Discover why an increasing number of Canadian student-athletes are choosing to study and play sport in the UK.
For many graduating U SPORTS and CCAA athletes, the end of university competition comes with a big question, “How do I keep progressing academically and athletically at the same time?”
Many graduates are now searching for a place where they can continue advancing on both fronts — and increasingly, that search leads them to the United Kingdom.
The UK offers a clear and structured pathway for those who want to elevate their education and athletic career without taking a step back in either area, making it an appealing next chapter for ambitious student-athletes ready to keep moving forward.
From one-year master’s degrees to extended eligibility for U SPORTS and CCAA graduates, we look at why more and more Canadian student-athletes are discovering they can complete a one-year master’s degree while continuing to train and compete in a competitive university sport environment.
A One-Year Master’s Degree That Fits a Sporting Lifestyle
One of the biggest reasons Canadian athletes look to the UK is the academic structure.
Most Canadian master’s degrees take two years, often with research-heavy requirements that make combining elite sport and study challenging.
In contrast, UK universities offer intensive one-year master’s programs designed to be completed quickly and efficiently.
 Canada |  United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Programme length 2 Years | Programme length 1 Year |
| Structure Often research-heavy, with larger time commitments | Structure Designed to be completed quickly and efficiently |
| Structure Harder to combine with elite training & competition | Structure Easier to fit training & competition around study |
| Overall cost Higher total cost over two years | Overall cost Reduced total cost due to the shorter duration and scholarship opportunities |
The shorter format reduces total cost, gets athletes into the workforce sooner, and makes it easier to fit training and competition into their academic schedule.
Eligibility Differences That Open New Doors
If you’ve already played in U SPORTS or the CCAA, you might feel like your competitive window is closing.
The reality is different in the UK.
| Canada | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| During a master's On a typical two-year Canadian master’s, you can usually only compete in Year 1. | During a master's You can remain eligible to compete throughout your UK master’s degree. |
| Year 2 eligibility By Year 2, your university eligibility is typically gone. | Eligibility system The BUCS system does not use North American eligibility limits. |
| After U SPORTS / CCAA Once your U SPORTS or CCAA years are used, there is usually no further university eligibility. | After U SPORTS / CCAA Canadian athletes can compete in BUCS even after using years in U SPORTS or the CCAA. |
| Athlete experience Often forces athletes to step away from sport earlier than they’d like. | Athlete experience Creates a fresh competitive window and an extra reason to consider studying in the UK. |
Postgraduate UK Sport Scholarships
Another major advantage for Canadian student-athletes considering the UK is the availability of sport scholarships at the postgraduate level.
Unlike Canada, where athletic funding is typically directed toward undergraduate athletes, many UK universities actively invest in international student-athletes who have excelled during their time in U SPORTS or the CCAA.
These scholarships can make a significant difference, with many universities offering:
Tuition Fee Reductions
Performance Programme Support
Strength and Conditioning Services
Physiotherapy and Medical Support
Specialist Coaching and Facility Access
For Canadian athletes who have built strong university careers, these awards acknowledge their achievements and help make postgraduate study abroad more affordable.
Because UK universities value the maturity, experience, and leadership that Canadian athletes bring, they are often highly competitive scholarship candidates. This combination of financial support, a one-year master’s degree, and a new sporting environment makes the UK a compelling option for those who want to continue both their academic and athletic journey.
A Strong Next Step After U SPORTS or the CCAA
For Canadian graduates who want a new challenge, the UK provides:
- A competitive and welcoming university sport system
- A fast-tracked master’s degree completed in one year
- The chance to continue training and competing with no eligibility restrictions
- An international experience that broadens academic and career opportunities
The UK pathway offers student-athletes the perfect balance: a new sporting chapter and an internationally recognised qualification completed in just twelve months.
Supporting Canadian Student-Athletes Every Step of the Way
The Student Sport Company provides free support to Canadian student-athletes exploring study and sport opportunities in the UK.
We help with identifying the right master’s programs, connecting with university coaches, exploring scholarship options, completing applications, and navigating the visa process.
We have already supported Canadian athletes from sports such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer in securing master’s opportunities at UK universities, and interest in this pathway continues to grow rapidly.
Click below to learn more about our Postgraduate Recruitment Service or register your details today to begin your journey!
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