With the biggest weekend of UK University tennis coming up, here is a look at what BUCS tennis is and the significance of the Super Weekend.
The top level of British university tennis returns to Loughborough this weekend, bringing together the country’s leading university teams for two days of National League competition.
This weekend, the top six men’s and women’s university teams will travel to the North of England to compete in the opening round of fixtures of the BUCS National League
For international tennis players considering university in the UK, this article explores the BUCS Super Tennis Weekend, the teams competing, how the BUCS league structure works and the opportunities available to combine a university degree with competitive tennis.
What is the BUCS Super Tennis Weekend?
The Super Weekend brings together the top six men’s and women’s teams from the BUCS National League, the top division of UK university tennis. Two Super Weekend events are scheduled within each season for Premier National fixtures only.
The opening Super Weekend features the first round of National League matchups across both divisions while the second Super Weekend hosts the concluding fixtures, where league champions are officially decided.
What Teams are in the 2026/2027 National League?
Men's Premier
| Rank | University |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Durham University |
| 2 |  University of Stirling |
| 3 |  Loughborough University |
| 4 |  University of Bath |
| 5 |  Leeds Beckett University |
| 6 |  University of Nottingham |
Women's Premier
| Rank | University |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Stirling |
| 2 |  University of Essex |
| 3 | Loughborough University |
| 4 | University of Bath |
| 5 | Leeds Beckett University |
| 6 | University of Nottingham |
The National League – The Pinnacle of UK University Tennis
The BUCS National League is the highest level of the annual BUCS university tennis team league competition.
The last five seasons have highlighted the competitive balance of BUCS National League tennis, with multiple universities claiming titles. Stirling has won three men’s championships and Loughborough three women’s titles, while Nottingham and Bath have also enjoyed success. This mix of sustained success and changing champions highlights the depth of competition at the top of British university tennis.
BUCS delivers a diverse level of competition across BUCS tennis, with 391 teams across 85 leagues and knockouts, involving 81 institutions during the 2025–26 season.
The BUCS Tennis Pathway: Divisions, Leagues and National Competition
The BUCS National League is the highest level of the annual BUCS university tennis team league competition but it also extends well beyond the Premier National division featured at the Super Weekend. Beneath it, teams compete in regional Premier divisions and leagues across areas including the Midlands, North, South East, West and Scotland, with multiple tiers in several regions. This creates opportunities for students with different levels of experience and ambition to represent their university and compete against other institutions.
Why Is the UK a Great Place to Play University Tennis?
The UK offers international tennis players the opportunity to combine their degree with competitive sport, with BUCS providing men’s and women’s leagues at different levels, from regional competitions to the Premier National League.
Regular Competition
Take part in competitive university tennis fixtures, with Wednesday games where offered by your programme.
A Programme That Fits You
Explore different programme options to find a pathway that suits your playing level and sporting ambitions.
Balance Study and Sport
Pursue your degree while continuing to play tennis. Entry criteria and eligibility may vary by programme.
Scholarship Opportunities
Depending on the university and programme, scholarships may be available to help support the cost of studying.
Be Part of a Team
Represent your university, compete alongside teammates and become part of its sporting community.
Develop Your Game
Continue building your tennis experience while working towards your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
How The Student Sport Company Can Help You
For players exploring university tennis in the UK, the wider lesson is that the standard can vary across institutions and levels of competition. Understanding those differences is an important step towards finding a programme that fits both sporting ambitions and academic plans.
At The Student Sport Company, we specialise in helping international student-athletes explore opportunities at universities across the UK through our completely free service. From introducing you to university tennis coaches and exploring potential scholarship opportunities to supporting your university application, our experienced team is here to guide you through the recruitment process.
Ready to explore your opportunities?
Whether you're considering an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate year in the UK, get in touch with our team to discover how we can help you take the next step towards studying and playing university tennis in the UK.
Please follow our social media channels to keep up to date with all things sport related across the Higher Education sector!
