University of Bolton Basketball Scholarship Programme

We are proud to launch the University of Bolton Basketball Scholarship Programme. This programme is available to those students who have the talent and athletic background to succeed in higher education and join the University’s basketball teams, which compete in the Basketball England NBL Conference League and BUCS league.

Annual scholarships comprising a tuition fee discount for all graduate and postgraduate programmes. These scholarships are specifically designed for student athletes who are high calibre members of basketball clubs, both in the UK and overseas.

Purpose

These scholarships are designed to promote excellence in sport and to support the academic aspirations of talented student-athletes. They are aimed at individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in basketball, whether at home or overseas, and who meet the entry criteria for the relevant course. These students will join the University’s Basketball Team and participate in BUCS league.

Details

Tiered Scholarship Packages for Athletic Excellence

Our Scholarship for Athletic Excellence is designed to recognise and support outstanding student-athletes through a tiered approach. These scholarships are awarded annually at the beginning of the academic year and are available to both home and international fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. Each tier includes a discount on tuition fees and a range of additional benefits to support the academic and sporting development of our scholars.

Bronze Level Scholarship

• Award Amount: £1,000 per academic year (See breakdown below)

  3-year Undergraduate	Total £3,000 £1,000 - 1st year £1,000 - 2nd year £1,000 - 3rd year
  1-year Undergraduate top-up	£1,000
  12/18-month Masters (MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil)	£1,000
  PHD	Total £3,000 £1,000 - 1st year £1,000 - 2nd year £1,000 - 3rd year

• Eligibility: Home and International fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students – Talented national and international student-athletes with considerable experience of playing basketball at a competitive level.
• All student-athletes receive the additional athlete support benefits. (See Additional Scholarship Programme Benefits section)

Silver Tier Scholarship

• Award amount: £2,500 per academic year (See breakdown below)

  3-year Undergraduate	Total £7,500 £2,500 - 1st year £2,500 - 2nd year £2,500 - 3rd year
  1-year Undergraduate top-up	£2,500
  12/18-month Masters (MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil)	£2,500
  PHD	Total £7,500 £2,500 - 1st year £2,500 - 2nd year £2,500 - 3rd year

• Eligibility: Home and International fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students - Talented national and international student-athletes with significant experience of playing basketball at a competitive level.
• All student-athletes receive the additional athlete support benefits. (See Additional Scholarship Programme Benefits section)

Gold Tier Scholarship

• Award amount: £5,500

  3-year Undergraduate	Total £16,500 £5,500 - 1st year £5,500 - 2nd year £5,500 - 3rd year
  1-year Undergraduate top-up	£5,500
  12/18-month Masters (MA, MSc, MRes, MPhil)	£5,500
  PHD	Total £16,500 £5,500 - 1st year £5,500 - 2nd year £5,500 - 3rd year

• Eligibility: Home and International fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students - Talented national and international student-athletes with remarkable experience of playing basketball at a competitive level. (*Professional Level, National Team caliber players).
  *There will only be 1 available scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.
• All student-athletes receive the additional athlete support benefits. (See Additional Scholarship Programme Benefits section)

Additional Scholarship Programme Benefits

In addition to the financial scholarship outlined in the previous sections, recipients of our scholarship Programme will have access to a comprehensive range of benefits designed to support and enhance their academic and sporting development. These benefits can be accessed either individually or in conjunction with the financial scholarship, depending on the level of scholarship awarded. Available benefits include:

• Scientific laboratory testing and player profiling: Students will have access to advanced scientific testing facilities for player profiling to optimise performance and track progress.
• Strength and Conditioning Access: Comprehensive strength and conditioning programmes are available to enhance physical fitness and athletic performance.
• Physio/Sports Rehab-Recovery/Sports Therapy Sessions: Depending on the level of scholarship awarded, students may receive professional physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation and recovery sessions to ensure they remain in peak condition.
• Performance Analysis: Detailed performance analysis is provided to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
• *Nutritional advice and support: Expert nutritional advice will be provided to help students maintain optimal health and performance. (*TBC)
• Renowned coaching team: Students will benefit from coaching and mentoring from a highly experienced team, including former international and BBL professional players and coaches.
• Sports Psychology Access and Support: Psychological support will be provided to help students develop mental resilience and focus.
• Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive wellbeing support services are available to ensure the overall health and happiness of students.
• Leadership training and mentoring, continuous personal development: Students have opportunities for leadership training, continuous personal development and mentoring to build skills essential for future success.
• Coaching-Professional Qualifications/ Training: Aspiring coaches can earn coaching badges and receive training to further their coaching career.
• Careers advice, workshops and support: Tailored careers advice, workshops and support services are available to help students prepare for life after university.
• Media promotion and training: Media promotion and training services will help students improve their public profile and communication skills.
• Gym Membership: Free gym membership will be provided to ensure that students have access to first class fitness facilities.
• *Swimming Pool Access: Students will have timetabled access to swimming pool facilities to support their fitness and recovery routines. (*TBC)
• BUCS membership and entrance fees: Membership and entry fees for British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) competitions are covered.
• National League membership and entry fees: Membership and entry fees for National League competitions are also covered.
• Sports kit: Students will receive good quality sports training kit as part of their scholarship package.

