The University of Portsmouth is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its Sport Scholarships for the academic year 2025/2026. These scholarships are designed to support talented student-athletes in balancing the demands of competitive sport and academic study. Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of all nationalities and academic disciplines, the programme offers financial assistance and a comprehensive support package including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition advice, and academic flexibility.
The University of Portsmouth, located on the south coast of England, has a rich history that dates back to 1869 when it was established as the Portsmouth and Gosport School of Science and the Arts. Over time, it grew and evolved, becoming a polytechnic in 1969 and gaining full university status in 1992. Today, it is known for its strong focus on research, innovation, and student success, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. The university is also recognized for its commitment to student support and career development.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | Any student (UG/PG), any nationality, any course |
| Sport level required | National-level or higher |
| Application opens | November 2024 |
| Application deadline | 27 July 2025 |
| Scholarship benefits | Financial aid, training, mentoring, academic support, kit, and more |
| Target sports | BUCS, Olympic, Paralympic, other sports (case-by-case basis) |
| Contact | sportscholarships@port.ac.uk / +44 (0) 2392 84 5555 |
Background
The University of Portsmouth combines academic rigor with a legacy of sporting excellence. The Sports Scholarship Programme is designed to support student-athletes who aspire to achieve both academic success and sporting distinction. The university is recognized for its commitment to dual-career pathways through the TASS Dual Career Accreditation, awarded by Sport England, affirming its dedication to nurturing elite athletic and academic talent.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Sports Scholarship, applicants must:
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Be of national standard or higher in their sport
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Individual sports: Top 10 nationally in your age group
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Team sports: Competing at a national league level or part of a performance programme with your NGB or country
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Fulfil the entry requirements of your chosen course at the University of Portsmouth
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Be enrolled or applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course for the 2025/2026 academic year
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Commit to representing Team UOP and participate in BUCS competitions where possible
Benefits
Successful applicants will gain access to a suite of tailored support services:
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Financial bursaries
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1-to-1 strength and conditioning coaching
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Nutrition, psychology, and lifestyle support
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Free gym access, physio, and sports massage
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Academic flexibility and support
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Branded University of Portsmouth sports kit
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BUCS club affiliation
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Media and promotional opportunities
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Mentoring from sport performance experts
Application Process
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Prepare necessary documents and references
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You’ll need to provide details of your sporting achievements and references, so have those ready before starting.
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Complete the online application form
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Visit the University of Portsmouth website or access the Sports Scholarship Application Form .
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The form takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and cannot be saved, so plan ahead.
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Submit your application before the deadline
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Deadline: Sunday, 27 July 2025 at 11:59 PM
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Important Dates
Application Deadline: 27 July 2025.
Conclusion
The University of Portsmouth Sports Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for student-athletes who are striving to reach their full potential — academically and athletically. With its holistic support structure, national-level facilities, and commitment to dual-career development through the TASS accreditation, this programme offers much more than financial assistance. It’s a chance to grow, compete, and excel in a supportive and high-performance environment.
