Being competent in Rugby opens doors to several opportunities, and it’s even better when you also have a good academic record. You won’t only have the opportunity to study in reputable schools in the world, but you’ll also have free support including scholarships worth up to 100% of fees that can waive educational expenses.
To add to that, your competence in this sport can also open the door to professional rugby, which will definitely be a fulfilling career.
Truth be told, studying outside your home country is expensive, especially if you intend to study in one of the schools in developed countries. Their fees are expensive for most of their citizens talk more of international students that mostly pay double what domestic students pay.
So allowing these Rugby scholarships for international students to pave the way for you is one of the best options you have. Another great option is taking advantage of scholarships provided by these schools, I’m talking about their academic scholarships, which sometimes provide more monetary value than athletic scholarships.
Moreover, the United States provides the best Rugby scholarships, and the United Kingdom comes next. It’s worth noting that these scholarships are competitive for citizens of the country providing them, and even more extreme for International Students.
Therefore, you need to bring your A-game to beat the competition.
Table of Contents
Rugby Scholarships for International Students
1. NCAA D1 & D2 Rugby Scholarships
The United States college Rugby is still maturing, and we could say this because the first-ever Major League Rugby (MLR) Collegiate Draft took place in June 2020. Due to this, the monetary value awarded to students is big, but not as big as headcount scholarships, that is, full-ride athletic scholarships.
It is worth noting that as College Rugby grows in the U.S. there will be more funds to attract more outstanding players including international students.
Anyway, in the United States, both NCAA D1 & D2 provide Rugby scholarships for international female students through college coaches, which means, any college that participates in any of these divisions has scholarships for their student-athletes. Some of these colleges include the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, St. Bonaventure University, Fordham University, University of North Texas, University of Connecticut, Queens Davenport University, and Notre Dame College. and many more.
2. University of Stirling (UK)
The University of Stirling is partnering with the Stirling County Fosroc Super6 rugby franchise to provide scholarships to their student-athletes. This is one of the Rugby scholarships for foreign students that also allows their students to enroll in other additional Scholarships.
Some of them include
- International Undergraduate Scholarship: worth £2,000
- Scholarships for undergraduate students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, EU and International: worth £2,000
3. Bond University (Australia)
Bond University is partnering with the former Wallabies Captain, John Eales AM, to present the John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to two outstanding rugby union players (one male and one female) to be mentored both on and off the field.
The scholarship covers the full fee of recipients and it’s promised to be very competitive. Besides the monetary value, scholars will also network with elite athletes, coaches, and top-level teams from a range of sports.
Also, scholars will receive a living allowance worth $20,000 during their enrollment.
4. Brunel University London (UK)
Brunel University London is another college that offers Rugby scholarships for international students and is partnering with Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club to provide financial assistance to outstanding players from around the world. Scholars will not only receive financial support but also professional rugby training, backroom team assistance, medical, nutritional, and personal support, and degree study.
5. University of College Cork, Ireland
The University of College Cork, Ireland awards the Moss Keane Rugby Scholarship worth €5,000 to both undergraduate and graduate domestic and international student-athletes. Applicants must possess the appropriate academic qualifications needed for admission to UCC or be a full-time registered UCC Student to be eligible for this scholarship.
6. University of Bristol – International Rugby Scholarships
The University of Bristol is recognized among the top 10 universities for sporting achievement in the UK, so you’re guaranteed to have a successful student-athlete life here. They also provide scholarships to ease your educational expenses.
7. Rugby School Thailand
This is one of the Rugby scholarships for international students awarded to students entering Rugby School Thailand who demonstrate high academic ability. The scholarship will waive up to 20% of fees, and students may enter the school as scholars in Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12.
8. UBC Rugby Scholarships (Canada)
The University of British Columbia Rugby provides several academic and athletic scholarships to its citizens, permanent residents, and international students. Just like other scholarships we’ve listed, enrolling at UBC is very competitive.
9. Loughborough Sports Scholarship (UK)
Loughborough University provides up to £5,000 worth of scholarships to their student-athletes competing in sporting activities including Rugby. The scholarship is open to both UK and International Students pursuing their Master’s and Research degrees.
Except for the monetary value, scholars will also receive free membership in Powerbase – one of the country’s largest strength and conditioning gyms –
free Athletic Union club membership, and campus parking permit.
10. University of St. Andrews Sports Scholarships (UK)
Just like every other Rugby scholarships for international students on our list, the University of St. Andrew created its Athletic scholarships to attract and then financially support exceptional students who wish to continue their sport at a high level whilst furthering their education at St Andrew’s.
The school provides both Saints Rugby Performance Scholarships, and St Leonard’s Masters Scholarship for men’s Rugby.
11. Newcastle University Sports Scholarships
Newcastle University provides sports scholarships to both their Undergraduate and postgraduate student-athletes regardless of their nationality. You don’t only need to be one of their students to be eligible, applicants also need to have achieved senior or age group representative honors at the national and/or regional level in the last 12 months, and/or
be a member of the National Governing Body’s (NGB) performance squads or equivalent.
12. Lincoln University Rugby Scholarship (New Zealand)
The Lincoln University Rugby Scholarship is worth $6,000 and applicants need to be willing to trial, and if selected, play for their respective Lincoln University sporting
code for the duration of the scholarship. The only international students who can apply for this Scholarship are Australian Citizens.
13. UEA+Sport Individual Scholarship (UK)
The University of East Anglia provides sports scholarships to both aspiring and current student-athletes studying at the school. The scholarship is worth up to £1,500, scholars will also have free access to Gym and Swim Membership, free use of training facilities at the Sportspark, Free uea+sport membership, Strength and Conditioning support, physiotherapy, Discounted sports massage, Branded sports kit, etc.
14. Maynooth University Sports Scholarships (Ireland)
This list of Rugby scholarships for international students wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Maynooth University Sports Scholarships. This is because they award more than 200 sports scholarships annually, and are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
15. University of Nottingham (UK)
The University of Nottingham provides Sports Scholarships that not only provide financial support worth up to £5,000, it also cover sports and fitness membership, specialist facilities, and support, including physiotherapy support. Their scholarships come in several packages which they categorize as bronze, silver, and gold packages which also include financial support of £1,000 to £8,000.
Applicants, whether UK or International Students need to be studying at least 60 credits a year.
Conclusion
In summary, it’s as if we listed more Rugby scholarships in the UK, you should understand that in the United States, all schools that operate NCAA D1 & D2, NCR, and junior colleges offer athletic scholarships. Unlike in the U.S., most of the Rugby scholarships for international students provided in the United Kingdom are sponsored by schools and not Athletic organizations.
In essence, all schools in the United States that provide any of the aforementioned division levels provide scholarships.
Author’s Recommendations
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. - 15 Best Sports Scholarships in Australia
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. - How To Apply For Sports Scholarships In USA
. - US Sports Scholarships For UK Students
. - Best Sports Scholarships For International Students In USA