International Sport Scholarships

What is the International Sport Scholarship?

University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness is delighted to offer dedicated sport scholarships for international student-athletes for the 2026-27 academic year.

The University is a destination of choice for student-athletes pursuing a dual career, combining high-performance sport with study at an institution positioned 76th in the world in QS World University Rankings while also boasting world-class sporting facilities. Meet some of our international student-athletes below. 

With over 8,700 international students from approximately 150 countries, and 31% of academic staff from overseas, our campus is truly diverse and global in outlook and community.

What is included in the International Sport Scholarship?

The awards will be available specifically to international, high-performance student-athletes who choose to pursue their academic and sporting careers with us from September 2026. The scholarship includes:

 

  • Up to £7500 in tuition fee reduction for the 2026-27 academic year. The amount will depend on an individual’s standard of performance and representation
  • Peak Sport & Fitness membership, consisting of a 200-station gym, 50 metre swimming pool with steam-room and sauna, gym group training, classes and squash court access.

Who can apply?

Eligibility Criteria

  • Scholarships can only be awarded to international student-athletes joining the UK University of Birmingham campus
  • Eligible student-athletes must be international fee payers
  • Individuals must receive an offer, gain admission and enrol on to their degree programme to study from September 2026. Gaining a visa to study in the UK is essential.
  • Both under and postgraduate students are eligible for consideration
  • Athletes must compete in BUCS and/or Olympic/Paralympic or Commonwealth Games sports

Please note that this funding is limited to the 2026-2027 academic year and cannot be carried over should an individual study a degree consisting of multiple years. The funding will be applied exclusively as a tuition fee discount – it will not be allocated as a stipend or for any other purpose.

Hana Ismail playing squash in one of our squash courts, swinging to hit the ball.

How to apply for an International Sport Scholarship

We encourage you to have applied to study at the University and ideally hold an offer by the time that you apply for this Sport Scholarship.

 

Applications are now open to apply for the International Sport Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year. Please complete the form below.

The application process for the 2026-27 International Sport Scholarship is now closed.

Apply Now

University of Birmingham International Sport Scholarship Application 2026-27

Please complete the form below to apply for the International Sport Scholarship. You may wish to have your supporting statement and records of your sporting achievements prepared before starting the form. By completing this form, you are consenting to the University of Birmingham contacting you regarding sport scholarships. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Review UoB Sport & Fitness’ Privacy Policy at the bottom of our website.

(DD/MM/YYY)

Please include your full postcode

(Please note whether UK or Home Country and which age-group)

E.g. training camps, funding etc.

To help us gain further insight to you as an athlete, please list your realistic performance goals for the next 12 months (up to 3):

Please specify level and dates.

University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness Privacy Policy

The application deadline for this award is Friday 20 March.

 

Please visit the International Office’s webpage to discover information specifically for international applicants. There is also a dedicated country page for each region or country with information such as specific entry requirements, forthcoming visits by our staff to your region, information on student life and more.

Meet our International Performance Athletes

Our international performance athletes share how a University Scholarship has enhanced their experience at the University of Birmingham.

Samayara Panwar hitting shuttlecock with badminton racket in hand.

Samayra Panwar

Indian

Former top-10 world-ranked U19 player, 2025 BUCS Nationals silver medallist
Sport: Badminton
Academic Course: BSc International Business

“The University of Birmingham combines top-notch academic programmes with exceptional sports facilities. The campus is vibrant and welcoming, making it easy to settle in and connect with fellow athletes who share similar goals – being a part of a diverse community has broadened my perspective and allowed me to learn from athletes with different background and experiences.”

Hana Ismail with squash racquet in hand, in squash court, leaning in.

Hannah Ismail

Egyptian

Top-80 PSA ranked player and 2x BUCS Individual Championship medallist
Sport: Squash
Academic Course: BSc Psychology

“As an international student, the resources within the programme eased the process of adapting to a new environment, helping me balance the demands of elite competition and academics. Birmingham is filled with competitive players and top-level athletes, creating a high-performance environment that pushes you to improve while offering a strong support network.”

Sanjay Jeeva

Malaysian

Top-70 PSA ranked player, Malaysian National Team member and 2024-25 BUCS Individual Champion
Sport: Squash
Academic Course: MSc High Performance Sport

"Being a student-athlete at the University of Birmingham has given me the opportunity to adapt to a new environment and have access to a wealth of resources I didn’t have before. I love the community and within UoB there are many more communities that you can be a part of!"

Hannah Pearce

South African

Paris 2024 Olympian, South Africa Senior Women’s Squad member
Sport: Hockey
Academic Course: MA Inclusion (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties)

"Being a student-athlete at the University of Birmingham offers the opportunity to excel both academically and athletically. UoB provides a wealth of resources, world class facilities and a dedicated team for guidance to help overcome any challenges, achieve your goals and strive towards success."

For more information about becoming an international student at the University of Birmingham, please head to the International Student webpage. 

Performance Support

Our Performance Centre practitioners, coaches and clubs have a wealth of experience in supporting international student-athletes – including a number of which have gone on to compete on the world stage – and facilitating an environment in which athletes can thrive, develop and feel at home.

Find out more