Every year, The Student Sport Company helps international student-athletes pursue their academic and sporting ambitions at UK universities.
Through our free UK university sport recruitment service, we help students identify suitable undergraduate and postgraduate courses, explore university sports programmes, connect with coaches and pursue UK university sport scholarship opportunities.
While it is always exciting to help new students and their families secure university places and sports scholarships, it is equally rewarding to hear how those already studying in the UK are progressing and excelling.
In this article, we highlight a small selection of student-athletes at different stages of their academic and sporting journeys, from completing their first year to graduating with first-class honours. These are just a few examples from the many students we have supported to study and play sport in the UK.
Vasu Goyal
From India to graduating with First Class Honours
Vasu Goyal moved from India to the UK in 2023 to study BSc (Hons) Computer Science while continuing to play competitive cricket.
After successfully balancing his academic studies with university sport, Vasu recently graduated from Nottingham Trent University with First Class Honours.
Vasu’s achievement represents the complete student-athlete journey. From initially exploring his UK university options and securing his place to playing cricket and completing his degree, he has made the most of the academic and sporting opportunities available to him.
His success demonstrates that UK university sport recruitment is about more than finding somewhere to continue playing. The right university can help a student-athlete pursue their sport while working towards a valuable qualification and preparing for life after graduation.
Tshila Munyai
Combining cycling with Mechanical Engineering
Tshila Munyai moved from South Africa to the UK in 2024 to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Derby while continuing to develop as a competitive cyclist.
Now approaching the end of his second year in the UK, Tshila has continued progressing academically and athletically, including competing on the world stage while working towards his degree.
Reflecting on his experience of studying and competing in the UK, Tshila said:
“Life in the UK as a student athlete has been an incredible experience. Having been here for almost two years now, the progress I’ve made both in cycling and personally has been immense. Being able to compete on the world stage while still working towards my university degree is something I’m incredibly grateful for. The support and opportunities I’ve had through the University of Derby have allowed me to continue developing as an athlete without having to sacrifice my education. Moving to the UK and choosing Derby has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my cycling career, and I’m excited to see how far I can take it.”
Chloé Olenga
Achieving a Distinction and embracing a new rugby challenge
Originally from Congo, Chloé began her UK university journey in 2025, studying International Business while continuing her development as a rugby player.
During her first year, Chloé successfully adapted to a new country, university and sporting environment. She completed the academic year with a Distinction while also taking on a new challenge on the rugby field, moving from the backline into the forwards.
Reflecting on her first year in the UK, Chloé said:
“I have completed my first year of university and I’ve received my results. I’ve passed with Distinction and I just wanted to thank you and your team once again for this opportunity. I also had a wonderful rugby experience this year. I changed positions from backline to forward, which was a great change for me.”
Chloé’s experience demonstrates how the right UK university opportunity can support a student-athlete’s academic, sporting and personal development.
The Continued Growth of Our UK University Sport Recruitment
These student stories come during an exciting period of growth for The Student Sport Company.
In September 2026, we will welcome our largest-ever group of international student-athletes to the UK. These students will arrive from countries around the world to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while continuing to compete in UK university sport.
This continued growth reflects the increasing international awareness of the academic, sporting and scholarship opportunities available at UK universities.
One of the student-athletes joining our September 2026 intake is Hungarian footballer Ákos…
Ákos Zalan Lazar
Preparing to play in the highest division of UK university football
Ákos approached The Student Sport Company for help finding an opportunity to combine a UK degree with high-level university football.
After assessing his academic and sporting profile, our team helped Ákos explore a wide range of university and scholarship opportunities. He has now accepted a scholarship offer that will allow him to compete in the highest division of UK university football while studying towards a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Reflecting on the support he received, Ákos said:
“Working with The Student Sport Company made the entire application process easy, fast and problem-free. Because of their guidance and help, I can experience high-level university football and make unforgettable memories in the UK.”
Ákos is now preparing to move from Hungary to the UK and begin the next stage of his academic and football journey as part of our largest-ever international student-athlete intake.
Start your UK university sport recruitment for 2027
As Ákos and our other September 2026 students prepare to begin their UK university journeys, we are already helping the next group of international student-athletes explore opportunities for September 2027.
Starting early gives you more time to compare universities, connect with coaches and explore the UK university sport scholarships and performance programmes available in your sport.
The Student Sport Company provides a free service to help international student-athletes identify suitable universities, pursue sporting opportunities and navigate the application and recruitment process.
If you are considering studying and playing sport in the UK in 2027, now is the time to begin. Click below to register your details and begin your journey.
Not sure where to start? Why not arrange a call with our team to discuss your academic background, sporting experience and potential UK university opportunities.
Your UK university sport journey could be the next success story we share!
