We are pleased to announce that applications for both Scholarships and Bursaries for our undergraduate programmes for 2022/2023 academic cycle are now open!

This page contains information about the Means Tested Bursary Scheme, the eligibility criteria, the application process as well as the deadlines. The bursaries are intended to help level the playing field for students from lower-income, disadvantaged and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education.

This page also contains information about the UCFB Scholarships Programme which has been designed to encourage students from all backgrounds and abilities to embrace their time at UCFB and graduate with more than just their university degree. These initiatives offer students the chance to become a part of the community, gain a number of individual skills that will enhance their CV and employment prospects alongside developing their overall UCFB experience.

Both awards are only open to new applicants who have already applied to UCFB and received or accepted an offer. If you are a currently enrolled UCFB student, please e-mail scholarships@ucfb.com for eligibility criteria.

My main reason for coming to UCFB was to experience the practical and professional elements of football coaching. I applied for the scholarship to assist with my studies and to also be an ambassador of UCFB

Sean JacksonElite Athlete Scholar
Item 3

Scholarships and bursaries

UCFB's scholarships programmes and access and participation projects provide students with mentoring, opportunities to build confidence and specific skillsets so that they can participate in the sports industry as equals and feel empowered to achieve everything that is within their capabilities and more.

Anielka Pieniazek Access and Widening Participation Manager
Employability and Enrichment Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at helping to encourage the next generation of students and industry professionals through developing their skills and supporting them on their work placements and internships.

Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 and is offered in the following format:

Year One – Training and skills development courses (value of up to £400)

Students will typically be able to choose from a range of professionally delivered training sessions on subjects such as:

  • Public speaking, Assertiveness and building personal confidence, Time management, Stress management
  • Governing body training/coaching qualifications
  • There will also be opportunities to attend events with UCFB partners.

Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Year Two – Support with travel costs and allowance (up to £1,000)

UCFB recognises the importance of work-based learning through placements and internships. In order to support students in gaining valuable experience and picking up additional skills, funding will be available in the second year to cover certain costs for up to two work placements/internships. This can include internships in the UK or abroad and covers travel and sustenance up to a maximum of £1,000 in total over the two placements. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves. Students have also used this investment to attend GIS Global Sports Summits.

Rachel Brown-Finnis

This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is passionate about inclusion and breaking barriers and has a strong commitment to furthering a professional career in the football and sports business industry by applying skills learned on a UCFB degree programme.

This scholarship is open to individuals on all Football Business degrees, Sports Business degrees and Law related degrees.

Alastair Campbell

This scholarship is awarded to an aspiring writer, broadcaster or journalist from under-represented demographic in football and sport who can demonstrate that their choice of UCFB degree will benefit them in their career ambitions.

This scholarship is open to individuals studying Football Business & Media, Multimedia Sports Journalism and Sports Business & Sports Broadcasting degrees.

Neil Doncaster

This scholarship is awarded to an individual with an experience in either sports/football coaching, player development or football operations who would like to make a positive impact on the football/sports industry. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate examples of leadership and commitment to values of equality, diversity and inclusion.

This scholarship is open to individuals studying Football Coaching and Management, Football Coaching and Talent Development, Physical Education, Sports Business and Sports Coaching, Sports Coaching Science degrees.

Paul Fletcher MBE

This scholarship is open to an individual who can demonstrate a passion for sustainability initiatives and addressing environmental issues within the sports industry and is looking to make a change in this area.

This scholarship is open to all degrees.

Brendan Flood

This scholarship is open to an individual who has taken a break from education and has now decided to return to study an undergraduate degree at UCFB. The student must demonstrate how the scholarship will contribute to their studies at UCFB and further their capabilities or forge a new career in the football/sport and business industry.

This scholarship is open to all degrees.

Partnership Scholarships
She Kicks Scholarship

Offered in partnership with She Kicks Magazine, Women’s Football Magazine, this scholarship is open to an outstanding female applicant who can demonstrate that a UCFB degree can assist them with their career ambitions. Applicants will be selected based on their academic profile or extra-curricular activities such as community engagement or volunteering. Previous experience in football or sport is not necessary, just a commitment and drive towards working in the world of football and sports business and a belief that a career in football and sport is open to people of all genders and backgrounds.

The She Kicks scholarship will be awarded in the form of an internship at She Kicks magazine or a partner organisation, with all travel and accommodation expenses covered up to a maximum value of £2,000. Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Previous interns had the opportunity to spend a week at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, working alongside She Kicks at the fan embassies based in Nice and Valenciennes. They also had an opportunity to work with She Kicks editor Jen O’Neill on the Women’s FA Cup Final with access to the media suite at Wembley Stadium.

This scholarship is open to all degrees but may particularly suit students on Football Business & Media, Multimedia Sports Journalism and Sports Business & Sports Broadcasting degrees.

Tongue Tied Management Scholarship

UCFB are delighted to announce a scholarship in partnership with Tongue Tied Management, a sports management agency working with some of the best sporting and broadcasting talent in the UK, guiding and developing their careers, both on and off the pitch.

The scholarship is open to applicants holding an offer for an on campus (Wembley or Etihad) MSc programme with UCFB’s Global Institute of Sport.

The aim of the scholarship is to create a space of opportunities and professional development of the next generation of women in the football and sports industry, to unlock their potential and help them succeed. The award will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to gain bespoke practical experience of working within the Tongue Tied Management agency environment on variety of projects. 

The Tongue Tied Management Scholarship will be awarded in the form of an internship at the sports agency with all travel and accommodation expenses covered up to a maximum value of £2,000. The internship will be between 1-2 days per week with flexibility to complete it along the studies. Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will benefit from an ongoing mentoring by Jo Tongue, CEO of Tongue Tied Management and be exposed to a network of professionals in the sports industry. Scholarship recipient will also UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Scholarship Value:  FT: £2,000 (travel and accommodation expenses associated with the internship with WiF)

PT: £2,000 (travel and accommodation expenses associated with the internship with WiFi)

Social Mobility & Inclusion Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to increase representation of people from a diverse range of backgrounds in the football and sports industry and encourage an environment where everyone can achieve a sense of belonging and pursue their goals. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate understanding of equality and contributions to inclusion initiatives.

Applicants should be students who identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community in higher education or sport including those identifying as females, belonging to Global Ethnic Majority (diverse background), socio-economically disadvantaged group, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, dis/abled, and/or have a background or experience that would otherwise contribute to the diversity of the sports industry. This scholarship is open to all degrees.

Social Mobility & Inclusion Scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 and is offered in the following format:

Year One – Training and skills development courses (value of up to £400)


Students will typically be able to choose from a range of professionally delivered training sessions on subjects such as:

  • Public speaking, Assertiveness and building personal confidence, Time management, Stress management
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
  • Governing body training/coaching qualifications
  • There will also be opportunities to attend events with UCFB partners.
    Additionally, as a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit (value of up to £100) from the overall scholarship award.

Year Two – Support with travel costs and allowance (up to £1,000)

In order to support students in gaining valuable experience and picking up additional skills, funding will be available in the second year to cover certain costs for up to two work placements/internships. This can include internships in the UK or abroad and covers travel and sustenance up to a maximum of £1,000 in total over the two placements. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves. Students have also used this investment to attend GIS Global Sports Summits.

Coaching Mentoring Programme

The Coaching Mentoring Programme offers students individual learning support to gain bespoke experience in the football and sports industry, including coaching, working with teams and sports development depending on the student’s interests. The aim is to actively engage and guide the students in acquiring new knowledge, ideas, advice and feedback offered by the assigned mentors and coaches.

She Can Coach Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at female coaches who have an interest in furthering their career in football coaching. This award is open to any female students with a passion for coaching and strong volunteering experience who have applied for coaching or physical education degrees at UCFB.

The mentoring programme will include:

  • Development of individual action plans to support personal, professional and coaching development throughout the year.
  • Exposure to leading football organisations such as Kick It Out, Fans For Diversity and Women in Football and their events.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Membership in UCFB Coaches Clubs (if available at your campus)

The Coaching Mentoring Programme is a 3-year programme (4 years if completing a foundation degree). As a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit and coaching equipment. Each scholarship will be awarded in the form of development opportunities, travel and equipment (including the above) up to a total value of £2,500.

Access to Coaching Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at coaches from ethnically diverse backgrounds who have an interest in furthering their career in football coaching. This award is open to any student from within the diverse communities with a passion for coaching and strong volunteering experience who have applied for coaching or physical education degrees at UCFB.

The mentoring scheme will include:

  • Development of individual action plans to support personal, professional and coaching development throughout the year.
  • Exposure to leading football organisations such as Kick It Out, Fans For Diversity and Women in Football and their events.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Membership in UCFB Coaches Clubs (if available at your campus)

Coaching Mentoring Programme is a 3-year programme (4 years if completing a foundation degree. As a part of this scholarship package, the student will receive a UCFB sports kit and coaching equipment. Each scholarship will be awarded in the form of development opportunities, travel and equipment (including the above) up to a total value of £2,500.

Football and Sport Scholarships

UCFB is proud of its close links to the football and sports industry, and we are always keen to encourage applicants with an exceptional sporting background to join us and participate in the UCFB community.

