Our expert team have used their knowledge to put together a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions. To begin browsing our FAQ, simply choose a question to reveal the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Play Overseas for this service?
No. Our service is 100% free of charge to student-athletes. We will never ask you for any form of payment.
I have used up all of my NCAA/NAIA eligibility? Can I still compete in the UK?
Yes! Eligibility rules in the UK are very different to those of the NCAA and NAIA. Students will be eligible to compete for their UK university varsity team whilst studying towards their masters degree, regardless of their eligibility status in America or gap years since graduation.
What level of sporting ability do I need to need to apply?
We welcome applicants from all divisions of college sport. In the past we have successfully worked with graduates from: NCAA DI – DIII and NAIA universities.
With our wide range of connections throughout UK university sport, we are confident that we will be able to find options that give you the best opportunity to fulfill your sporting and academic ambitions.
How can Play Overseas help me to find a postgraduate opportunity to further my education and sporting career?
The recruitment process will work similarly to that of U.S. college recruitment. We will promote your profile to a number of UK university coaches and look to generate options that meet your academic and sporting ambitions. When a coach is interested, we will then connect you directly with their staff so you can explore each option in more detail!
I have achieved some postgraduate scholarship offers. Do I have to accept one?
No. Feel free to explore this process and the opportunities available without any obligation to accept. If you decide that you do not wish to pursue this further, you can simply choose to decline your offers. If you wish to accept one, you will then have our full support during the admission process and student visa application.
How long does it take to complete a postgraduate degree in England?
When studying full-time a masters degree takes just 12 months to complete.
I’m interested. When should I apply?
We encourage athletes to register towards the end of their junior year. The earlier an athlete applies the more options they can expect to achieve. Current university seniors should register their interest ASAP.
What level scholarship can I achieve?
Scholarship offers will vary between different UK universities. Whilst full scholarships are very rare, it is important to note that the cost of a UK masters degree is a lot cheaper in England before a scholarship offer is even considered.
Can I secure a student loan?
Yes. Successful candidates will have access to the U.S. Federal Loan System to help cover any fees not covered by a scholarship.
I have been out of school for several years, can I still apply?
Yes. If you wish to return to school to add a further qualification to your resume, we would be happy to hear from you. Your eligibility would not be affected due to a gap in education since graduation.
Is this a professional sports contract opportunity?
No, this is a chance for you to extend your career as a student-athlete. You will be recruited to complete your postgraduate education.
However, the experience of playing overseas, exposure in Europe and chance to meet new contacts in the sport you love could open doors in the future. All whilst adding a masters degree to your resume, giving you a solid foundation for the future!
Professional contract vs. pursuing a postgraduate degree?
We have noticed that many of the students that we have work with have the desire to pursue a professional contract overseas upon graduation. Whilst we encourage you to explore all available options, if a masters degree is in your future plans we feel it makes sense for you to complete this sooner rather than later.
Should you embark on a professional career, it may not be as appealing to return to the classroom in the years ahead. With a UK masters degree taking just 12 months to complete, this opportunity can act as the perfect stepping stone to completing your academic career and preparing you to live overseas in the future.
I have previously had a professional contract, can I still apply?
Yes, this does not impact your eligibility to come to the UK.
What grades should I have to pursue this opportunity?
We are seeking students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and up. The higher your academic credentials, the more scholarship offers you can expect to achieve.
One of my teammates/friends is interested. Can we both apply and find a placement at the same university?
Yes! Travelling with a friend would certainly help to make the most of your time abroad. Whilst we cannot guarantee that the same university coach will make an offer for both, if you identify the name of your friend who you hope to go abroad with, we would be happy to explore this for you.
Is there time to travel the UK/Europe?
Yes! During the UK academic year you have a month off at Christmas and a further month holiday at Easter. Student’s can choose to stay in the UK, travel back to see friends and family or explore!
We understand that your opportunities to travel overseas during your career as a student-athlete would have been limited due to your participation; this is your chance to change that! You can use your holidays to explore the UK and parts of Europe!
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
North American students will require a visa to enter the UK as a student. Students holding other passports can still apply though will need to be aware of visa requirements for students applying from their home country. Please contact us if you need any assistance.
What can I study?
Through our range of connections across a number of different UK universities, we can offer our students the opportunity to study over 150 different masters degrees. Please identify your preferred subject when completing the application form and we will present you options to match your area of academic interest.
Can I work while I study in the UK?
Whilst you are in the UK under the conditions of a student visa, studying must be your main priority. A Masters student is only entitled to work part time (up to 20 hours per week) until the course end date has passed.
Can Play Overseas assist with undergraduate admission?
Yes. Please an e-mail to play@playoverseas.co.uk detailing your current academic status and your ambitions for the future and we would be happy to help.
Can Play Overseas guarantee entry to any of their partner universities?
No. All final decisions regarding admission and the level of scholarship awarded are made by staff at each respective university. Decisions are based determined on both a student’s academic standing and sporting ability.
However, we believe that by using our service your chances of acceptance are greatly increased as we will be promoting you to universities that meet your personal preferences and level of academic standing. Our goal is to use your sporting ability to maximise any available scholarships.
Have Another Question?
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please feel free to contact our expert team via email at play@playoverseas.co.uk with your enquiry.