by International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in partnership with FIFA · De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Postgraduate (Master's)🌍 United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland📌 Merit-based and Need-based
Approximately 5-10% for the program; scholarship competition is even higher.
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
FIFA Master Scholarship, administered by International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in partnership with FIFA, is one of the funding options available to international students, sports professionals, and former athletes in United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland. The award covers The scholarship primarily provides financial assistance toward the tuition fees of the FIFA Master program. In exceptional cases, it may cover the full tuition and contribute to living expenses, though most awards are partial grants ranging from CHF 5,000 to CHF 25,000. and is open to postgraduate (master's) students studying management, law and humanities of sport. The scholarship runs for 10 months. Eligibility is generally based on open to all nationalities. Applicants must have completed a university degree, possess an excellent command of English (TOEFL/IELTS), and demonstrate a strong interest/experience in the sports industry. Professional work experience is highly valued. The application deadline is Mid-January (typically January 10th each year), with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 5-10% for the program; scholarship competition is even higher.. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for FIFA Master Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
8%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to CHF 25,000
⏳
Duration
10 months
📅
Deadline
Mid-January (typically January 10th each year)
⚖️
Fields
Management, Law and Humanities of Sport
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Usually 3-5 major scholarships per intake)
🌏
Study Country
United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland
🏛️
Provider
International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in partnership with FIFA
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 5-10% for the program; scholarship competition is even higher.
The FIFA Master Scholarship is provided by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) to support students of the International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport. The program is a unique course that involves three separate modules at De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland). The scholarship aims to assist high-potential candidates who demonstrate financial need and academic excellence to pursue a career in the global sports industry.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to all nationalities. Applicants must have completed a university degree, possess an excellent command of English (TOEFL/IELTS), and demonstrate a strong interest/experience in the sports industry. Professional work experience is highly valued.
🏛️ Host University
De Montfort University (UK), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
🤝 Sponsor
International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES)
⚖️ Fields of Study
Management, Law and Humanities of Sport
✨ Key Benefits
The scholarship primarily provides financial assistance toward the tuition fees of the FIFA Master program. In exceptional cases, it may cover the full tuition and contribute to living expenses, though most awards are partial grants ranging from CHF 5,000 to CHF 25,000.
🎯 Target Students
International students, sports professionals, and former athletes
Approximately 5-10% for the program; scholarship competition is even higher.
Acceptance Rate
Low
Competition Level
Win Probability
8%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (Partial or Full)
Living Stipend
Varies (Specific CIES scholarships may include a small living allowance)
Total Award
Up to CHF 25,000
✈️ Travel: No (Students must cover travel between modules in UK, Italy, and Switzerland)🏠 Accommodation: No (Usually student responsibility)💊 Health Insurance: No (Student responsibility)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: No fee for scholarship application; check program application for university-specific fees.
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (Partial or Full)
🏠 Living Stipend
Varies (Specific CIES scholarships may include a small living allowance)
🏡 Accommodation
No (Usually student responsibility)
✈️ Travel Allowance
No (Students must cover travel between modules in UK, Italy, and Switzerland)
💊 Health Insurance
No (Student responsibility)
🎁 Other Benefits
Access to FIFA Master Alumni association, field visits to major international sports organizations, and exclusive networking events.
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable as the program is a one-year intensive master's.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must have a bachelor's degree, high level of English, and professional experience.
🎓 Academic Level
Postgraduate (Master's)
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent 2:1 honors degree)
🗣️ English Requirement
IELTS (min 7.5) or TOEFL iBT (min 100) or Cambridge English (C1/C2)
🍢 Age Limit
No official age limit, but typical candidates are between 25 and 35 years old.
💼 Work Experience
Minimum 2-3 years of professional experience preferred
🏆 Leadership
High (Candidates must demonstrate leadership potential in the sports sector)
💰 Financial Need
Considered (Required documentation for need-based CIES scholarships)
🎯 Target Students
International students, sports professionals, and former athletes
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Motivational letter and personal statements within the application)
Rec Letters
Yes (Two letters of recommendation)
Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Scientific Committee)
Application Fee
No fee for scholarship application; check program application for university-specific fees.
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes (Two letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
IELTS (min 7.5) or TOEFL iBT (min 100) or Cambridge English (C1/C2)
Interview: Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Scientific Committee)
Min GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent 2:1 honors degree)
📋 Application Process
Emphasize your 'international' profile and how you intend to contribute to the sports community post-graduation. Be specific about your career goals within sport management, law, or humanities.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your references are from individuals who can speak to your professional impact and academic rigor. The committee looks for a 'class mix' of diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
September
⏰ Deadline
Mid-January (typically January 10th each year)
🎤 Interview
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Scientific Committee)
🎓 Study Starts
September
September
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Mid-January (typically January 10th each year)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Scientific Committee)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
September
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, professional achievements, quality of the motivation letter, and performance during the interview.
Open to all nationalities. Applicants must have completed a university degree, possess an excellent command of English (TOEFL/IELTS), and demonstrate a strong interest/experience in the sports industry. Professional work experience is highly valued.
This scholarship covers: The scholarship primarily provides financial assistance toward the tuition fees of the FIFA Master program. In exceptional cases, it may cover the full tuition and contribute to living expenses, though most awards are partial grants ranging from CHF 5,000 to CHF 25,000.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Mid-January (typically January 10th each year). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low. Acceptance rate: Approximately 5-10% for the program; scholarship competition is even higher.. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, IELTS (min 7.5) or TOEFL iBT (min 100) or Cambridge English (C1/C2), Yes (Two letters of recommendation) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.