She Can Play Scholarship

This scholarship has been designed in recognition of the significance of elite women’s football. It is open to an existing first team or reserve team Women’s Super League player, Women’s Championship player, and high-level academy players. Applicants will automatically qualify as players of the UCFB Women’s Football Academy in Wembley and will be offered an individual development plan and agreement to compete in the 10 BUCS Tier 1 League games and potentially two play-off games (subject to League/cup conditions). Through their commitment to the UCFB Women’s Football Academy in Wembley students will receive individual performance support including analysis, conditioning and training by UEFA A Licensed coaches.

Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 and is offered as a sports package that includes UCFB sports kit, travel support for training, matches with your club and/ or the UCFB Women’s Football Academy team and events as well as participation in development opportunities.

This scholarship is open to all degrees at our Wembley campus only.

Elite Athlete Scholarships

UCFB offers an excellent environment to develop in sport whilst studying for a degree. This scholarship is awarded to acknowledge the sporting achievements of applicants who have competed in any sport within the past two years, within their relevant age group. Some of the previous years’ awardees include Elliot - Ultimate Frisbee athlete who competed at the European Youth Ultimate Championships, Adam – Level 5 referee and member of Refereeing excellence programme, Haaris – Semi Professional squash player competing regionally across the UK and Sean – talented footballer who represents Manchester City and England amputee teams. This scholarship is inclusive to all athletes with all backgrounds and dis/abilities.

The scholarships are awarded in two tiers:

National level
For students who have represented their country or were a member of a national level development squad. Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,500 which includes UCFB sports kit and travel support for training, competitions and events as well as development opportunities.

Regional level
For students who compete at a regional level. Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £1,000 which includes UCFB sports kit and travel support for training, competitions and events as well as development opportunities.

Means-Tested Bursaries

Studying for a degree and particularly living away from home can be an expensive experience for applicants, from lower-income, disadvantaged and traditionally under-represented backgrounds.

The Means-Tested Bursary is intended to help level the playing field and to ensure that higher education is available to everyone. Assessments will be made based on your specific personal circumstances, household income, expected accommodation/travel/studying related costs and the expected amount of maintenance loan you would be eligible for as well as based on a range of contextual factors with awards prioritised from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.

When applying for a bursary, you must be a current UCFB applicant, holding an offer to study for September 2022 for one of our undergraduate programmes.

The Bursaries can be taken in one of the following formats:

  • Contribution towards partner accommodation*
  • Contribution towards the cost of travel from the term-time address to campus for one academic year
  • Contribution towards costs of studying (e.g. course material, equipment to support learning, specialist software, travel to the training grounds, accommodation costs for independent learners, etc.)
  • Tuition fee reduction (only for applicants not eligible to receive a tuition fee loan)

*To be eligible to receive an accommodation bursary you will be encouraged to stay in UCFB partner halls or other student halls. Accommodation bursaries won’t be awarded to those staying at home or extended family. For more information about the partner accommodation and how to book please click here or contact the Access and Widening Participation team at scholarships@ucfb.com.

We recommend that you consider the following information when preparing to complete a bursary application form:

  • Household income for the previous year (including benefits and tax credits)
  • Changes to family circumstances due to the pandemic (if applicable)
  • Household expenditure (e.g. rent/mortgage costs, gas/electricity/water costs, council tax, etc.)

Unless an independent student, it’s likely that a parent/guardian/social worker may need to be present for the financial part of the application and/or prepare this information in advance. The application does however offer the option to “finish later” should you need to gather more information or wish to reach out to the Access and Widening Participation Team with a question at scholarships@ucfb.com and provide us with your mobile number so we can call you back and assist.

The application also asks a number of contextual questions about the applicants own situation including details about potential carer responsibilities, other dependents in the household etc.

There may be an opportunity to extend your support package into years two and three of a student’s study (one, two and three if completing a foundation year), subject to meeting the declared criteria which you will find within the Means Tested Bursary Terms and Conditions. You will have an opportunity to get involved in the university life and the bursary engagement programme to influence the renewal amount.

Care Leavers and Estranged Students Bursary (Wembley and Etihad)

If you are unsure if this applies to you, please get in touch with the Access and Widening Participation Team at scholarships@ucfb.com and we will be happy to assist you with any questions and the application process.

Making a decision to go to the university involves considering the matter of finance, which can be especially difficult for those who may not have traditional family support. UCFB is committed to supporting care leavers, those who have experienced living in a care environment at some point in their life and students estranged from their parents in accessing higher education and the transition to student life.

The bursary is worth £3,000 in the first year of studies and is renewable per year for up to three or four years (depending on the length of your course) subject to meeting the declared criteria which you will find within the Means Tested Bursary Terms and Conditions. You will have an opportunity to get involved in the university life and the bursary engagement programme to influence the renewal amount.

