International Sport Scholarship

What is the International Sport Scholarship?

In commemoration of 125 years of the University of Birmingham, we are delighted to announce that we will be offering an exciting new range of sport scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year. These will be available specifically to international, high-performance student-athletes who choose to pursue their academic and sporting careers with us from September.

We are incredibly proud to have over 10,000 students from approximately 150 countries at the University – a huge number of whom are amongst our sports clubs and performance pathways. Meet some of our international student-athletes below. 

Who can apply?

Eligibility Criteria

  • Scholarships can only be awarded to international student-athletes joining the UK University of Birmingham campus
  • Eligible student-athletes must be international fee payers
  • Both under- and post-graduate student-athletes eligible for consideration.

This scholarship is dependent on an individual receiving an offer to study at the University of Birmingham, gaining admission and enrolling in September 2025. Gaining a visa to study in the UK is also paramount.

Please note that this funding is limited to the 2025-2026 academic year and cannot be carried over. The funding will be applied exclusively as a tuition fee discount – it will not be allocated as a stipend or for any other purpose.

Hana Ismail playing squash in one of our squash courts, swinging to hit the ball.

How to apply for an International Sport Scholarship

The application process for our International Sport Scholarships is now open. Please apply using the online form by Friday 30 May 2025.

The application window for the 2025-26 BUCS Performance Sport Scholarship programme has now closed.

Apply Now

University of Birmingham International Sport Scholarship Application 2025-26

Please complete the form below to apply for the International Sport Scholarship. You may wish to have your supporting statement and records of your sporting achievements prepared before starting the form. By completing this form, you are consenting to the University of Birmingham contacting you regarding sport scholarships. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Review UoB Sport & Fitness’ Privacy Policy at the bottom of our website.

(DD/MM/YYY)

Please include your full postcode

(Please note whether UK or Home Country and which age-group)

E.g. training camps, funding etc.

To help us gain further insight to you as an athlete, please list your realistic performance goals for the next 12 months (up to 3):

Please specify level and dates.

University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness Privacy Policy

Meet our International Performance Athletes

Our international performance athletes share how a University Scholarship has enhanced their experience at the University of Birmingham.

Samayara Panwar hitting shuttlecock with badminton racket in hand.

Samayra Panwar

Indian

Former top-10 world-ranked U19 player, 2025 BUCS Nationals silver medallist
Sport: Badminton
Academic Course: BSc International Business

“The University of Birmingham combines top-notch academic programmes with exceptional sports facilities. The campus is vibrant and welcoming, making it easy to settle in and connect with fellow athletes who share similar goals – being a part of a diverse community has broadened my perspective and allowed me to learn from athletes with different background and experiences.”

Hana Ismail with squash racquet in hand, in squash court, leaning in.

Hannah Ismail

Egyptian

Top-80 PSA ranked player and 2x BUCS Individual Championship medallist
Sport: Squash
Academic Course: BSc Psychology

“As an international student, the resources within the programme eased the process of adapting to a new environment, helping me balance the demands of elite competition and academics. Birmingham is filled with competitive players and top-level athletes, creating a high-performance environment that pushes you to improve while offering a strong support network.”

Sanjay Jeeva

Sanjay Jeeva

Malaysian

Top-70 PSA ranked player, Malaysian National Team member and 2024-25 BUCS Individual Champion
Sport: Squash
Academic Course: MSc High Performance Sport

Hannah Pearce

Hannah Pearce

South African

Paris 2024 Olympian, South Africa Senior Women’s Squad member
Sport: Hockey
Academic Course: MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties)

For more information about becoming an international student at the University of Birmingham, please head to the International Student webpage. 

Performance Support

Our Performance Centre practitioners, coaches and clubs have a wealth of experience in supporting international student-athletes – including a number of which have gone on to compete on the world stage – and facilitating an environment in which athletes can thrive, develop and feel at home.

Find out more