Football scholarships for men

With one of the UK's leading football scholarship programmes, the University of Stirling offers talented student footballers tailored packages to support them compete and train at the highest possible level whilst undertaking an academic degree.

At Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence, we bring together the highest quality performance coaches, facilities, sports science, strength and conditioning, physiotherapy and performance mentoring to help our athletes reach their sporting potential.

Our football scholars represent the University at the highest level of British student football in the BUCS Championship and compete in the semi-professional Scottish Lowland Football League and numerous cup competitions.

Group photo of mens football team after playing in Scottish Cup

History makers

Our men's football team became the first ever student side to reach the 4th round of the Scottish Cup, taking on SPFL Premiership side Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

What our football scholarship offers you

  • A bespoke financial package to cover competitions, training camps and equipment expenses.
  • Academic flexibility allowing athletes to optimise both study and sport.
  • Near full-time training and playing schedule.
  • Opportunity to play in BUCS Premier league and cup competitions.
  • Complimentary membership to the University sports facilities including access to world-class 50m swimming pool and gym areas.
  • Strength and conditioning support services in dedicated high performance suite.
  • Academic scholarships also available to assist with tuition fees.
  • Sport science support
  • Physiotherapy clinics
  • Essential clothing and equipment
Footballer Craig Brown in graduation robes
Craig Brown
BA (Hons) Sport Business Management graduate and current SPFL player
I received great support during my time at Stirling. The football scholarship benefitted me greatly – and I would encourage any young footballer to seize the opportunity to come here to combine their sporting ambitions with their academic studies.

Selection criteria

To be considered for a scholarship, prospective student athletes must meet the following criteria:

  1. Hold, or be in the process of applying for, a place on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at the University of Stirling.
  2. Have junior or senior international honours, be a former professional at Academy or senior club level or played at NCAA level.
  3. If successful, scholars must compete for the University in both the student and Lowland League competitions.

Our partners

The Mackay Clinic

The Mackay Clinic kindly sponsors football scholarships. It’s renowned for the invention of its revolutionary Internal Brace by Professor Gordon Mackay. It’s the most significant advance in the treatment of ligaments and tendons in a generation.

Find out more about The Mackay Clinic

Applying for a scholarship

Please complete and return the ISSP application form before 30 June for a September start.

Scholarships are subject to applicants achieving relevant academic entry requirements.

Please also send relevant and recent match footage to accompany your application.

Download and apply

Sports scholarships (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, EU or International)

The University of Stirling offers sports scholarships to undergraduate students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, EU and International with a value of £2,000 per year of study. These scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the sport-specific qualification criteria and who meet or exceed their academic conditions for entry.

Sports scholarships
student in gym

Sporting Excellence Fund

Your gift powers performance. Better equipment. Access to top coaches. International competition opportunities. Support that fuels the success of Stirling’s elite athletes - competitors with national titles, international experience, and global ambition.

Single gift or regular support – join the team that makes champions.

See how you can support our performance athletes

Contact us

If you would like to talk to us about our sport scholarships please contact our Performance Sport team.