Passion. Pride. Performance.

Successful ESPS Athletes receive support as outline below depending on their level of award.

“To provide support for, and help develop, high performance athletes studying at the University of Sheffield.”

*Athletes must be living in the correct accommodation for that academic year in order to be eligible for this award. These accommodations include:

Birchen, Burbage, Cratclifffe, Endcliffe Crescent Flats, Crewe, Curbar, Derwent, Endcliffe Vale Flats, Froggatt, Howden, Kinder, Laddow, Lawrencefield, Millstone, Ramshaw, Ravenstone, Rivelin, Shore Court, Stanage, Stephenson, Wimberry, Windgather and Yarncliffe.

The ESPS Criteria:

Level 2 Tier:

• Senior International (GB or equivalent)
• Top Junior International (GB or equivalent)
• TASS Athlete (Has to be GB or equivalent representation)
• Sport Specific e.g. Road Cycling – Elite Category for at least 12 months

Level 1 Tier:

• International/National Representation (GB, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland or equivalent)
• Professional/Semi-Professional/High Level Academy:
  • For example:
    • Rugby Union: Regular Premiership Club Academy player, regular player in a National League 1 or above club
    • Rugby League: Regular Super League Academy player, regular player in a Championship or above club
    • Football: Regular Academy or player at full time, professional EFL club
    • Road cycling Specific – Category 1 or above
  • GB Development Pathways (e.g. Rowing’s England Talent Pathway, Swimming Pathway to Podium etc.)
  • High Level County (Sport dependant)
  • TASS Athlete

Please note, these criteria are guidelines, representing GB, or equivalent, as a senior international does not guarantee you a Level 2. All athletes who are awarded a place on the scheme are expected to represent The University of Sheffield wherever possible.

Please click here for the Student Athlete Participation Policy.

We are now accepting applications for the 2023 Elite Sports Performance Scheme for students who have received an offer through Clearing to study an undergraduate course at the University of Sheffield starting in September 2023. 

The closing date is 1pm Tuesday 29th August 2023. Late applications will not be considered. 

Click here for application form.

All applications are considered and reviewed against set criteria by the Sport Sheffield Awards Committee.

It is important to note that you will be required to re-apply each year of your studies, this isn't a rolling award. Also, applications should be accompanied by a supporting statement from a coach or NGB representative who can evidence your sporting achievements. Any applications received without the required references/evidence will not be considered for selection. More details on this will be provided upon submission of this form.

All required fields should be completed with as much detail as possible. Any questions please contact Greg Unwin, Programme & Development Manager: g.unwin@sheffield.ac.uk 

A selection panel consisting of senior Sport Sheffield staff, professional service colleagues and Students' Union representatives will consider your application. To make a decision the panel will take into account your sporting information and achievements (based against a points system), sporting goals for the future and your supporting statement. The panel decision is final.

When making their decision, the panel will give regard to the following:

• Applicant has provided a supporting statement from a coach or NGB representative
• Applicant has clearly articulated their sporting achievements, current ranking/level and future ambitions. 
• Applicant has identified clearly how the scholarship will be beneficial to her/his student experience and sporting endeavours.
• Applicant has clearly demonstrated how they will be an asset to Sport Sheffield and The University of Sheffield

Please note successful applicants will also be invited to attend an Introduction session at Sport Sheffield on September 20th.