University of Roehampton Offers £2,000 Esports Scholarships to Students

Esports Scholarships at Roehampton

The University of Roehampton has introduced esports scholarships for its undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships, valued at £2,000, are awarded to individuals who can demonstrate both academic achievement and excellence in competitive video gaming.

Mark Ellul, University of Roehampton registrar, stated that the scholarship recognizes talent in a field with increasing global popularity and among the student body. Scholars are required to participate in weekly university tournaments and represent the university at in-person events.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants typically need to meet minimum rankings in major esports titles. However, the university also considers applications from those who are close to the ranking threshold but meet other criteria, such as having a significant following on streaming platforms like Twitch.

The scholarship amount was initially £1,500 but was increased to £2,000 due to the team's performance and rising popularity. Former esports scholar Cameron Dray noted that the financial support was crucial for studying in an expensive city without needing part-time work.

Impact on Students

The scholarship provides financial assistance, allowing students to focus more on their studies and competitive gaming without the added pressure of external employment. Dray encouraged students to explore all available scholarships and bursaries, as many funds go unclaimed.

This program reflects a growing trend of universities recognizing esports as a legitimate competitive activity, similar to traditional sports, and offering support to talented student-athletes in this field.