes who can demonstrate the potential to win BUCS medals or gain points in BUCS Championship events in a BUCS scoring sport, and those who have the potential to contribute significantly to the success of University 1st Team Squads.
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This scholarship is exclusively for incoming undergraduate and postgraduate applicants and has a cash award of up to £2000 and can also offer a reduced conditional offer.
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It is likely that successful applicants in this tier of scholarship will have a background that may include junior international representation, participation in professional club academies, national or international championship level events.
Tier 3 – Lion Sports Award
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The Lion Sports Awards are offered exclusively to incoming undergraduate and postgraduate students who are able to demonstrate they will make a significant contribution to sport at University of Birmingham.
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They have a cash award of up to £500 and can also offer a reduced conditional offer.
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It is likely that successful applicants in this tier of scholarship will have a background that may include participation in national leagues, national level clubs or dependent on the sport, national or regional championship level events.
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In addition, a small number of other awards are available for specific candidates, which can be viewed un ‘Other Scholarships and Awards’.
Please view our available scholarship programmes below to find out more about the award, its eligibility criteria and who to contact for further information.
Applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now open.
How to apply
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To be considered for a Sport Scholarship, you must complete both of the following by the scholarship application deadline:
 1. Apply for your University of Birmingham programme
You must have submitted an application for your intended undergraduate or postgraduate programme at the University of Birmingham.
Apply through the relevant programme page on our Course Finder.
You will need your UCAS ID (undergraduate) or University of Birmingham application ID (postgraduate) to complete your Sport Scholarship application. Please make sure you enter the correct ID, as an incorrect or missing number may delay your application.
2. Apply for a Sport Scholarship
Applications for all three tiers of Sport Scholarship open on 1 October 2026 and the application form will appear here at that time.
Complete the Sport Scholarship Application Form by Wednesday 20 January 2027.
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide information about your sporting achievements and the contact details of a coach or representative who can support your application.
Applications open: 1 October 2026
Application deadline: Wednesday 20 January 2027
Decisions communicated by: 31 March 2027
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For undergraduate applicants, completion of the Sports Scholarship Form is likely to allow any grade reduction to be applied at the point of the offer being made, should the necessary criteria be met. We recommend your Sports Scholarship application is made directly after UCAS submission to allow this.
Meet the Experts
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Contact our experts if you would like more information about our Sport and University of Birmingham and our Scholarships
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Ian Pollock
Head of Student Sport
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Hugh Sproston
Sport Scholarship Manager
Helen Waters
Sport Recruitment Manager