Funding application deadline:
01 Jan 2026
To apply for this scholarship you must submit your application on the scholarship providers website by this date.
Sports scholarships
Scholarship information
The University of Derby is a sporting hub for talented athletes and coaches. We have a track record of improving the performance of our University sports clubs and we have created an infrastructure to provide support for talented athletes.
With a significant investment in high-class facilities, such as the Sports Centre and Human Performance Unit, sport science expertise and performance-level coaches, we are attracting more and more talented performers. We are committed to supporting Clean Sport in the UK and we have published our Clean Sport commitment.
The Sports Scholarship programme aims to help our talented athletes realise their sporting potential and support them through their academic studies. Our athletes can access an impressive package of support tailored towards their needs, delivered by our experienced and qualified team. Three of the University's most recent successful sports scholars are cyclist Rhianna Parris-Smith, volleyball player Abi Littler, and badminton player Abbygael Harris.
Support Services include:
- Strength and Conditioning and Physiotherapy support
- Sports Centre gym membership, fitness suite membership and use of the performance suite
- Discounted University accommodation (please note not all scholars will receive discounted university accommodation)
- Lifestyle support services and sports science services
- Sports scholarship kit
- Dedicated athlete liaison officer
- Psychology 1:1 and group sessions
- Educational workshops to support lifestyle skills and sport performance
- BUCS Individual sport entry fees
The Sports Scholarships cater for student athletes competing at a high county level up to senior internationals and studying an undergraduate, postgraduate or online degree. For further information, please contact sportsscholars@derby.ac.uk.
The University has recently gained Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme Dual Career Accreditation and joins a community of institutions committed to providing student-athletes with dual career opportunities.
| Award level | Sports profile | Academic course support | Expected athlete profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Team Sports Scholar | Badminton, Cycling, Volleyball, Men’s Basketball | Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services | High-performing athlete: requires evidence of a high national/regional ranking, national league exposure or equivalent overseas |
| Individual and Team Sport Scholar | All BUCS sports outside the performance team programme | Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services | Level 1: Senior International, representing GB at world championship level in the last 12 months Level 2: Senior National or Junior International level Level 3: Junior National level |
| Talented Athlete Award | All BUCS sports outside the performance team programme | Support Services | Athlete selected onto a regional NGB programme or evidence of competing within a county first team or high senior county ranking or equivalent overseas |
How to apply
Please apply by completing this form.