The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship

The University is the recipient of a generous donation in memory of Douglas Clasper, the father of Mike Clasper an Honorary Graduate of the University who was born and brought up in Sunderland.  The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship offers a first year student £2,000 a year for the three years of your studies, 20% discount on your fees, 20% off University accommodation and tailored support from Team Sunderland.

The scholarship supports talented athletes and is only open to first year students. 

This scholarship offers the following generous support package for each year of continuous study:

• £2,000 cash payment for each year of undergraduate study (up to a maximum of three years)
• A tuition fee discount of 20%
• A 20% discount on university-managed accommodation
• Specialist support, including mentoring, sport massage and physiotherapy, gym access, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and lifestyle management

The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship 2025/26 is for students who:

• Started your course in autumn 2025.
• Study an eligible full-time undergraduate course in autumn 2025
• Have been selected within the last 18 months to compete at regional, national or international level
• Are a member of Team Sunderland as an Elite Athlete
• Participate in a sport recognised by BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport)

The Philanthropy Team can offer you advice or answer any questions you may have about completing your application.
Please contact the team on philanthropy@sunderland.ac.uk  

The Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship Case Studies

Hear how the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship Case Studies has helped create life changing experiences for students: