Keep playing
UK university sport has no age limit, no cap on years and no amateurism rule.
Study & play
in the UK.
Out of NCAA or NAIA eligibility? Play another season at a UK university while you earn a master's degree in 12 months. Free for athletes.
- More season
- +1
- Months to a master's
- 12
- Cost to you
- £0
12 sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- American Football (M)
- Field Hockey (W)
- Golf
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
Don't see yours? Email admin@studentathletenetwork.co.uk
Your senior season
isn't your last.
Earn your master's
A full-time degree in 12 months, at a fraction of US grad school prices.
Go pro from here
Combine university sport with club play, and stay up to 18 months after you graduate.
How it works
One-to-one support from your application to your flight, including university applications and your Student visa.
- 01ApplyFive minutes, free.
- 02ConsultationA call about your goals.
- 03Find your universityWe put you in front of coaches.
- 04ApplicationsGuided, and free to submit.
- 05FinancesScholarships, then your visa.
- 06DepartureStart your journey overseas.
From the athletes
“They offered me an opportunity I didn't even know existed, and helped me through it from start to finish.”
“I kept playing after my US eligibility ended, and I'm doing the master's of my dreams.”
“They guided me through the visa and school applications, and still check in on how I'm doing.”
FAQ
Anything else, email admin@studentathletenetwork.co.uk
Eligibility
I've used all my NCAA or NAIA eligibility. Can I still play?
Yes. US college eligibility rules don't apply to British universities, so you can still represent your university.
I graduated several years ago. Am I still eligible?
Yes. There's no time limit, so you can apply at any point.
I've played professionally. Can I still play?
Yes. There are no amateurism rules in UK university sport.
Do I need a bachelor's degree?
Yes, to start a master's. We can begin working with you while you're still finishing it.
What GPA do I need?
Most universities ask for at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and some ask for more. A higher GPA also opens up academic scholarships.
What level do I need to be?
We've placed athletes from NCAA D1 to D3, NAIA, USCAA, NCCAA and U Sports/CCAA in Canada, and we can work with club athletes too.
I want to go pro but have no offers. Is this a good route?
Yes, if you're committed to your studies. Once you're playing in Europe it's much easier to move up, and coaches can judge you against competition they know.
Your degree
How long is a master's?
A full-time master's in the UK usually takes 12 months.
What can I study?
Our partner universities offer over 200 master's programmes. Tell us what you want to study and we'll shortlist universities that offer it.
Will a UK master's count back home?
Yes. British universities are recognised worldwide, and many employers value international experience.
How do I know which university is right for me?
We give you a shortlist based on your academic and athletic goals, then you talk to the coaches and academic staff. We'll help you weigh up the options.
Can I apply to more than one university?
Yes, and we encourage it. Applications to UK universities are free.
Cost and funding
Do I have to pay Student Athlete Network?
No. Our service is free for athletes.
How much does a UK master's cost?
It depends on the university and the city. Tuition, accommodation and living costs together usually come in well below a US master's, and scholarships bring that down further. We'll give you real figures for each university on your shortlist.
Are there scholarships?
Yes: athletic, academic and international scholarships. Some universities let you combine them; others allow one. Full scholarships are rare.
Can I use US federal student loans?
US citizens can use federal Direct Loans at many UK universities. Since 1 July 2026 Grad PLUS loans are closed to new borrowers and federal borrowing is capped, so plan to combine loans with scholarships and savings.
Can I work while I study?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week during term time.
Visa and life in the UK
Do I need a visa?
Yes, a Student visa. The application fee is £558 and you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. We guide you through it.
Will I get healthcare?
Yes. You pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year of your visa) when you apply, which gives you access to the NHS while you're in the UK.
Can I stay and work after I graduate?
Yes. The Graduate visa lets you live and work in the UK for 18 months after a master's, for applications made from 1 January 2027.
Where will I live?
Your university will recommend accommodation, and we can suggest options in your city. Often your coach can help you live with teammates.
Will I have time to travel?
Yes. University games are on Wednesdays, and there are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Most of Europe is a short flight from London.
Applying
When should I apply?
As soon as you can, even if you're still finishing your bachelor's. The earlier you sign up, the more options you'll have.
Can I apply with a friend?
Yes. It's common for two friends to come over and study at the same university.
I don't want to keep playing. Can you still help?
Yes, including internships with professional sports teams. Email us to find out more.
Can you help with undergraduate places?
Yes. Email admin@studentathletenetwork.co.uk for details.
Erasmus+ returns · 2027–28
A funded year abroad for UK basketball graduates
Study & play
in the UK.
Applications are open for January and September starts.
Start your application