Sport Scholarships
The Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway
The Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway (EDCAP) provides sector-leading dual career support that mirrors that of a UKSport world class performance programme and is tailored to the individual needs of our highest performing student-athletes at the University.
We pride ourselves on offering the most comprehensive and extensive sport scholarship programme in the country, providing high-performance student-athletes with access to bespoke specialist support services, expert practitioners and state of the art facilities within our dedicated Performance Centre.
Our team of specialist practitioners collaborate with key stakeholders both in- and external to the University, such as Coaches, National Governing Bodies and Academic Partners, in order to align dual career support and develop world-class athletes aspiring to compete at major international championships during their time at UoB, or shortly after graduating.
The EDCAP consists of two tiers: a one-year Talent programme which provides a pathway on to the Elite programme, for those that meet required performance standards. Both awards consist of very similar support, but the Elite tier receives more individualised support and funding. The total value of an EDCAP scholarship award ranges between £8-12,000.
Meet the 2022/23 EDCAP Scholars
Breakdown of the award
- Financial award of up to £3000; additional funding available towards international representation abroad and personal development.
- Access to tailored, specialist support services: strength & conditioning, nutrition, physiology, psychology and performance lifestyle
- Unlimited access to physiotherapy and soft tissue therapy, within a fair use policy. Additional access to funding for medical imaging, further diagnosis and intervention.
- High level dual career support: dedicated Performance Lifestyle Coach and special consideration for academic flexibility
- A reduced conditional offer by one A Level grade or equivalent for incoming undergraduates.
- Programme of engagement that includes a full induction process, Welcome Meal and dedicated EDCAP scholar social events throughout the academic year
- 12-month Sport and Fitness Peak membership that includes full access anytime to the 200-station gym, 50m pool, steam room, sauna, gym group classes and squash facilities.
- Provision of New Balance scholar kit and Athlete Resource Pack
Criteria for consideration
Student-athletes currently excelling at a junior international standard (or above) within an Olympic and/or Commonwealth sport. Students of all nationalities and years of study are eligible to apply and be considered for a sport scholarship, including those on post-graduate courses.
Disclaimer: meeting the above criteria for consideration does not guarantee you a place on the Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway.
How to apply
Wave 2 EDCAP applications are now open for entry. Please use the form below to apply.
The application process for the 2025-26 Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway sport scholarship is now closed.
Please note: we can only guarantee a reduced academic offer to those who apply in the first wave of applications and that are already in receipt of an offer from the University of Birmingham.
For those individuals in Year Two and upwards, please be aware that your application will only be reviewed and considered during the second wave of applications. The timeline with all corresponding dates can be found below.
Application Timeline
1 November 2024
Wave 1 EDCAP applications open
22 January 2025
Deadline for all Wave 1 EDCAP applications
17 February 2025
Wave 1 EDCAP Scholarship Interviews
1 June 2025
Final deadline for all EDCAP applications
TBC June 2025
Wave 2 EDCAP Scholarship Interviews
For Medicine and Surgery (A100) or Dentistry (A200) 2026-27 applicants who have been identified by the UoB Sport Scholarships department as high-performance athletes, the standard UCAT score threshold to be invited to interview will be reduced by up to 10%. To be considered for this privilege, please contact Sport Recruitment Manager Helen Waters before 30 September. Any contextual offer made would be subject to being accepted onto either the Elite Dual Career Athlete Pathway or a Performance Sport Scholarship (see Applying to Medicine and Surgery or Applying to Dentistry).
Want to support an EDCAP scholar? If you are a friend or alumni of the University and interested in supporting our Sports Scholarship programme we’d love to hear from you, please contact us on [email protected] and one of our experienced philanthropy managers will be in touch – thank you!
Meet the Experts
Hugh Sproston
Sport Scholarship Manager
Helen Waters
Sport Scholarship Officer
Email: [email protected]