Care Leavers

UCFB define a care leaver as a person under the age of 25 who have been looked after by their local authority for a period of at least 13 weeks before the age of 16 and has not reconciled with their parents between leaving care and starting their course. Those over 25, but who returned to full-time education before their 25th birthday and are also being supported by their Local Authority Leaving Care Team will also be eligible for the bursary.

Please also note that as a care leaver you may be eligible for financial support from your local authority. This could include an additional bursary or payment for accommodation. To apply for assistance, you should contact your personal advisor, social worker or caseworker.

Estranged students

An estranged student is defined as 'someone who no longer has the support of their family due to a breakdown in their relationship which has led to ceased contact. This might mean biological or adoptive parents or wider family members who have been responsible for supporting a student in the past.'

UCFB Wembley

Students classified as Home status with a household income of up to £40,000 may apply for a UCFB Wembley Means Tested bursary. Each bursary will be valued up to £2,500 and a limited number will be available.

Awards will be made with a consideration of the applicant’s specific personal circumstances, household income, expected accommodation/travel/ studying related costs and the expected amount of maintenance loan you would be eligible for as well as based on a range of contextual factors with awards prioritised from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.

Please note that applicants who are eligible to receive maintenance loans from Student Finance England/Wales/Northern Ireland and Student Awards Agency For Scotland must apply for this funding and permit SF to share your information with us as part of the application. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be able to receive a Means-Tested Bursary from UCFB.

Where a student cannot take on the Student Maintenance Loan due to ineligibility
religious/cultural reasons, they have to inform UCFB about their situation to be exempt from this requirement to receive a bursary.

UCFB Etihad Campus

Students classified as Home status with a residual household income of up to £30,000 may apply for a UCFB Etihad Campus means-tested bursary. Each bursary will be valued up to £2,000 and a limited number will be available.

Awards will be made with a consideration of the applicant’s specific personal circumstances, household income, expected accommodation/travel/ studying related costs and the expected amount of maintenance loan you would be eligible for as well as based on a range of contextual factors with awards prioritised from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.

Please note that applicants who are eligible to receive maintenance loans from Student Finance England/Wales/ Northern Ireland and Student Awards Agency For Scotland must apply for this funding and permit SF to share your information with us as part of the application. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be able to receive a Means-Tested Bursary from UCFB.

Where a student cannot take on the Student Maintenance Loan due to ineligibility
religious/cultural reasons, they have to inform UCFB about their situation to be exempt from this requirement to receive a bursary.

My aspirations for the upcoming academic year are to continue to progress and develop as a player on the pitch but also to continue to prioritise my academic learning off the pitch.

Elisha SulolaShe Can Play Scholar
Item 8

How to apply

We are happy to announce that our Scholarships and Bursaries Programmes for 2022/2023 entry for all new UK/EU applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are now open.

Please click here to apply via the Learner Portal Apply now

To apply for a bursary: Click on “My Bursaries” and follow the instructions provided.

To apply for a scholarship: Click on “My Scholarships” to select the scholarship you wish to apply for and follow the instructions provided.

If you have any questions regarding a scholarship or bursary at UCFB, please contact scholarships@ucfb.com.

Means-Tested Bursary Applications

When applying for a bursary, you must be a current UCFB applicant, holding an offer for September 2022 course. Please note that you may submit applications for both a bursary and scholarship should you meet the criteria to do so. However, you may only be selected for one award, which you will be informed about in the further stages of the assessment process and given the choice to decide on.

In order to give all applicants a fair opportunity to apply for support, our Means-Tested Bursary Scheme will be run in two rounds.

Round one

  • Opens – 27th May 2022
  • Closes – 11th July 2022

UCFB scholarships and bursaries are typically only offered to applicants who have firmly accepted UCFB as their first choice institution on UCAS. We understand however that finances are a big consideration for many applicants to choose where to study, so to be eligible to apply during round one, you simply need to be a current UCFB applicant holding an offer for 2022 entry on any programme.

Round two

  • Opens – 11th August 2022
  • Closes – 26th September 2022

Round two applications are accepted from any applicant who meets the criteria and has received and firmly accepted an offer from UCFB via UCAS.

Please note that due to over-subscription, it is possible that fewer or limited awards will be available during round two.

UCFB Scholarships Applications

When applying for a scholarship, you must be a current UCFB applicant, holding an offer for September 2022 course. Please note that you may submit applications for more than one scholarship should you meet the criteria to do so, but we would encourage you to make sure your answers relate to the particular scholarship descriptions you have selected.

We are pleased to announce we have extended the applications deadline to 5th September 2022.

Decisions on applications won’t be made until after this date, with all the applicants informed about the decision on their application (both positive and negative) before the start of the university term.

Scholarships Case Studies
Download the UCFB prospectus

Our prospectus has been designed to guide you along your path to a fulfilling career in the world's most exciting industries. Request your copy now!

Request
The latest news from UCFB & GIS