Saints Hockey Performance scholarships

The University is committed to attracting high academic achievers with a talent for hockey to come to study at St Andrews.

Saints Hockey Performance Scholarships are offered to students who are playing at a high, competitive level and who wish to pursue an elite level of hockey whilst studying in St Andrews.

St Leonard’s Masters Scholarships are open to postgraduate applicants who can add value to our programmes whilst representing St Andrews, and who can demonstrate non-academic excellence and/or leadership qualities in their chosen sport.

Take a one-year masters programme and play another year of high-level field hockey whilst getting a world-class education.

Eligibility

Saints Hockey Performance scholarships are extended to international applicants enrolling in full-time one-year MSc, MLitt, and MRes postgraduate taught Masters degree programs across all subjects and academic schools.

Players need not possess eligibility to compete within the UK; these scholarships offer a remarkable opportunity to participate in sports for an additional year within a distinct and vibrant environment.

Additional criteria

Applicants must meet the entry requirements for their programme and should be competing at a high level within their sport – usually NCAA, national or international standard.

Sports scholarships will be awarded only to students who matriculate to an eligible degree programme.

How to apply for a Saints Hockey Performance scholarship

To apply for a Saints Hockey Performance scholarship please complete our online application form as soon as possible after submitting your academic application to study at St Andrews.

When to apply

You should apply for a place at the University of St Andrews as early as possible in order to meet the scholarship deadline. However, you do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying for a sports scholarship.

Applications for Saints Hockey Performance scholarships must be submitted no later than 31 May each year.

What does it cover?

As a sports scholar you will receive a comprehensive range of support to help you maximise your athletic and academic potential, including access to professional coaching and first-class training facilities.

Support will be tailored to suit your needs and could be a combination of the following:

• Financial support
• Sports club membership
• Physiotherapy and Sports Massage
• Sport Specific Strength and conditioning coaching
• Saints Sport branded clothing
• Funding for specialist equipment
• Support for academic flexibility
• Funding for entry fees, travel and accommodation to selected events

Compete in the UK, regardless of the number of years played in the NCAA/NAIA – there is no 4-year eligibility requirement.

How to apply

The University of St Andrews has different application routes for postgraduate students depending on the course you are applying for.

Application
Applicants for MSc, MLitt, MRes, Conversion Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate programmes should apply online using the applications and guidance for taught programmes.

Please be aware that there is now an application fee of £50. However, this fee may be waived for applicants with a sports background. For further details regarding this waiver, please contact Sarah Smith ([email protected]). Sarah is a member of the University’s Admissions team based in the USA, specializing in providing guidance on the application process.

Entry requirements
To study a taught programme you’ll normally need a good first degree with Honours from a UK university (or its overseas equivalent). Find out more. 

Supporting documents and references
Check the course page for all the documents you’ll need when you apply.

You must submit your documents using the applicant portal. You may need to submit some of the required documents before your application can be considered.

Hockey in the United Kingdom holds its own unique character when compared to the United States. The University’s hockey team actively participates in both the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) and Scottish Hockey national league competitions.

Throughout the course of the year, our players engage in approximately 35 games, requiring travel to various locations across the UK. Our weekly schedule is as follows:

• Monday: commencing with a strength and conditioning session from 5:40pm to 6:20pm, our players then engage in focused practice sessions from 6:30pm to 8pm.
• Tuesday: a well-deserved day of rest
• Wednesday afternoon: this time is dedicated to the BUCS league and knockout games across the UK
• Thursday: the players convene for practice from 6:30pm to 8pm, honing their skills and teamwork
• Friday: another day of rest
• Saturday: the weekend is dedicated to competing in the Scottish National League

St Andrews University proudly boasts a total of 7 women’s teams, each representing varying levels of expertise and abilities. Notably, players hailing from the NCAA have greatly enriched the experience of our club. These individuals have not only taken on pivotal coaching roles within the teams but have also become integral members of the St Andrews community, contributing their vast experiences to the development of their fellow student-athletes and the overall growth of the teams.

Considerations for Overseas Student-Athletes

For players who may have never ventured beyond their homeland, the idea of relocating to another country can be a significant commitment. Nevertheless, it is precisely this kind of dedication that often leads to some of the most enriching life experiences one can imagine.

In this respect, St Andrews occupies a unique position within the United Kingdom, offering students an exceptional opportunity to embark on a transformative year abroad.
Boasting a distinguished academic reputation and strategically situated, St Andrews provides students with an ideal environment to fully engage in a year of international study.

The University’s stellar academic standing ensures that students can continue their educational pursuits without compromise, while its proximity to an international airport facilitates convenient access for exploration throughout Europe during weekends and breaks. The vibrant student community at St Andrews further enriches this experience, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends borders.

Endorsement

With a wealth of coaching experience and a profound understanding of the needs and aspirations of student-athletes, Director of Hockey Jamie Carnegie has had the privilege of collaborating with coaches and athletes in the United States. These professionals can attest not only to Jamie’s coaching prowess but also to the University’s standing as a destination for academic pursuits:

• Mark Egner – Dartmouth Head Coach
• Allan Law – USA U21
• Holly Cram – Aspire USA Sports Scholarships

St Andrews stands as a place where students can excel, study, and grow during a year of profound international experience.

“Studying at St Andrews is an incredible opportunity to continue pursuing my academic interests while playing hockey. It is exciting to be studying and playing in a new country and culture.”

Maggie Frederick MLitt Modern History 2024, Bowdoin 2023