Leadership and Life Balance
Scholarships and College · Applying
What should I check, and who should I ask, about a college sports scholarship?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Before you apply, check who can apply, what the scholarship pays, the deadline, your sport and level, and whether you need a letter from your national governing body. Then email the university's performance sport team. Rules change every year, so use the official page.
The answer
- Who can apply? Look for nationality, level of study and degree place. Stirling, for example, lists all nationalities and asks you to hold or apply for a degree place.
- What does it give? Money, coaching, facilities, study flexibility, accommodation. DCU lists financial support, coaching, gym membership, academic support, dual career support and on-campus accommodation, and says the support depends on the grade of scholarship.
- Is your sport on the list? Some universities name core sports. Others accept more sports only at international level.
- What is the deadline? Write it down. Some years have already closed. Southampton's 2026/27 applications and DCU's 2026-2027 applications were closed when I checked.
- Do you need a letter or nomination? The English TASS scheme needs your national governing body. Ask yours.
- Who do you ask? The university's performance sport team or elite athlete coordinator, and your national governing body. For the United States, ask your national federation or the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) career and education team, which has a page on navigating the US college system.
- Ask early for help. Asking is part of leadership, not weakness.
Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official page before you act.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 12 October 2026.