The Badminton World Federation (BWF) in partnership with the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) have opened a new cycle of scholarships for WAoS’ and the University of London’s Postgraduate Certificate in International Sports Management.
The programme provides unique opportunities for dual-career athletes who have chosen to pursue their education without giving up their elite sporting life. It also offers talent already employed within the badminton family the chance to learn new skills.
Last year, BWF received more than 70 applications from over 35 countries, and a total of 11 candidates started the programme in February 2021.
The recipient of last year’s fully funded scholarship, Mahoor Shahzad of Pakistan, recently earned an invite to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after receiving one of three tripartite positions in women’s singles.
It signifies the holistic benefits and impact such a programme can have for athletes.
Shahzad said of the BWF-WAoS programme: “This collaboration between WAoS and University of London is playing a major role in providing an international platform for players like me who are resilient and eager to do well in sports and studies but find it tough to maintain a balance due to competitions and training schedule. This will not only prepare me for a bright future but also allow me to put my best input on the field.”
For the September 2021 cycle, BWF and WAoS are once again offering similar opportunities, with one fully funded scholarship, and ten 25 per cent scholarships.
The course is 100 per cent online and can be completed over a period of up to five years, recognising that athletes and industry professionals require varying levels of learning at different stages in their careers as many have limited time available.
In order to be eligible, applicants should have:
- An existing undergraduate degree (e.g., bachelor degree) or a minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience and professional references; and
- An English language level of IELTS: at least 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in the written test or other equivalent proficiency certification [link]; plus
- Be in good standing with their Member Association.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “We are delighted to offer a second cycle of scholarships to dual-career athletes and interested badminton industry participants following the immense success of the first intake. The fact one of our scholarship holders from last year will be competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is a great endorsement of the programme.
“With many in the badminton community still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great opportunity for individuals to be able to explore academic pursuits that complement their badminton careers.”
WAoS’ Managing Director Chris Solly added: “We are also delighted with how many professionals from the global badminton family have already joined our scholarship programme and are engaging in further learning in this way.
“With initiatives like this, along with our global education partners and sports industry partners such as BWF, WAoS is helping the sports industry on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis through our fully online education pathway. This provides opportunities from high school to postgraduate education, with some of the world’s leading global educational institutions and international sports bodies as our partners.”
Applications can be made here using the Scholarship ID Code: BWF2021. The deadline to submit is 16 July 2021. BWF will notify successful applicants mid-August 2021.
For more information contact: pgc@worldacademysport.com.
Photos of Mahoor Shahzad can be found here.