These benefits are designed to ensure that scholars have the necessary resources, support and opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.

Please Note:

1. This scholarship cannot be taken with any other scholarship offered by the University. Only this scholarship will apply.
2. The University of Bolton reserves the right to alter, add to or postpone any of the benefits listed in the Scholarship Programme at its sole discretion. Such changes may be necessary to reflect the availability of resources, institutional priorities or other considerations. In the event of any changes to benefits, the University will endeavour to notify scholars promptly and provide information on any adjustments to their entitlements.

Recipients will be selected on the basis of their exemplary athletic performance and commitment to the University's basketball programme. The scholarship is renewable for the duration of the student's studies, subject to continued active participation and contribution to the basketball programme (you should aim for a 100%participation – all absences must be pre-authorised) and continued progression on your course.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, individuals must meet the following requirements:

1. Meet the entry criteria for admission to the University of Bolton programme of your choice including meeting the minimum English language requirements Please check: www.bolton.ac.uk for details
2. Be an active member of a recognised basketball programme (e.g. NBL or & BUCS or have previously registered as a player with England Basketball or internationally equivalent).
3. Have completed compulsory education in their country.
4. For international students to meet the criteria to be sponsored under the UKVI Student Route visa scheme.

Ongoing eligibility requirements

Recipients must maintain their eligibility by meeting the following criteria:

1. Enrol as a full-time student.
2. The scholarship is renewable for the duration of the student's studies, subject to continued active participation and contribution to the basketball programme (you should aim for a 100%participation – all absences must be pre-authorised) and continued progression on your course.

Documents required.

1. Academic certificates & transcripts.
2. A certificate from the headteacher/academic tutor and from the head coach of your basketball team confirming that the applicant is a member of the basketball team and a letter of recommendation.
3. Any other documents required for admission to the University of Bolton.

Athlete Recruitment Eligibility Assessment Criteria

The following criteria will be assessed via questionnaire, interview, references, video evidence.

1. Athletic Ability and Skill Level: Evaluate the player's proficiency in basketball skills, athleticism, speed, agility, strength, and coordination.
2. Basketball Intelligence and Game Understanding: Assess the player's comprehension of the game, court vision, decision-making, and adaptability to various game situations.
3. Work Ethic and Commitment: Look for players who exhibit dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic, demonstrating a willingness to improve through consistent effort and practice.
4. Academic Performance and Potential: Consider the student's academic achievements, including their UCAS points (or equivalent), performance in relevant exams such as A-levels or other international equivalents, as well as language proficiency demonstrated through exams like IELTS.
5. Character, Sportsmanship, and Leadership: Evaluate the player's attitude, sportsmanship, integrity, and ability to collaborate effectively with teammates and coaches, fostering a positive team culture and environment.
6. Potential for Growth and Cultural Alignment: Identify players with the potential to further develop their skills and contribute to the team's success, as well as those who align with the university's values and cultural ethos, regardless of their background or nationality.
7. Coachability: Assess the player's ability to receive feedback, adapt to coaching instructions, and implement suggested changes in their gameplay. Evaluate their willingness to learn, openness to constructive criticism, and capacity to translate feedback into on-court performance.

Next Steps

Are you interested in this opportunity?

1. Apply for Your Desired Course: Begin by exploring and applying for the course that best suits your academic interests. Find a course here.
2. Submit the Scholarship Application: Complete and submit the basketball scholarship application form. https://share.hsforms.com/14K8m116vR0mbmhzcnD75rg2dcrn.