Continue your student-athlete career overseas in 2027 with Play Overseas!
As the 2026 academic year gets underway and our latest group of student-athletes settle into universities across the UK, we’re now looking ahead to 2027, with recruitment underway for student-athletes ready to continue competing and studying in the UK.
University coaches are beginning to identify their recruitment needs for the year ahead, with postgraduate opportunities available for student-athletes looking to start in either January or September 2027.
For graduating college athletes, this creates an opportunity to extend the student-athlete experience beyond the US, combining another year of competitive sport with a master’s degree at a UK university.
At Play Overseas, our completely free service helps graduating and former college athletes identify universities that fit their academic and sporting ambitions, connect with university coaches and explore available scholarship opportunities.
WHY THE UK?
Why Are US College Athletes Choosing the UK?
Graduation does not have to mean the end of competing as a student-athlete. The UK offers a different route, allowing athletes to continue their sport while earning a postgraduate degree.
Earn a Master’s Degree
A UK master’s degree can typically be completed in just 12 months, providing an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification.
Keep Competing
Continue training and competing for a university team throughout the academic year while completing your studies.
No NCAA Eligibility Restrictions
Previous collegiate seasons do not prevent athletes from competing in UK university sport. Graduating seniors, former college athletes and those who have exhausted their NCAA or NAIA eligibility can still compete.
Experience Life Overseas
Combine another year as a student-athlete with the opportunity to study, compete and live in the UK.
2027 OPPORTUNITIES
We Are Recruiting Across a Wide Range of Sports
Our 2027 recruitment is now underway across a variety of sports, including:
The sports above represent some of the UK’s most popular college sports, but there are over 50 different sports competing in university leagues and National Championships.
SPORT SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships Can Make the UK Even More Accessible
Sporting ability can also open the door to additional financial and performance support.
Depending on the university and programme, student-athletes may be considered for sport scholarships, tuition fee reductions or cash bursaries. Scholarship packages can also include additional support such as strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, gym access, coaching and performance services.
Scholarships vary significantly between universities and sports, and they are never guaranteed. Our job is to help identify the opportunities that are relevant to you and introduce you to the right university coaches.
This support is provided as part of our free service to student-athletes.
CHOOSE YOUR INTAKE
January or September 2027 Entry
We are currently recruiting student-athletes for both January and September 2027 entry.
January 2027
An alternative route for athletes whose graduation date or personal circumstances make a September start less suitable.
September 2027
The main UK university intake, typically offering the widest range of postgraduate courses and sporting opportunities.
Starting the process early gives us more time to understand what you are looking for, explore suitable postgraduate courses, identify sporting programmes, speak with university coaches and investigate potential scholarships.
Start Your 2027 Recruitment
If you are graduating from college, have recently graduated or simply want to find out whether continuing your student-athlete career in the UK could be an option, now is the time to start exploring.
Play Overseas has spent more than a decade helping college athletes identify opportunities at UK universities, combining postgraduate education with the chance to continue competing.
Our service is completely free for student-athletes, from your initial conversation with our team through to exploring universities, connecting with coaches and preparing for your move to the UK.
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