Elite Athlete Offer

Studying at university is a big step, and competing in sport at a higher level comes with its own demands. Our reduced grade entry pathway gives athletes the chance to gain a world-class education while recognising the commitment you make to your sport. Once you're here, our Performance Sport team is on hand with coaching, strength and conditioning, nutrition, physiotherapy and guidance so you can balance sport and study and thrive.

  • Applicants must be entering their first year of study at Bristol
  • Applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear Commonwealth, Olympic and/or professional representational pathway
  • Junior or Senior level representation at age group

No, meeting the eligibility criteria doesn't automatically secure an offer. All applications are scored and offers are made to the best scoring applicants.

If you are successful you will need to meet the grades in your offer and any additional course-specific criteria, such as interviews or assessments. If you do meet the conditions of your offer, and have made the University of Bristol your firm choice, then your place is guaranteed.

The Elite Athlete offer provides a grade reduction of up to two grades, helping talented athletes secure the opportunity to study their chosen course.

Not all courses are included in the scheme. Applications from students planning to study Medicine or Dentistry and related courses are not eligible.

To help us understand your sporting experience and level of competition, we ask that you provide supporting evidence such as:

  • Confirmation or a reference from your National Governing Body or performance coach
  • Details of your recent competition history
  • Current ranking/ pathway programme or selection confirmation
  • A sporting CV

This information helps us to assess your sporting achievements alongside your application.

You will usually receive confirmation after your academic application has been assessed and your sporting eligibility has been verified.

Yes, if you are eligible for a scholarship - you can combine your Elite Athlete offer with a scholarship and/or bursary when awarded.

Elite athletes don't just train and compete - they're supported to perform their best while developing both academically and personally.

Athletes on the programme receive tailored support designed around the demands of high-level sport. This includes high-level coaching, an individualised strength and conditioning programme, nutritional advice and physiotherapy support to help them train, recover and perform.

They also work closely with experienced coaches and performance staff, with additional support such as performance lifestyle guidance and an academic mentor for scholars. Alongside this, athletes have access to high-level facilities to support their sport and training needs, helping them develop their potential while managing the demands of university study.

Get in touch

If you have any specific questions about Performance Sport or being a student athlete at Bristol, please email our Performance Sport Manager Matt Paine via Matt.Paine@bristol.ac.uk