Sports scholarships

The University has six focal sports, although we do invite scholarship applications in any BUCS sport or para sport, we prioritise our scholarships for our focal sports:

• Basketball
• Golf
• Netball
• Rugby League
• Table Tennis
• Women’s Football

The criteria upon which these are considered are in the table below:

All applicants are required to evidence how they meet the following criteria (on a separate form) – these criteria are primarily UK-based and are indicative of the levels rather than being definitive; it is not expected that players will necessarily meet all the criteria at any one level. Therefore, it is important that players use evidence in support of their application to indicate their ‘level’ of current performance and their playing career to date.

It is recognised that these criteria have a UK context, if you have any questions regarding the criteria, particularly from an international context, please contact our Sport scholarships team.

Gold

• Currently representing men’s basketball on an international or national basis (For example, GB or England), at either senior or junior level. Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Proven elite playing experience as an undergraduate at an International College or University Level (NCAA/CCAA/USport or equivalent).
• Regular and current experience playing men’s BBL, National League D1, or equivalent overseas experience, making a significant impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of EABL (men’s Elite Academy Basketball League), making a significant impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of junior U18 Premier National League competition, making a significant impact to the team.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘GB/World Class’ talent pathway.

Sliver

• Regular and current experience playing at men’s National League D1 or D2, or equivalent overseas experience, making a demonstrable impact to the team.
• Current experience of EABL (men’s Elite Academy Basketball League).
• Proven high level playing experience as an undergraduate at an International College or University Level (NCAA/CCAA/USport or equivalent).
• Regular and current experience of ABL (men’s Academy Basketball League), making a significant impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of junior U18 Premier National League competition, making a significant impact to the team.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘England/national’ talent pathway.

Bronze

• Current experience playing at men’s National League D2 or D3, or equivalent overseas experience, making a demonstrable impact to the team.
• Current experience of junior U18 National League competition.
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Currently representing women’s basketball on an international or national basis (For example, GB or England), at either senior or junior level. Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Proven elite playing experience as an undergraduate at an International College or University Level (NCAA/CCAA/USport or equivalent).
• Regular and current experience playing women’s WBBL, National League D1, or equivalent overseas experience, making a significant impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League), making a significant impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of junior U18 Premier National League competition, making a significant impact to the team.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘GB/World Class’ talent pathway.

Sliver

• Regular and current experience playing at Women’s National League D1 or D2, or equivalent overseas experience, making a demonstrable impact to the team.
• Regular and current experience of WEABL (Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League).
• Proven high level playing experience as an undergraduate at an International College or University Level (NCAA/CCAA/USport or equivalent).
• Regular and current experience of junior U18 Premier National League competition.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘England/national’ talent pathway.

Bronze

• Current experience playing Women’s National League, or equivalent overseas experience.
• Current experience of junior U18 National League competition.
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Experience of representing Country at international level (U18/Seniors). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) – Male 999 or lower.
• World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) – Female 499 or lower.

Silver

• Experience of representing Country at international level (U18/Seniors). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) – Male 2,999 or lower.
• World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) – Female 1,499 or lower.

Bronze

• Experience of competing in national level competitions: County Championships and National Youth Championships.
• A World Handicap System (WHS) playing handicap of +1.0 (+0.5) or better.

Gold

• Experience of representing Country at the international level (U19/U21/Seniors). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Regular and Current experience in playing in the Netball Super League Squad, or a named training partner and not barred by contract to play for the University.
• Identified as part of the Senior Rose, Future Rose or Rose Academy’s.
• National Premier League 1 regular starter with substantial experience, making a significant impact to the team.
• Experience of being part of a Franchise Netball Performance League (NPL) pathway U17/U19/U21.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘GB/World Class’ talent pathway.

Silver

• National Premier League 1, 2 or 3 regular starter and making a demonstrable impact to the team.
• Selected on to a Franchise Netball Super League Player Development programme (PDP)
• Netball Super League Associate training partner.
• To be selected for the AOC national squads, with playing experience.
• Substantial experience playing in the Regional Premier league, making a significant impact to the team.
• Experience of competing in the National Schools competition as a regular starter making an impact on the team.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘England/national’ talent pathway.

