Be Inspired
Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries
Find out more about our
Scholarships
Our UCFB Scholarships have 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.
Diversity and Inclusion
Elite Athlete
Social Mobility
Career Enhancement
For more information and to speak to our Scholarships Team today, contact scholarships@ucfb.com.
2024 Scholarships for Undergraduates are now closed.
If you are interested in applying for a Scholarship for 2025 entry please email scholarships@ucfb.com who will be able to give you more information and inform you when the portal is open.
Our 2024
Scholarships
This scholarship is awarded to 3 promising students from under-represented demographics in football and sport who can demonstrate that their choice of a UCFB degree will benefit them in their career ambitions. The scholarship is aimed at helping to encourage the next generation of studentsand industry professionals through developing their skills and supporting them on their work placements and internships.
Each scholarship is an award in the value of £2000 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 £1,500)
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 £1,500 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
This scholarship is awarded to 1 student 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 todemonstrate 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
- Governing body training/coaching qualifications
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
- 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.
The South Asians in Football Leadership Scholarship for 2024-2025 is the first of its kind, as UCFB and aims to promote and support the growth of British South Asians in football. The Scholarship aims to directly tackle the lack of participation in sports for British South Asians.
The Scholarship will empower the successful candidate to push their development into the game whilst being a role model and trailblazer for other South Asians in football. The scholarship award total is £1,000.
Year One – Training and skills development courses (value of up to £300)
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
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
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 £600)
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 £600 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
- Identify as a member of the British South Asian community
This scholarship is open to 2 outstanding female applicants who are eager to develop a career in the sports industry. Candidates should have an interest in football and the wider sport industry, the ability to set clear goals and have the drive to achieve them. The Scholarship will be an award of £1,000.
Year One – Training and skills development courses (value of up to £300)
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
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
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 £600)
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 £600 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
- Identify as a female student
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.
UCFB 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 1 female student 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.
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.
UCFB 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 1 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.
UCFB offers an excellent environment to develop in sport whilst studying for a degree. This scholarship is awarded to 2 students 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.
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.
This scholarship is awarded to 1 student who can show a commitment to increasing 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.
UCFB and Bloomsbury Football encourages applications from prospective students who identify as a member of a historically underrepresented community in higher education or sport including those identifying as females, belonging toGlobal 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. While work experience with Bloomsbury Football will follow another payment structure.
Bloomsbury Football
Students are required to work a maximum of 19 hours per month (an average of 4.5 hours per week) of work with Bloomsbury Football. A student that is coaching with Bloomsbury will earn £16 per hour during the academic year on top of the award value, whilst maintaining a good balance with university life and workload.
Continuation of this role is subject to the student meeting ongoing performance standards which will be confirmed during the onboarding process.
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
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Training
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 – Further development 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 up to £1,000. These 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
- We encourage applications from 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 ofthe LGBTQIA+ community, dis/abled, and/or have a background or experience that would otherwise contribute to the diversity of the sports industry
In partnership with Looky’s Aid, UCFB are providing four discounted scholarships per year to Manx students facing economic or personal adversity. In memory of Looky’s Aid charity’s inspiration, Lucas ‘Looky’ Martin, who lost his life to meningitis aged 21. Lucas was a well-known local sportsman who gave 100% both on and off the field of play. He was loving, optimistic, ambitious, determined, and selfless (or ‘loads’ for short).
The Scholarship award will be a tuition fee discount of £2,500 per year.
Eligibility Criteria
We are looking to support candidates that want to ‘give it LOADS’ and excel in life, but who may have been held back or knocked off course by personal circumstances outside of their control. These may include disability, close family bereavement, difficult financial circumstances or other similar factors that make it harder for them to unlock their potential.
As well as meeting our candidate requirements, applicants must also have the UCAS points requirements for the relevant UCFB course.
Applicants must have studied to ‘A’-level standard (or equivalent) and be eligible for the full Isle of Man grant award of £6,750 per academic year.
TJ Katsidzira
Access and Widening Participation Manager
Find out more about our
Bursaries
UCFB Bursaries is intended to help level the playing field for students from lower income, disadvantaged and traditionally under-represented backgrounds in Higher Education.
These include those from low higher education participation neighbourhoods, independent and mature students, students from diverse backgrounds, students with dis/ability, care leavers, etc. to ensure that higher education is available to everyone.
The bursary and scholarships awards represent UCFB commitment to accessibility and widening participation for higher education.
Bursaries
Support Payments
For more information and to speak to our Team today, contact scholarships@ucfb.com.
Our 2024
Bursaries
The Low-Income Household Bursary is for students from low-income households, it aims to ensure that finance is not a barrier for students from less affluent backgrounds to pursue higher education.
Bursary Terms:
- £1000 per year split into 2 payments of £500.
