If you’re an international student looking to study sports and stay in Europe, then you’ve come to the right place! European countries are known to excel in sports, especially when it comes to soccer.
Did you know that some European universities offer sports scholarships to international students? In this article, we’ll take a look at sports scholarships for international students in Europe and how to apply for them. Plus, we’ll discuss the perks of studying in Europe and the university programs that are available there, too!
Types of Programmes
There are many different programs that can offer scholarships. Some of them will be specific only to athletes from certain countries, while others will accept applicants from across all nationalities.
Before you apply, make sure you have a clear understanding of what program you’re applying for, so that your submission is tailored appropriately. This can save you a lot of time down the line when it comes to submitting your documents and waiting on responses.
European Countries and Sports Known for
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Basket Ball
Eurobasket ball is a men’s national league in Europe they are more originated in countries like Greece, Serbia, Turkey, and Spain. In Lithuania, it is the national sport. It is also very popular in Italy, France, Germany, and all ex-Yugoslavia countries.
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Cricket
Cricket is a sport popularly known in the United Kingdom, it is well played during the summer season, Cricket was adopted in Northwest areas of Europe like the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Northern France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland
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HandBall
Handball is a well-recognized professional sports game that is well played in the European continent in countries like,
Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Slovenia, and Croatia. The European Handball Federation organizes continental competitions for men and women in the handball sports leagues.
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Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey is a very popular game in the European continent and is well recognized in countries like Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, and northern central Europe, where it rivals association football in popularity.
It is also popular at a professional level in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, most of Western Europe, and parts of the former USSR and Yugoslavia.
Click here for more details about European sports
Sports scholarships in Europe can be obtained if you show good performance in sports such as:
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Golf
- European football (sokker)
- American football
- Baseball
- Fencing
- Wrestling
- Athletics
- Horseback Riding
- Rowing
- Cross-country skiing.
Full List of European Countries where Foreign Students can Receive Sports Scholarships:
- Italy
- Spain
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Czech Republic
- Slovenia
- Serbia
- Austria
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Latvia.
How Sports Scholarship Education Works in Europe:
The European sports scholarship program will offer you a fully-funded scholarship program but it literally depends and the type of sports program you are venturing in.
Full scholarships are majorly awarded to individuals with high potential in a sports program, this comprises of full financial funded program, (for the support of educational expenses, meals, and accommodation).
Application Process
Applying for a sports scholarship in Europe is no different than applying for any other European degree program. Unless you have lived or studied in that particular country before, you will have to go through their standard application process.
This can involve writing an essay about why you are interested in studying at their university, providing academic transcripts (in English if possible), high school transcripts, and a reference letter from your current school of study.
Sometimes, you may be asked about your sporting ability or experience; for example, if you’re applying as a basketball player to play professionally after your studies have ended. Make sure that everything is translated into English by a certified translator (this will save problems later down the line).
Procedures for European Sports Scholarship Application:
- Consultation with athletics coach to get a realistic assessment of scholarship odds
- Selection of European schools or universities that meet the needs and priorities of the student
- Making a games portfolio with photographs, recordings, its advancement
- Proper registration, preparation for the necessary tests (IELTS, FCE, CAE, A-level diploma, IBO)
- Comparison of scholarship conditions of various universities
- Applying to an educational institution
- Preparation of visa applications, and purchase of insurance.
Awards and Benefits
There are many awards and benefits associated with playing sports abroad. These include scholarships, grants, sponsorships, recognition, exposure, and networking opportunities.
The best part is that these awards are available to students of all skill levels – from beginner athletes just looking to play their first game at a higher level, to competitive top-tier athletes looking for elite training conditions. Whatever your skill level may be, there’s an opportunity out there!