Bronze

• Regular Regional Premier league player.
• Be a regular starter for the Regional Championship League 1 and 2a (or equivalent regional competition)
• Experience of competing in the National Schools competitions.
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Experience of representing Country at international level (U16/U18/Academy or above). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Regular and current experience of playing in Betfred Division 1 (Tier 3) or above or equivalent overseas experience; and not barred by contract to play for the University.
• Regular and current experience of playing within a recognised Club Academy.

Silver

• Experience of representing England/GB at an international amateur level (e.g. Lionhearts or Community Lions) or equivalent overseas representation.
• Currently or recently part of the National Academy programme or overseas equivalent.
• Experience of representing England Colleges or equivalent.
• Regular, current experience of playing in National Conference Premier Division player (Tier 4).
• Experience of playing within a recognised Club Academy.

Bronze

• Regional representation in Tri-Series.
• Experience of playing within a recognised Club’s Development Academy with experience of being part of the colleges representative programme (i.e. Regionals and Origin Squads).
• The ability to make a significant contribution to performance sport at UCLan (i.e. contributing to team or individual success in BUCS competition).
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Currently representing women’s Rugby League on an international or national basis (For example England), at senior level. Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Regular and current experience playing Women’s Super League, or equivalent overseas experience, making a significant impact to the team (not barred to play for the University by professional contract).
• Regular and current experience of Super League U19’s academy, making a significant impact to the team.
• Currently part of the RFL National Performance Squad.
• A current TASS athlete.

Sliver

• Regular and current experience playing Women’s Championship, or equivalent overseas experience, making a significant impact to the team (not barred to play for the University by professional contract).
• Experience of Super League U19’s academy, contributing to the team.
• Current and regular representation on women’s Knights Rugby League, or equivalent overseas experience, making a demonstrable impact to the team.
• A current TASS athlete.

Bronze

• Current experience of being part of the women’s Knights performance squad or equivalent overseas experience.
• Regular and current experience of playing in Leagues 1 and 2, making significant impact to the team.
• Current representation on women’s England Students, making a significant impact to the team.
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Top 30 Junior ranking/Top 20 Senior ranking.
• Experience of representing Country at international level (U19/U21/Seniors). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard or above, in terms of world sport rankings.
• Substantial experience in playing in the Senior British League Premier/Championship Division (or comparative leagues overseas).
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘GB/World Class’ talent pathway.

Silver

• Top 75 Junior ranking.
• Regular and current experience of playing in Junior British League Division 2 or above, making a demonstratable impact to the team (or comparative Leagues overseas).
• Senior British League Premier, Championship or National A player (or comparative Leagues overseas).
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘England/national’ talent pathway.

Bronze

• Top 200 Junior ranking.
• Experience of competing in national level competitions: British League, County Championships, 4-star events (or equivalent events in other nations).
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

Gold

• Experience of representing Country at international level (U17 or above). Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard.
• Regular and current experience of playing in FA Women’s Tier 3 (National League Premier Divisions) or above or equivalent overseas experience; making a significant impact to the team and not barred by contract to play for the University.
• Regular and current experience of playing within a FA Women’s Super League Academy, making a significant impact to the team.
• Proven playing experience as an undergraduate at an international college or university level (NCAA/CCAA/USport or equivalent).
• A current TASS athlete

Silver

• Regular, current experience of playing in FA Women’s Tier 4 (National League Division 1) or above or equivalent overseas experience, making a significant impact to the team.
• Current experience of playing with a FA Women’s Super League Academy team.
• A current TASS athlete.

Bronze

• Experience of playing in FA Women’s Tier 4 (National League Division 1) or above or equivalent overseas experience.
• Involvement in a Tier 1-3 ‘shadow squad’.
• Previous experience of playing U16 RTC football
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE)

Although there are focal sports, we invite applications for individuals playing in any BUCS/BUCS Para Sports that meet the criteria below.

It should be recognised that it is challenging to provide generic criteria that covers the full range of BUCS sports/parasports. Therefore, the following criteria is meant to be indicative of the levels required.