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Household income under £40,000 per year (incomes between £35,000 and £40,000 will receive a 5% deduction of the amount over the threshold)
- Fully enrolled
- 75% attendance per semester (renewals specifically)
Evidence:
- SFE entitlement letter stating maintenance loan of at least £9012 per year (subject to change of threshold for 2024/2025 academic year) or;
- Proof of salary e.g. pay slip
The Care Experienced / Estranged Bursary is for students from Care Experienced and Estranged students who face financial barriers accessing Higher Education.
Bursary Terms:
- £2000 per year split into 2 payments of £650 and 1 of £700
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Spent at least 13 weeks of the last 5 years, in local authority care, prior to the start of their course
- To be eligible as estranged from their parents/guardians, the student should have had no contact with their parents/guardians for at least 12 months before the start of their course and be unlikely to have a relationship with them again
- Fully enrolled
- 75% attendance by assessment date (renewals specifically)
Evidence:
- Letter from Local Authority confirming care experience
- Estrangement evidence can be provided via a maintenance loan application proving estrangement
Please note: Students MUST be eligible for either the Low Income Household Bursary or the Care Experienced / Estranged Student Bursary, in order to apply for the below Support Payments.
Pre-enrolment program for care-experienced students to ensure transitional support into higher education through financial / accommodation support and integration into university.
Financial support includes:
- Reserved up to £500 funding to be accessed before formal enrolment to pay the required deposit needed to secure UCFB accommodation
- ‘Moving in starter pack’ supplied by ‘Uni Kit Out’ worth £200 ready on day of arrival to UCFB accommodation.
- Includes: Duvet and Pillow Kit, Student Linen Kit, Fitted Mattress Protector, Towel Kit, Tower Suction Hook, Hair + Body Wash Kit, Basic Kitchen Kit, Utensil Kit, Cooking Kit, Baking Try, Kitchen Linen Kit, Lunchboxes, Plastic Hangers, Stationery Starter Pack, Toilet Roll.
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Spent at least 13 weeks of the last 5 years, in local authority care, prior to the start of their course
- To be eligible as estranged from their parents/guardians, the student should have had no contact with their parents/guardians for at least 12 months before the start of their course and be unlikely to have a relationship with them again
- Fully enrolled
Evidence:
- Letter from Local Authority confirming care experience
- Estrangement evidence can be provided via a maintenance loan application proving estrangement
- Tenancy contract
A financial imbursement to help support students that regularly look after a sick, elderly, or disabled person.
Support Payment Terms:
- £500 per year
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Current Care Giver
Evidence:
- Letter from Local Authority or significant body confirming student is a carer
A financial imbursement to help support Student with Disabilities who may have higher financial commitments due to their disability.
Support Payment Terms:
- £500 per year
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Entitled to DSA or other recognised disability payments such as: PIP, ESA and previous DLA recipients
Evidence:
- English SFE DSA evidence form
- *Evidence usually needs to be Equality Act 2010 (or DDA in NI) compliant for each impairment/condition meaning it clearly shows:
- The condition in its untreated/uncorrected state has a negative impact on your ability to carry out ‘normal’ day to day activities.
- The condition or impairment has lasted for least 12 months (or it is expected to last 12 months).*
Contact scholarships@ucfb.com for further information.
A financial imbursement to help show a commitment to removing barriers for students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, that might not have the same access to Higher Education than others.
Support Payment Terms:
- £500 one off payment
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Ethnic Minority student
A financial imbursement to help support single parents wanting to enrol on one of our courses. The support payment shows a commitment to aiding single parents reaching Higher Education.
Support Payment Terms:
- £250 per year
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Direct responsibility for a dependent child and;
- Living in a single parent household for 6 months or longer
Evidence:
- Any of the following: electoral roll, single person council tax benefit and birth certificate, letter from school or childcare setting, universal credits account or child tax and working tax credits awards
A financial imbursement to help support independent learners.
Support Payment Terms:
- £250 one off payment
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Has been supporting themselves independently for at least 3 years
- 25 or over on the first day of the academic year
Evidence:
- SFE Entitlement Letter
A financial imbursement to help show a commitment to nurturing and supporting women in sport.
Support Payment Terms:
- £150 one off payment
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Female Identifying Student
A financial imbursement to help show a commitment to removing barriers for students from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community, that might not have the same access to Higher Education than others.
Support Payment Terms:
- £150 one off payment
Eligibility Criteria:
- UK Domicile
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveler Identifying Student
Siân Hillis
UCFB Graduate
Women's Academy Coach at Arsenal FC and Community Champion at the FA
How to Apply
Step 1
Decide
Your Scholarship or Bursary
The first step is to review our Scholarship and Bursary offering. We recommend you study this in detail, and ensure you match the eligibility criteria of the award, bursary, or support payment you are applying for.
Step 2
Apply via
The UCFB Learner Portal
The next step is to apply by logging into the UCFB Learner Portal. Please remember, you MUST be a current offer holder on one of our undergraduate degree courses.
Step 3
Congratulations on
Submitting your Application
Thank you for submitting your application! Once applications are received and the deadline closed, our internal panel will decide on your application and you will be contacted before the start of the academic year.
