There are many opportunities to play sports at universities in Europe. University sports programmes are offered at the varsity (organised competition between universities) and the intramural or club (participation-oriented, less competitive) level. While no scholarships are offered for participation in sports at the intramural or club levels, some universities offer sport scholarships at the varsity level to students who are academically-qualified for admission and very gifted in a particular sport.

Overview

The process by which a student athlete is considered for a sport scholarship can be a lengthy and unfamiliar one for international students. Unlike academic scholarships whereby one simply submits an application indicating an interest in receiving funding to study at a university, students must engage in a highly-regulated recruitment process.

Sport scholarships are granted by the university athletic department. Athletic directors and coaches play a central role in award decision-making. Scholarships are generally awarded for the following sports: baseball, basketball, crew (rowing), cross-country, fencing, football (American), golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, indoor track, lacrosse, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, women’s field hockey and wrestling.

Scholarships are provided on a yearly basis, generally renewable for four years, the normal time required to complete a US undergraduate degree. Award amounts vary and can be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to full funding.

Importantly, while playing for a college team on scholarship can pay for the cost of earning an undergraduate degree, you do not attend university solely to play your sport. Students with sports scholarships must be working toward an undergraduate degree (in any field offered by the university). There are no degrees in sports themselves, but students whose main interest is in sports can often take a degree in exercise science, physical therapy or a related field.

Eligibility

Students hoping to be considered for a sports scholarship must meet normal university/college admission requirements and continue to obtain satisfactory grades at university in order to receive and retain their scholarships. The basic academy requirement is O’level result and the datapage of your international passport.

International student athletes have a few options available to them once they decide that they would like to be considered for a sport scholarship to study abroad:

• The first option is the "do-it-yourself" approach, contacting university coaches directly to inform them of your interest in their programme and of your talent.

• The second option is to work with a sport scholarship agency or placement service to connect with universities actively seeking international student athletes and offering scholarships. These organisations will charge a fee for their assistance, but generally offer a comprehensive service that can make navigating the often complicated recruitment process clearer and offer student access to their network of coaches.

For guidance on how to advance your academic and sporting career, you can speak with a counselor on +234 808 3739 204, you may wish to do a Google search or consult several universities abroad. God bless.

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