UK University Sports
If you're a talented student-athlete, studying at a UK university gives you the opportunity to earn a degree while competing in your chosen sport internationally. Complete our free evaluation to see if you could qualify.
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Why are university sports so popular in the UK?
University sports in the UK offer student-athletes the chance to pursue their athletic goals without compromising their education.
With a wide range of sports teams across UK universities, students of all abilities can get involved and enjoy the benefits of competitive sport. For those competing at the highest level, opportunities include working with top coaches, regular training and support from sports staff who help balance academic and athletic demands.
UK universities are known for integrating sport into student life, offering everything from elite-level competition to social teams that enhance the university experience.
Sports scholarships are available to talented athletes, providing further support to compete at an advanced level while studying. Whether you're aiming for professional competition or just want to stay active and meet new people, something for everyone.
List of university sports we can assist with
Athletics
Basketball
Cricket
Cycling
Equestrian
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Hockey
Netball
Rowing
Rugby Union
Squash
Swimming
Tennis
Water Polo
See if you can qualify for a UK sports scholarship
The organisation that controls university sports in the UK
British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for university sport in the UK and organises leagues, championships and competitions in over 50 different sports.
BUCS oversees more than 6,000 teams from more than 170 UK universities and colleges.
Universities compete at local, regional and national levels, with top performers progressing to BUCS Nationals and Championship events. These are the most prestigious inter-university sports events in the UK, with universities accumulating points across multiple sports to win the overall BUCS title each year.
Unlike the US, UK university sports are not divided into divisions based on scholarships or size, but competitive levels vary by institution and sport. While UK universities don’t typically offer the same scale of sporting infrastructure or media coverage as US colleges, BUCS competitions still attract talented athletes and provide pathways to professional and international levels. BUCS helps ensure students can combine their academic goals with elite sporting opportunities.
Plan ahead: your sports recruitment timeline
You’ve spent your whole life dreaming of being a pro athlete, but the closer you get to the end of high school, the more is on your mind. That’s why we start guiding our students from the time they enter Year 12 and help them through every step of the way until they start university in the UK.
Year 12
January
Record video footage
February
Create target list of universities
June
Complete English Proficiency Test
August
Write personal statements
November
Request reference letters
Post high school graduation
January
Submit university applications
May
Send proof of high school graduation
June
Complete TB Testing
July
Apply for student visa
September
Start university in UK
Get started now
Top universities we have worked with
