Performance Sport

We recognise and reward sporting success providing individuals support to excel in their studies and sporting ambitions.
We offer a series of scholarships, bursaries and performance programmes that are designed to give elite sport athletes the opportunity to fulfil their sporting potential.Whether you’re competing at a national or academy level in a recognised University BUCS Sport or competing in an Olympic Sport at major international competitions, we have a range of financial support and performance packages available. Eligible current and prospective students are invited to apply. Each award is available on an annual basis and valid for one year.

Our High Performance Sport Programme
If you are an elite-level athlete or aspiring to compete at national or international level, we have the expertise and facilities to create an environment that will help you thrive.
Our High Performance Sport Programme has been designed to offer elite-students-athletes in football, rugby and netball a host of support services that aim to:
- Enable students to continue to train and compete at the highest level while studying
- Provide the best support and training environment for students
- Increase the performance levels of athletes
- Deliver an athlete-centre care service
Each high performance sport will have a dedicated team of high quality coaches and support staff who will work closely with the athletes to provide high quality support to allow athletes to achieve the highest possible standards.
Recognised Sports
We have a select group of sports (football, rugby and netball) that contribute to the High Performance Sport Programme at University of South Wales.
- Football (Men's and Women's)
- Rugby (Men's and Women's)
- Netball (Women's)

Find out more about the features and benefit for university students considered elite-level footballers.

Find out more about the features and benefit for university students considered elite-level netballers.

Find out more about the features and benefit for university students considered elite-level rugby players.


Scholarships available at different levels for students who compete at a national or professional level and want to represent the University in BUCS Sports.

Receive a ‘one off’ grant of up to £500 to support your sport. Your sport needs to be recognised by a Sports Council with an affiliated national governing body.

If you’re competing in an Olympic Sport at major international competitions, you could be eligible for a financial award of up to the value of £500.
How to apply?
The process to apply for a financial support package depends on the award you wish to obtain and your category eligibility. Before you apply, we recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria for each award.
All applicants and current students are required to complete our online application form if they are seeking to obtain support, this applies to all sport scholarship, bursaries, awards, and performance sport programmes.
Once you complete your application, you will receive an automatic notification by email. If you do not receive this notification, please contact [email protected] to confirm receipt. You will then receive confirmation of your eligibility, and subject to meeting the terms and conditions.
Final confirmation of receipt of award will be confirmed once assessments are undertaken and prior to start your course. Please note: Any award can only be activated once you have successfully enrolled onto your course.
- Applications accepted: 2023-24 Academic Year
- Performance Sport and Scholarship deadline: Friday 13 October 2023*
*Please note: The above deadline is only applicable to our sport scholarships and performance sport programme. Our Sport Bursary and Vice Chancellor's award can be applied for at any time throughout the year.

Apply for a one-off sport award when you need it.
You can apply for our ‘one-off’ sport bursaries and Vice Chancellors award at any time throughout the year.
Unlike our performance programme and sport scholarships, these one-off awards are designed to support you and your training needs when you need it most, for example in you're competing in a major international competition.
Application enquiries
For further queries regarding the sport scholarships, bursaries and awards available email [email protected] or call: (01443) 654747.