Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarship Programme
Heriot-Watt University Sports Scholarship Programme is delivered in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, Oriam and Heriot-Watt University Sports Union. It is designed to enable athletes to study whilst competing at the highest level. The programme embeds a high-performance training environment into a student athlete's weekly schedule whilst fully supporting academic study. Our scholarships operate on a top-up support basis, acting as a fully inclusive method to ensure each athlete can reach their full potential in their chosen sport while simultaneously reaching their full academic potential studying at Heriot-Watt University.
Football Scholarship Programme
Our Football Scholarship is designed to support athletes in a high-performance environment to help players achieve both athletic and academic success. This scholarship opportunity is available to football players competing at a high level and affords athletes the opportunity to balance their football career whilst studying.
Men's Football Performance Programme Overview
We provide various opportunities to play football and compete at high level. Competing in BUCS Premier North, which is the highest level of British University Football and in East of Scotland Division 1, Tier 7 of Scottish Football Pyramid.
Training and games played at the Scotland National Performance Centre boasting a full-size indoor football facility, outdoor astroturf and grass pitches.
Football Scholar Support
- 40% Tuition Fee Reduction* (Applicable to fee-paying students only (Rest of UK, International, Scottish Postgraduate)
- Academic Flexibility
- Oriam Membership
- Educational Workshops (Nutrition, Anti-doping, Sport Psychology, Performance Lifestyle)
- Sport Psychology (individual drop-ins and group workshops)
- Performance Lifestyle (1:1 consultations, Academic Flexibility)
- Fitness Testing
- Sport Scholar Kit (1/4 zip sweater, t-shirt & shorts) as well as Heriot-Watt Football Club training and match kit
- StatSport GPS and Heart Rate units
- Premium Travel and hotel stays to BUCS away fixtures
Typical Performance Week
- Team training sessions 3 times per week
- Twice weekly football specific Strength & Conditioning sessions
- Physiotherapy embedded within one weekly S&C session, or through an individual appointment provided on-site by Oriam Clinic
- Weekly Hydrotherapy pool recovery (massage jets, underwater treadmill, hot & cold Cryospas, sauna)
- Video analysis sessions
- 1-2-1 positional specific sessions with Head Coach
Men's Football Eligibility Criteria:
- Scottish/RUK
- Academy Graduate
- Youth Professional
- Senior club level
- Junior or Senior International representation
- International
- Youth Professional
- NCAA Div 2 (USA)
- Junior or Senior International representation
Women's Football Performance Programme Overview
We provide various opportunities to play football and compete at high level. Competing in Scottish Tier 1 which is the highest level of Scottish University Football. We have pathways to offer players access to competing with SWPL 1 & 2 teams.
Football Scholar Support
- 40% Tuition Fee Reduction* (Applicable to fee-paying students only (Rest of UK, International, Scottish Postgraduate)
- Academic Flexibility
- Oriam Membership
- Educational Workshops (Nutrition, Anti-doping, Sport Psychology, Performance Lifestyle)
- Sport Psychology (individual drop-ins and group workshops)
- Performance Lifestyle (1:1 consultation, Academic Flexibility)
- Fitness Testing
Performance Week (In a Typical Week...)
- Team training sessions 2 times per week
- Twice weekly football specific Strength & Conditioning sessions
- Physiotherapy embedded within one weekly S&C session, or through an individual appointment provided on-site by Oriam Clinic
- Weekly Hydrotherapy pool recovery (massage jets, underwater treadmill, hot & cold Cryospas, sauna)
- Video analysis sessions
- 1-2-1 positional specific sessions with Head Coach.
Women's Football Eligibility Criteria:
- Scottish/RUK
- Academy Graduate
- Youth Professional
- Senior club level
- Junior or Senior International representation
- International
- Youth Professional
- NCAA Div 2 (USA)
- Junior or Senior International representation
Football Scholarship Application Process
- Submit UCAS application to apply for your desired Heriot-Watt University degree programme.
- Apply to Sport Scholarship Programme within 7 days of university course application (if contextualised admissions are required), otherwise it may not be possible to amend offer status.
- Sport Governing Bodies/Performance Coaches contacted to confirm applicant’s current and projected performance level.
- Oriam’s Performance Sport Panel review applications.
- Outcomes communicated to applicants following the below timeline
The daily operations and coordination of the programme is managed by Oriam’s Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator.
Application Timeline
Application Window: Open now until 31st August 2026
Review of Applications: Outcomes announced within 4-6 weeks after application submitted, depending on receipt of sport governing body reference.
Application outcome is determined by receipt of national sport governing body reference and/or confirmation of professional status. Please ensure your sport scholarship application is submitted with up-to-date reference contact details.
*Please email Sports Scholarships if you are applying for a January start course.
Apply Now For Heriot-Watt Football Scholarship
For any enquiries regarding Heriot-Watt’s Sports Scholarship Programme, please use our enquiry form. https://forms.office.com/e/iAADuT3RPC
Should you have any further queries, contact our Athlete Lifestyle & Advocacy Coordinator, Emma Cartmill ([email protected]).