Student Sport Performance Programmes
Our sports scholarships are designed to embed a high performance training environment into a sports scholars weekly schedule. Our scholarships operate on a top up basis, acting as a fully inclusive method to ensure each individual can reach their full potential in their chosen sport while simultaneously reaching their full academic potential studying at Heriot-Watt University.
Sport Scholarship – Level 1
Sport Scholarship – Level 1 is aimed at student athletes who are competing at the top of their sport. Athletes will be 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 (NGB reference required).
Level 1 Sport Scholars will receive a 25% Tuition Fee Reduction.
Criteria
Criteria varies per sport but should include at least one of the following:
- Compete at a senior international level for their country
- Olympics
- Commonwealth Games
- World Championships
- Professional athlete (have a professional contract with a sport organisation)
Sport Scholarship – Level 2
Sport Scholarships – Level 2 is structured as recognition of athletes who are studying at Heriot-Watt University in the earlier stages of their sport career with the potential to progress to senior international level in the future. Athletes will be 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 (NGB reference required), with the expectation of progressing to Level 1 within an appropriate timeframe during their university career.
Criteria
Criteria varies per sport but should include at least at least one of the following:
- Institute supported athlete
- Competing at youth international level
- Athlete on a Performance Pathway Programme
Club Performance Scholarships
Club Performance Scholarships encompass our performance programmes of Football and Squash.
All Club Performance 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
Club Performance Sport Scholars will receive a 40% Tuition Fee Reduction.
Sport Scholarships – Support
Central to all our sport scholarships is Academic Flexibility, courtesy 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
- 2 x weekly S&C – including Physiotherapy support embedded within 1 x S&C session
- Weekly recovery sessions including use of Hydropool
- Physiotherapy – individual appointments *individual needs based

APPLY NOW using the link at the top of this page!
Alternatively – please use the enquiry form to submit any questions or request an appointment with our Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator, Emma Cartmill (e.cartmill@hw.ac.uk).