Sport scholarship scheme
We offer scholarships to talented students who have reached a high standard in their chosen sport and are committed to improving their performance and contributing to sport at Sussex.
About the scheme
Our Sports Scholarship Scheme has been supporting students to reach their athletic potential since 2003, with successes coming from Olympic games, national titles and medals at BUCS championships.
If you’re a talented student athlete, we offer comprehensive Sports Scholarships that provide a network of support and financial assistance to develop you as a sportsperson and student, with the opportunity for mentoring with world-class athletes.
What does the scheme offer?
We're committed to delivering sporting excellence and support to students who display outstanding sporting ability or show the potential to reach that level in the near future. The scheme supports all students and sports that meet the application criteria and has helped hundreds of students competing in more than 20 different sports since 2003.
Our Sport Scholarships give you free access to our facilities, financial support of up to £1,250 a year, strength and conditioning sessions, mentoring, access to physiotherapy, chiropractic and nutritional support plus much more.
We want to support you as a student and as an athlete and recognise the role that mental wellbeing and academic balance has to play in your development. We are proud to work with the , a unique initiative that delivers mindfulness-based programs for coaches and athletes of all sports, to
The scholarship scheme is supported by Alumni and friends of the University via the Sussex Fund, which is passionate about giving students at Sussex the opportunity to fulfil their academic and athletic potential.
The scheme provides comprehensive packages across three tiers, which include access to facilities and services, high level coaching, a successful mentoring programme and a determination to help our students reach their potential.
- Tier 1 - High Performance Athlete Scheme
You should currently represent your country at senior level and be from a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) recognised sport. You will be committed to improving your performance and contributing to sport at Sussex.
Up to £1,250 per year in financial support
To support students in covering costs for tournament entry, training, travel, injury prevention, registration and essential equipment
Unlimited access to fitness rooms. Classes and court hire on agreement with programme co-ordinator
Branded clothing
Some training clothing will be supplied for the year
Car parking permits
There are a number of car parking permits to park on campus allowed for those whose training/playing needs request this support
Twice weekly strength and conditioning sessions
There are two supervised group training sessions with exclusive use of the strength and conditioning training room
Strength and conditioning training plans
Bespoke strength and conditioning programs are available for all on the scheme who require them
Fitness testing
There are two fitness testing sessions each year to support performance improvements
Mentoring
Each student is assigned a mentor for the year to support them on the scheme. Each student will meet two-three times a year with their mentor
Access to physiotherapy
There is a weekly sports injury clinic based on campus that students can access
Training and nutrition workshops
There are planned workshops throughout the year to support performance enhancement, injury prevention and recovery
Links to external clubs
The University is well equipped to support students in finding local clubs/teams to improve performance and overall student experience
Complimentary Students' Union sports club membership
Complimentary Students' Union membership covering training costs and insurance, allowing the individual to compete in BUCS competitions
Academic flexibility (performance athletes only)
Where we can we will attempt to be flexible with exams and assessments which clash with competitions
- Tier 2 - Performance Athlete Scheme
You should currently represent your country at junior level or be a member of a national level development squad. Sports must be recognised by Sport England. You will be committed to improving your performance and contributing to sport at Sussex.
Up to £750 per year in financial support
To support students in covering costs for tournament entry, training, travel, injury prevention, registration and essential equipment
Free use of facilities
Unlimited access to fitness rooms. Classes and court hire on agreement with programme co-ordinator
Branded clothing
Some training clothing will be supplied for the year
Car parking privileges
There are a number of car parking permits to park on campus allowed for those whose training/playing needs request this support
Twice weekly strength and conditioning sessions
There are two supervised group training sessions with exclusive use of the strength and conditioning training room
Strength and conditioning training plans
Bespoke strength and conditioning programs are available for all on the scheme who require them
Fitness testing
There are two fitness testing sessions each year to support performance improvements
Mentoring
Each student is assigned a mentor for the year to support them on the scheme. Each student will meet two-three times a year with their mentor
Access to physiotherapy
There is a weekly sports injury clinic based on campus that students can access
Training and nutrition workshops
There are planned workshops throughout the year to support performance enhancement, injury prevention and recovery
Links to external clubs
The University is well equipped to support students in finding local clubs/teams to improve performance and overall student experience
Complimentary Students' Union sports club membership
Complimentary Students' Union membership covering training costs and insurance, allowing the individual to compete in BUCS competitions
Academic flexibility
Where we can we will attempt to be flexible with exams and assessments which clash with competitions
- Tier 3 - Development Athlete Scheme
You should be representing your county at senior level or be a member of a national league team. Sports must be recognised by Sport England. You will be committed to improving your performance and contributing to sport at Sussex.
Up to £500 per year in financial support
To support students in covering costs for tournament entry, training, travel, injury prevention, registration and essential equipment
Free use of facilities
Unlimited access to fitness rooms. Classes and court hire on agreement with programme co-ordinator
Branded clothing
Some training clothing will be supplied for the year
Car parking privileges
There are a number of car parking permits to park on campus allowed for those whose training/playing needs request this support
Twice weekly strength and conditioning sessions
There are two supervised group training sessions with exclusive use of the strength and conditioning training room
Strength and conditioning training plans
Bespoke strength and conditioning programs are available for all on the scheme who require them
Fitness testing
There are two fitness testing sessions each year to support performance improvements
Mentoring
Each student is assigned a mentor for the year to support them on the scheme. Each student will meet two-three times a year with their mentor
Access to physiotherapy
There is a weekly sports injury clinic based on campus that students can access
Training and nutrition workshops
There are planned workshops throughout the year to support performance enhancement, injury prevention and recovery
Links to external clubs
The University is well equipped to support students in finding local clubs/teams to improve performance and overall student experience
Complimentary Students' Union sports club membership
Complimentary Students' Union membership covering training costs and insurance, allowing the individual to compete in BUCS competitions
The above criteria is used as a guide to help make decisions on choosing the University's Sports Scholars each year. The decision will be made after considering various contributing factors. Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are now open, click on the apply button below to find out more.