The selection process is competitive; meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of being awarded a Scholarship

Gold Level

• Currently representing your chosen sport on an international or national basis (for example, with Great Britain or England), at either senior or junior level. Representation would need to be for England or a nation of an equivalent standard, or above, in terms of sport world rankings.
• Regular and current first-team player at an elite club (not barred to play for the University by professional contract).
• Highly ranked individual on a national bases by your National Governing Body of sport.
• An athlete on a recognised NGB Elite performance pathway on the ‘World Class Programme’.
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on a ‘GB/World Class’ talent pathway
• Personal best (within the last year, not including university BUCS competition) would have the potential to medal in the championship final for BUCS.

Silver Level

• Current national/regional representation at senior or junior level (for example, North England).
• An athlete playing senior level for a first team in a national/regional high-performing team/club (not barred by contract from playing for the University).
• An athlete on an England performance pathway as part of the UK talent system..
• A current TASS athlete or athlete on an 'England/national’ talent pathway.
• Personal best (within the last year, not including university BUCS competition) would have the potential to qualify for the championship finals for BUCS.

Bronze Level

• Current County/regional representation at senior or junior level (for example, Northwest).
• An athlete playing senior level for a first team in a regional/county high-performing team/club.
• The ability to make a significant contribution to performance sport at UCLan (i.e. contributing to team or individual success in BUCS competition).
• A current athlete on an NGB Development Programme (i.e., DiSE).

• The scholarships are available to UK, EU and International students.
• The student must be studying on a full-time or part-time (studying 60 or more credits per year) undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University, in the academic year 24/25, at either the Preston, Burnley, Westlakes or Myerscough Campuses to be eligible for a sport scholarship. Part-time students will be awarded on a pro rata basis.
• You must be competing in a recognised British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) sport or para sport (you can check the list of sports using these links – BUCS Sports or BUCS Para Sport) and be willing and able to compete on behalf of the University (i.e. not barred by professional contract to play for the University).
• Normally scholarships are awarded to students studying at the University’s main campus in Preston as this is where the performance sports infrastructure is based. However individual sport students may be able to represent the University in Championship competitions without the need to be based at the Preston campus; such instances will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Our Golf team also primarily operates from our Myerscough campus.
• If any of the information provided in the application for a scholarship is inaccurate, the University reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship offered.

International students

UCLan has a limit of £5,500 that can be awarded to International students within an academic year. As such, any International student who is in receipt of any admissions bursaries and/or scholarships, and is subsequently awarded a Sports Scholarship, will have the cash amount of the Sports Scholarship reduced accordingly so as to not exceed £5,500 in total bursaries and scholarships.

• The criteria serve as preliminary guidelines for the level of athlete eligible to apply.
• Applicants that meet the criteria will be assessed against the University’s sporting objectives; The panel will make decisions on the athlete’s ability to make a difference to the university’s strategic goals (i.e. successfully represent the University in BUCS sport).
• The selection process is competitive; meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of being awarded a Scholarship.
• The scholarship award is for students studying in the academic year 2024/2025.
• Evidence of level of athlete will be judged over the last year and their playing career to date.

Due to the high demand of the sports scholarship programme and limited places available, it is highly recommended that applications are submitted as soon as you have received an offer from the University.

If the application is received before 14^th April 2024 decisions should be made no later than 26^th April 2024.

The panel meet frequently to assess applications and provide timely decisions. The selection process is competitive; meeting the criteria is not a guarantee of being awarded a Scholarship. If there are places still available after this initial deadline the application process will remain open.

Successful Scholarship athletes are expected to:

• Fully engage with their academic programmes of study, meeting the academic requirements of their course. Sports Scholars must make satisfactory progress in both their sporting and academic pursuits to have their Scholarship renewed annually.
• Train and perform to the best of their ability.
• Sign an athlete agreement that will demonstrate a commitment to fully engage with the scholarship programme.
• Exhibit the UCLan Sport DNA – Pride, Passion and Perseverance
• Contribute to the University’s sports performance. Scholarship athletes must be willing and able to compete for the University in British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS). (Teams sports: regular attendance at training and participation in all BUCS matches. Individual sports: regular attendance at training (where appropriate) and representing UCLan in all BUCS individual events/championships).
• Be ambassadors for their sports and the University, supporting marketing and promotional activities at UCLan.

If you are serious about sports and wish to reach your potential find more information on how we help and support our athletes: elite sport and support for talented athletes page.