Sporting Excellence Scholarships for water-based sports

What are Sporting Excellence Scholarships?

If you are a University of Plymouth student studying a full-time degree level course whilst competing at an international level in a water based sport, such as swimming or sailing, you may be eligible to apply for one of our Sporting Excellence Scholarships. There are five awards of £800 available per scholar per year.

Applicants must meet our shortlisting criteria, and successful scholars are determined by a shortlisting panel based on the information and evidence provided in written applications. Students must re-apply annually.

If you are an international student who requires a Student (formerly Tier 4) visa please read our information regarding working restrictions. It is not usually possible for Student visa holders to apply for these scholarships due to these restrictions.

Shortlisting criteria

• A world/international ranking (county rankings do not apply).
  
• Selected by the respective National Governing Body to represent their country e.g. GB training camps.
• Podium potential athletes or on route to be.
• Have the ability to compete at the top competitive level e.g. Olympic or Paralympic Games.
  
• Exceptional athlete that have already represented their country at an international level.
  
• Supporting letter from Governing body.

Final year architectural engineering student Laura Stephens realised a lifetime ambition when she was selected for Team GB’s Tokyo 2021 Olympic swimming squad.

Laura was confirmed in the 30-strong squad after a remarkable few days during which she was first part of the Women’s 4×100m Medley Relay team that won gold in the European Aquatics Championships – setting a competition record in the process.

With 25 hours per week spent training in the pool, plus five hours in the gym, and additional physiotherapy and sports psychology sessions, the competing demands on Laura’s time have required careful management. But with the support of staff at the University, as well as friends and family, she’s succeeding on all fronts.

“I feel very lucky to have received such amazing support from the University, especially my course leader Alba Fuertes and tutor Rory Jones, who have been extremely understanding of my unique situation.”