The University of Aberdeen supports a wide variety of sports bursary and scholarships schemes. These schemes are available to support elite student athletes seeking to combine academic and sporting excellence during their time at university.
The most common award is our Sports Bursary, sponsored by the Development Trust, which offers an exciting package of financial and wrap-around support for high-performing athletes in any sporting discipline.
Applications for the Development Trust Sports Bursary for 2022/23 are now live - see tab below for application details including form and closing date.
In addition to the Sports Bursary scheme, we also offer two major sports scholarships, and a number of other stand-alone awards.
Full details of all the awards are included below.
- Development Trust Sports Bursary
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Applications for the 2022/23 Development Trust Sports Bursary are now open!
Application Form (Word) or (PDF).
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 9 September 2022.
As always, early applications are encouraged as an early indication of success may be possible for athletes performing at the highest level in their sport.
Decisions will be made at the start of academic year 22/23. We are aware that disruptions to sport in the past year may make it harder for some to provide performance information for the current year. We acknowledge this and would ask simply that you complete the form as comprehensively as you can.
Bursary Support
Each year the University's Development Trust provides funding for a number of Sports Bursary awards. The scheme is funded by the generosity of donors to the University.
Around 20 bursaries are awarded annually. Awards are made on a one year renewable basis and are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The bursar packages include:
- a cash award (usually between £250 and £1000)
- gym membership at Aberdeen Sports Village
- strength and conditioning support
- physiotherapy
- seminars e.g. nutrition, psychology
- yoga sessions
- exclusive sports bursar clothing
Where appropriate, University staff can also provide support to elite sports performers seeking to apply for academic flexibility. There is also the possibility of arranging shared accommodation with other athletes.
Applications are welcome from students performing at a high-level in any sport. In recent years we have supported students in athletics, rowing, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, rifle, boxing, weightlifting, rugby, modern pentathlon and more.
Main criteria: applicants need to demonstrate clear evidence of their recent sporting performance. Evidence may vary by sport but could include, for example, your 'Power of 10' ranking (athletics) or your relative performance against a BUCS qualifying standard. Applicants from team sports will need to differentiate their individual performance and demonstrate, for example, representative honours and/or a realistic expectation of playing at national league level or above.
Applications: usually open in April with a decision made early in the academic year (i.e. September).
Further Information: on the scheme and guidance on how to apply is available from sport@abdn.ac.uk.
Here's a short video and profile of recent bursar Kelsey Stewart (Athletics).
- Sports Scholarships
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A small number of sports scholarships are awarded to a student for the duration of their studies. These awards are provided through the generous support of donors to the University.
Quita Shivas Athletics Scholarship
Main criteria: awarded to a first-year undergraduate student (studying any subject) who has displayed outstanding commitment and achievement in an athletics discipline (e.g. track & field, cross country) and who was born or raised in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire.
Current recipient: Grace Whelan (Athletics) 2018-2022
John Robertson Sports Scholarship
Main criteria: awarded to a first-year undergraduate student (studying any subject) who has displayed outstanding commitment and achievement in any sport.
Current recipient: Francesca Butler (Hockey) 2017-2021
To check availability and for application details please visit the University's scholarships page.
Informal enquiries can be made to sport@abdn.ac.uk.
- Academic Flexibility
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Students competing in elite-level sport (e.g. Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, European Championships and World University Games) may be eligible for Academic Flexibility. Applications for academic flexibility must be considered and approved by the Academic Flexibility Group prior to attendance at sporting events. Students are strongly encouraged to contact their course coordinators at the start of each year to confirm their elite-athlete status and any sporting commitments that might affect attendance or assessment. All requests for approval must be submitted to academicservices@abdn.ac.uk at least 14 working days in advance of each sporting commitment. For full details please see the University’s policy and application procedure below:
All student athletes (of any level) are strongly encouraged to communicate with their course coordinators and notify them of any training/competitions that may impact academic activity.
- Other Awards and Prizes
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A number of stand-alone awards are available for students whose sporting achievements have stood out or who are involved in certain sporting or academic programmes.
For further information on availability and how to apply for any of these awards please contact sport@abdn.ac.uk
Thomson Memorial Prize
The prize (£300) is awarded annually to the student who in the opinion of the Principal has, by his or her conduct, scholarship or eminence in sport, done most to advance or enhance the reputation of the University.
This prize will also be noted on the student’s transcript.
Nominations open each year from February and close at the end of March.
Thomson Memorial prize nomination form
Andrew Beattie Sports Award
Students competing as part of the University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming (UOAPS) programme may apply for an award (up to a total value of £625) to enable the fulfilment of their swimming potential and where the availability of funding might otherwise restrict participation e.g. in a national or international swimming meet.
More than one award may be made.
Saltire Scholarships
Saltire Energy has generously sponsored a number of scholarships awarded for the duration of a students' studies.
Undergraduate Scholarships in Sports Science
Main Criteria: awarded to first year undergraduate students on either the BSc in Sports & Exercise Science or the BSc in Exercise and Health Science programme, classified as Home Fees (i.e. UK domiciled), and who has shown a commitment to sport and academic merit. Both scholarship are currently awarded.
Specialist Undergraduate Scholarship in Sports Science
Main Criteria: a further scholarship is available on the same basis to students entering the third year of either of the named Sports Science degree programmes. This scholarship is also currently awarded.
- Winning Students Scholarships
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As a member of the Winning Students network, University of Aberdeen students are eligible to receive funding (up to a total value of £6,000 per annum) from the Scottish Funding Council.
For more details of the scheme and how to apply please see Winning Students Scholarships.
Informal enquiries can be directed to sport@abdn.ac.uk.