For over 10 years, we have been providing university search services to international and U.S. students, helping and supporting them with their transition and search for U.S. universities and scholarships. 

We understand nevertheless that the U.S. isn’t for everyone and that some students wish to explore alternative pathways closer to home or in other countries. To provide more opportunities for you, Athletes USA will now also offer additional university search help in the U.K., which as one of the world’s biggest sporting nations with fantastic universities offers another incredible opportunity for student athletes to explore.

Collegiate or as the U.K. refer to it ‘university’ sport is very different between both nations. The U.S. has for many years embraced sport as part of the university culture, investing billions, whilst U.K. and other European institutions have focused on the academic aspect of a student. The balance is shifting and U.K. universities are beginning to embrace a more dual-career model, allowing student athletes to compete at high levels whilst balancing this with their studies.

Whilst in the U.S. the NCAA has set strict rules and regulations with regards to eligibility, the U.K. has no restrictions, meaning you can represent and compete for the university at any point in your career.

Yes! Talented athletes are awarded scholarships although these are much lower than those offered in the U.S. The scholarships offered vary by university; offering reduction in tuition fees, bursaries or costs of gym memberships, physical and mental support, travel costs and other expenses you have to compete in your sport.

Applications are assessed on a case by case basis and final decisions tend to be made by a committee. To be considered you should have international experience, be nationally ranked or have previous experience competing in the NCAA DI, DII,DIII or NAIA.

Of course, you can still gain entry to the university and their sports team, however, scholarship opportunities may be hard to come by.

Entry requirements vary from university to university. Usually you will need to have graduated from highschool or completed an undergraduate degree if you’re applying for a Masters.

The costs depend greatly on the scholarship offered, whether you are taking the undergrad or postgrad route and whether you are a EU or Non EU student. 

Unfortunately, due to brexit changes in rules and regulations, EU students are now required to pay international fees. Fees depend on the course of choice and university and typically range from £13,000 up to a maximum of around £35,000 for specialised degrees.

The level of sport at universities in the U.K. is constantly improving. Universities compete in the BUCS League, which stands for British University & College Sports League. Many students who are above this level also decide to pursue semi-professional opportunities whilst at university.

At Athletes USA we pride ourselves on providing a holistic service for our clients. We help get you connected to universities, will assist with any questions that arise in the admissions process and have partnered up with organisations to provide career transition support into the job market once you graduate. We also work with a number of professional and semi-professional teams, should you be at the level.

Yes, academics are extremely important and can be a deciding factor when your application is assessed. U.K. universities also offer academic scholarships, so by ensuring excellent grades, you may lower your overall costs.

The U.K. is renowned for its world class universities although not all will offer exactly your degree of choice. We will make sure the universities we contact offer your chosen career pathway and sport of choice.

American football, Archery, Athletic, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Canoeing (including kayaking), Clay pigeon shooting,  Climbing, Cricket, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Football ,Futsal, Gaelic football, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Ju Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Korfball, Lacrosse, Modern biathlon/pentathlon, Netball, Orienteering, Pool, Rifle, Rowing, Rugby league, Rugby union (including rugby sevens), Sailing, Snooker, Snowsports, Squash, Surfing, Swimming, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Trampolining, Triathlon, Ultimate, Volleyball, Water polo, Windsurfing.

It typically takes 3 years to complete a U.K. undergraduate degree whilst postgraduate courses take approximately 1 year.

Yes, International students can work for up to 20 hours per week whilst on an International student visa.