Scholarships

The University of Bristol is committed to supporting the dual-career journey of student athletes who are aspiring to or are currently competing at international level.

Applications for 2025/26

We are now accepting applications for 2025/26 scholarships. Please apply by Wednesday 5 March 2025.

Our Sport Scholarship offer

Our Vice-Chancellor's (VC) Scholars for Sport are an inspirational group who train and compete as part of our student clubs, whilst also driving towards professional or elite athletic careers on the world stage during their time at the University of Bristol.

Scholarships for Sport are valued at between £1,500 - £3,000 per student, per annum for each year of your course. The support package that all Scholars receive as part of the programme equates to approximately £6,000 in services each year.

Scholars are coached by a multi-disciplinary team of performance sport experts whilst on the programme and receive an excellent Performance benefits package which supports our athletes mentally, physically and financially throughout their tenure on the programme, including extra skills sessions, 1 to 1 nutrition, sport psychology, physio and strength and conditioning (S&C) support.

Applications are welcomed by all sports and athletes who feel that they fulfil the criteria of Performance, with a particular interest in applicants competing in the following sports. This is where we have Head Coach and Co-Ordinator members of staff.

  • Boat
  • Cricket
  • Football
  • Hockey
  • Netball
  • Rugby
  • Tennis

Why apply for a Scholarship at Bristol?

The University of Bristol Performance Sport offer has grown and developed dramatically over the past five years.

  • Bristol has consistently performed as a Top-10 University in the BUCS League table over the last eight years. We also compete on a National Level in many sports as well.

  • Bristol is a Dual Career Accredited Centre in partnership with TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme)

  • Bristol has a prestigious Alumni Sporting Hall of Fame, featuring Olympians, Commonwealth Gold Medalists, and GB representation across a range of sports.

  • We provide a competitive but holistic scholarship programme for student-athletes, comprising both sport and lifestyle coaching, mentoring and support. Bristol is the true model of a Dual-Career environment. 

  • Talented athletes at Bristol continue to excel in their sport, whilst also performing and achieving academically, throughout their time as a student

  • Through partnerships with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and Professional Sports Clubs locally and nationally, Bristol offers development opportunities for our Student Athletes to achieve outside of the university environment

  • We have a dedicated team of Performance and Pathway staff who want to speak to you and see how your life as a Bristol Sporting Scholar could work

 

Eligibility and applications

  • Applicants must be entering their first year of study at Bristol.

  • University of Bristol must be your first-choice university with UCAS in order to be eligible for a Scholarship.

  • Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear Commonwealth, Olympic and/or professional representational pathway.
  • Junior or Senior level representation and interest to progress.
  • You must choose only one sport in your application.

For more information about the Vice-Chancellor's scholarship and other scholarships offered by the University of Bristol, eligibility criteria and terms, application dates and additional guidance, visit the University's Student Finance Scholarships page. This form is separate to your UCAS application. 

Here are some other useful links to help and guide you:

Receiving the VC scholarship and being in the performance squad has allowed me to meet likeminded individuals to share experiences and support each other throughout our dual careers as student-athletes. The performance staff have been excellent in supporting my development both on and off the pitch, with individual nutrition and sport psych sessions accelerating my growth and allowing me to perform at the highest level in my sport alongside my studies.

Ella Lovibond, Women's Rugby and Bristol Bears Women player

Turbo Maroon Athlete Scholarship

The Turbo Maroon Athlete Scholarship is available to current students not already on the VC Scholarship programme. Students are nominated by Head Coaches across Rugby, Boat, Hockey, Football, Netball and Tennis. The Head Coaches nominate athletes by the end of September each year. The Scholarships are reviewed each year.

Benefits for the Turbo Maroon Athletes:

  • Additional coaching time, support and mentoring
  • Access to exclusive Scholar S&C sessions 
  • Group workshops with Sports Psychologist and Nutritionist 
  • Exclusive access to Performance Pre-Season Camps 
  • Maroon Scholar Kit included
  • Individual/Team Coaching Sessions 
  • Individual Development Plan Meetings

Contact our coaches

If you have any questions for our Head Coaches, please get in touch.

Hockey - Chris White
chris.white@bristol.ac.uk 
 
Rowing - Edward Bloomfield
edward.bloomfield@bristol.ac.uk
 
Rugby - Olly Slym
olly.slym@bristol.ac.uk
 
Tennis - Ali Blackett
ali.blackett@bristol.ac.uk
 
Football -  Alan Tyers
Alan.tyers@bristol.ac.uk
 
Netball -  Chani Wopara
ii22833@bristol.ac.uk

Get in touch

Contact Us

If you have any questions about playing Performance Sport or being a Student Athlete at Bristol, email our Performance Pathway Manager – Will Ruscombe-King on will.ruscombe-king@bristol.ac.uk

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