Heriot-Watt University Sports Scholarship Programme is delivered in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, Oriam and Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. It is designed to enable athletes to study whilst competing at the highest level. The programme embeds a high-performance training environment into a student athlete’s weekly schedule whilst fully supporting academic study. Our scholarships operate on a top-up support basis, acting as a fully inclusive method to ensure each athlete can reach their full potential in their chosen sport while simultaneously reaching their full academic potential studying at Heriot-Watt University.

Applications for the 25/26 academic year open 21st October 2024.

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Sports Scholarship – Level 1

Our Level 1 Sports Scholarship is aimed at student-athletes who are competing at the top level of their sport. As such, athletes are required to apply for this support on an annual basis and demonstrate their level of performance to be accepted as a Level 1 Sport Scholar. When applying for this scholarship, references are required from their Sport’s National Governing Body (Performance Director or equivalent) alongside their Sports Coach. 

Level 1 Sport Scholars benefit from a 25% Tuition Fee Reduction.

Criteria

Criteria varies per sport but should include at least one of the following: 

  • Olympics/Paralympics representation
  • Commonwealth Games representation
  • Professional athlete (have an active professional contract with a sport organisation) 
  • GB/Scotland Senior International selections

Sports Scholarship – Level 2

Our Level 2 Sports Scholarship is structured as recognition of athletes who are studying at Heriot-Watt University in the earlier stages of their sports career, with the potential to progress to a senior international level in the future. Athletes are required to apply for this support on an annual basis and demonstrate their level of performance to be accepted as a Level 2 Sport Scholar, with the expectation of progressing to Level 1 within an appropriate timeframe during their university career. References are required from their Sport’s National Governing Body (Performance Director or equivalent), and their Sports Coach.

Criteria

Criteria varies per sport but should include at least at least one of the following: #

  • GB/Scotland Junior International representation
  • World University Games representation
  • UK/Scotland Sports Institute supported athlete

Students of all nationalities and years of study are eligible to apply and be considered for a sport scholarship, on both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at Heriot-Watt University.

Priority is given to Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth sports, followed by priority sports within the BUCS programme. Other sports considered on a case-by-case basis.

Disclaimer: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee you will receive a sport scholarship.

Football & Squash Scholarships

All Football and Squash Scholars will be required to meet the selection criteria every year, with sport performance, academic performance, and commitment to the programme vital for reselection each year.

Criteria:

Criteria will vary between sports and will be at the discretion of each Head Coach in place to oversee the sport programme and includes: 

Men’s Football

Scotland/RUK applicant:

  • Academy graduate

USA applicant:

  • NCAA graduate

Women’s Football

Any applicant:

  • Signed to play for SWPL 1/2 Club

Squash

Postgraduate applicant:

  • Women’s – WR < 250
  • Men’s – WR < 400

Undergraduate applicant:

  • Member of performance squad
  • Open application with references & video evidence of current level

Our Football and Squash Scholarships will receive a 40% Tuition Fee Reduction.

Sports Scholarship Support

Central to all our sport scholarships is Academic Flexibility, complimentary Oriam membership and Sport Scholar kit provided to all athletes.

Further support is provided on a top-up basis and embedded into the weekly training schedule based on individual needs for a holistic student athlete experience, including:

  • Educational Workshops
  • Sport Science support
    • Fitness Testing
    • Strength & Conditioning – including Physiotherapy support embedded within 1 x S&C session
    • Recovery sessions including use of Hydrotherapy Pool
  • Physiotherapy – appointments on an individual needs basis via Oriam Clinic

APPLY NOW via the button at the top of this page!

For any enquiries regarding Heriot-Watt’s Sports Scholarship Programme, please contact our Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator, Emma Cartmill (sportscholarships@hw.ac.uk).

If you are contacting us as a current or prospective student please provide the following information within your email:

  • Full Name
  • Course applied for (or interested in)
  • Which sport you are involved in 
  • Details of any national representation (if applicable)