Empowering Student Athletes to Achieve More
At Keele, we champion athletes who push boundaries. Our two tiered approach supports high-performing student athletes on their sporting journey alongside high quality academic programmes. The two tiers consist of a ‘Talented Athlete Programme’ and ‘Sport Scholarships’, both offering athlete focused support.
Bella’s experience as a Talented Athlete at Keele
I’m Bella, a national-level swimmer in Keele’s Talented Athlete Programme, balancing 15 hours of training a week with my studies.
View video transcriptHow we will support you?
Your performance matters - and so does everything around it. We support you with the expertise, facilities and flexibility you need to compete at your best while succeeding academically.
| Talented Athlete Programme | Sport Scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
Financial Support |
--- | Up to £1,000 per year |
Strength and Conditioning |
|
(One to one) |
Physiotherapy |
(Limited access) |
(Full access) |
Sports Massage |
(Limited access) |
(Full access) |
Sport Psychology |
|
|
Gym Membership |
|
|
Training Facilities |
|
|
Team Keele Membership |
|
|
Athlete Workshops |
|
|
Training Kit |
|
|
Expectations for both tiers: Student Expectations and Responsibilities
This is a partnership built on ambition and accountability. We’ll support your journey - and in return, we ask you to commit to your development, your studies, and representing Keele with pride:
- Meet the academic requirements for your specific course of study
- Represent Keele professionally as an ambassador for the University
- Actively engage with the Athlete support programmes
- Demonstrate sporting progression
- Compete for Keele where appropriate
- Share achievements and support learning opportunities
Failure to comply with these expectations may result in removal of programme benefits.
Alex’s experience as a Talented Athlete at Keele
Alex Touche, physiotherapy students explains how the Talented Athlete Programme helped him compete in road cycling whilst at Keele.
View video transcriptEligibility
To be considered for our athlete support programmes, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- An undergraduate or postgraduate student OR a prospective student who has received an offer of a place at Keele University
- All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to compete in British Universities & CollegesSport (BUCS) competitions
- Competing within a sporting discipline recognised by Sport England (National governing bodies | Sport England)
- Based at the Keele University campus and starting their studies in the 2026/27 academic year. Please note that students enrolled on fully online courses are not eligible for these programmes
- Talented Athlete Programme: Competing at a Regional level or above and able to provide adequate evidence
- Sports Scholarship: Competing at a National level or above and able to provide adequate evidence
How to apply
Ready to take the next step? Here’s how to apply for athlete support at Keele.
| Talented Athlete Programme | Sport Scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
Applications |
Post arrival | Pre and post arrival |
Competition level |
Regional level or above |
National level or above |
Sport/Discipline |
All* | All* |
* sporting discipline recognised by Sport England.
The small print
Applications are assessed by a multidisciplinary panel from across professional services and academic teams.
The application for the scholarship is undertaken independently of an application to study at Keele University. Both applications must be successful to receive the scholarship. Our support is awarded on an annual basis to ensure it remains tailored to your current level of competition. If you wish to benefit from either programme across multiple years of your degree, you will need to submit a new application for each academic year. Please note that as awards are based on year-on-year progression and panel assessment, re-awarding for subsequent years is not guaranteed. Please note that this award can be combined with other scholarships offered at Keele (if eligible).
Further terms and conditions apply, please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Sports clubs
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, Keele sports clubs help you improve and challenge yourself. Also known as Team Keele, the Athletic Union is responsible for overseeing and supporting our student-led sports clubs.
Read more
Apply today
Applications for the Talented Athlete Programme and Sport Scholarships for 2026/27 entry are open until 09 October 2026.
Sport Scholarships and Talented Athlete Support – Fill in form >
Nick's experience as a Talented Athlete at Keele
Nick Browning, third year student and TeamGB Cross-triathlete to find out how the programme has helped him prepare and compete at the top level of his sport.
View video transcript
