Be Inspired
Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries
Find out more about our
Scholarships
Our 2025 Scholarships are now open for applications!
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.
Applications Now Open
UCFB x Raheem Sterling Foundation Scholarship
UCFB and The Raheem Sterling Foundation have launched two fully funded Raheem Sterling Foundation Scholarships for our undergraduate students.
The scholarship is open to students from Black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under- represented backgrounds in Greater London and Greater Manchester, and aims to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, support equal access to higher education and increase diversity across the sports industry. The scholarships are set to be awarded for the 2025 academic year
2x Fully Funded Scholarships
£1,000 per year UCFB Bursary
£500 One-off Support Payment
Eligibility:
- Black, African and/or Caribbean Heritage
- Household income of under £40,000 a year
- Hold an offer to study a UCFB Undergraduate course for September 2025
The deadline for applications with be July 1st 2025.
Our 2025
Scholarships
Our Scholarships for September 2025 are now open for applications! Find out more about our scholarships below.
This scholarship is awarded to 4 promising students who can demonstrate that their choice of a UCFB degree will benefit them in their career ambitions. UCFB will award 2 students enrolling at the Manchester campus and 2 students enrolling at the Wembley campus. The scholarship is 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 £3,000 and is offered in the following format:
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £2,900 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students enrolling on ANY full-time UCFB Undergraduate course.
This scholarship is awarded to 2 students 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 and Inclusion Scholarship is an award in the value of up to £2,000 and is offered in the following format:
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £1,900 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB for September 2025 with a household income under £25,000 a year and belonging to the Global Ethnic Majority (diverse background), socio-economically disadvantaged group, or dis/abled.
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 £1,500.
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £1,400 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB for September 2025 of South Asian origin (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
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 £1,500.
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £1,400 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Female identifying prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB for September 2025.
Access to Coaching – UCFB Wembley
In Partnership with Bloomsbury Football
This scholarship is open to 2 outstanding applicants who are eager to develop a career in football coaching. Candidates should have an interest in football and the wider sport industry, the ability to setclear goals and have the drive to achieve them. The Scholarship will be an award of £1,000.
Year One
Mentorship and Work Experience from Bloomsbury Football
- Up to 20 hours a month working with Bloomsbury Football paid at £16 per hour.
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 third 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 £900 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Female identifying prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB Wembley for September 2025 OR Black and Asian Ethnic Minority prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB Wembley for September 2025.
Access to Coaching – UCFB Manchester
This scholarship is open to 2 outstanding applicants who are eager to develop a career in football coaching. Candidates should have an interest in football and the wider sport industry, the ability to setclear goals and have the drive to achieve them. The Scholarship will be an award of £1,000.
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £900 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Female identifying prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB Manchester for September 2025 OR Black and Asian Ethnic Minority prospective student holding an offer to study at UCFB Manchester for September 2025.
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.
Each scholarship is an award in the value of up to £2,000 which includes UCFB sports kit and travel support for training, competitions and events as well as development opportunities.
Year One
Mentorship from an Industry Professional
Year Two
Training and Development
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 Three
Access to Placement
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 and third 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 £1,900 in total. Placements can include opportunities provided by UCFB or placements organised by the students themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
- Holding an offer to study on a UCFB undergraduate course for September 2025, and has played any sport at regional or national level.
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.
