1. CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE
We offer three expert packages for talented student-athletes wanting to go out to the United Kingdom to compete and study. Our Online Athlete package is a subscription service that enables you to create your online athlete profile that university coaches have access to and our University Database lets you search thousands of schools and coaches and contact them directly. The Academy Athlete package, also available to everyone, gives you all the online resources and expert support you need to manage your own recruitment and placement, whilst still having access to our team for guidance every step of the way. Our most popular and comprehensive package for athletes wanting the full personalised service is our Premier Athlete package – your designated representative will assist you with all aspects of the school process from initial application through to graduation including any transfers where applicable.
2. PROFILE CREATION
Regardless of what service package you choose, we will create your athletic profile on our Athletes Database that is accessed by hundreds of university coaches every week, giving you unprecedented exposure from day one. Your online profile includes your highlight video, along with your athletic and academic background. For those who don’t already have video footage of them performing we hold regular trial events and can film you competing to make sure your highlight video fully showcases your sporting talents.
3. APPLY TO UCAS / PASS ENGLISH EXAM
One of the first tasks the majority of prospective international student-athletes have to complete when they are not native English speakers is taking the TOEFL exam. Logically the next important steps are studying for the exam and then passing it. When applying to any UK universities you will also need to apply via UCAS. Our expert team will be on hand to support you with this process and guide you towards the optimal school / team from your five options.
4. SCHOLARSHIP DISCOVERY
Once your profile has been circulated to relevant UK university coaches, we will work with you and on your behalf to help find the best possible financial package from the schools that are of interest to you.
5. COMMIT TO A SCHOOL
Having spoken with coaches and players from all schools you are interested in, you can then decide which one you would like to play for during your university career.
6. ADMISSIONS CLEARANCE
Having committed to a school the student-athlete then needs to get cleared by their admissions department in order to be able to study there, the same as you would if going to a university anywhere globally. Again the student-athletes designated UK Sports Scholarships consultant would provide all required support to guide them through this process.
7. VISA APPROVED
One of the last but arguably most important stage in the process is getting your student visa approved by the UK Embassy, which can only take place once you have been cleared by your chosen university’s admissions department.
The competition for a places and scholarship opportunities is extremely fierce so we strongly recommend starting the process as soon as possible. Ideally, the process of applying for undergraduate study in the United Kingdom will begin 1-1½ years before enrolment at a UK university. Below is an example of some of the key steps in the process timeline that a prospective student-athlete will need to complete prior to enrolling at a university in the UK:
2 YEARS BEFORE ENROLMENT
Contact UK Sports Scholarships to arrange an initial consultation and to learn more your eligibility for a place at a UK university. Based on suitable universities we will decide whether you need to take an entrance exam (TOEFL).
1 YEAR BEFORE ENROLMENT:
If you have not already, register and sit an admissions test before then working on your admissions applications and scholarship search.
LEAD UP TO ENROLMENT:
Submit your applications with regular admissions deadlines tending to be in September/October. You will then receive admissions decisions by post or email and can then notify the universities of your decision and apply for your visa. Enrolment at your university will begin the following August.