The World Aquatics Scholarship programme provides financial and technical support to elite athletes with internationally recognised achievements who lack access to high-performance training in their home countries. This fully funded opportunity covers swimming, diving, open water, artistic swimming, water polo, and high diving for the 2026-27 cycle.
World Aquatics is the international governing body for aquatic sports, overseeing disciplines including swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, open water swimming, and high diving. Launched in 2014, the scholarship programme has transformed the careers of hundreds of athletes globally, and the 2026-27 edition marks a historic milestone with the introduction of High Diving scholarships.
World Aquatics Scholarship Benefits
- Full board accommodation at world-class Training Centres
- Access to top-tier training facilities and coaching
- Support participating in competitions
- Insurance coverage
- Personal pocket money allowance
- Various personal development opportunities
- Study opportunities at the University of Technology Bahrain (for athletes based in Bahrain)
- Regular high-level competition, specialised coaching and additional development opportunities (Water Polo)
- Scholarship grant for Artistic Swimming duets and High Divers to choose their own training location and programme
World Aquatics Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current national team member
- Must have represented their country at international level
- Must be preparing to compete at upcoming World Aquatics Championships and the Olympic Games
- Age limits, national ranking requirements, and qualifying competition criteria apply for each discipline
- Priority given to candidates with the greatest need and to whom the scholarship will create the most meaningful opportunity
How to Apply for World Aquatics Scholarship
- National Federations must submit online applications by no later than 30 April 2026
- A separate application must be submitted for each nominated athlete
- Use the discipline-specific application links: Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, High Diving
- Refer to the official 2026–27 World Aquatics Scholarship Programme document for full details, eligibility requirements and sport-specific criteria
- Contact the World Aquatics Development Unit at [email protected] for any questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the World Aquatics Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme?
The World Aquatics Scholarship Programme provides financial and technical support to athletes with internationally recognised achievements who lack access to high-performance training in their home countries. It covers swimming, diving, open water, artistic swimming, water polo, and high diving.
Who can apply for the World Aquatics Scholarship?
Athletes must be current national team members who have represented their country at international level and are preparing to compete at upcoming World Aquatics Championships and the Olympic Games. Age limits, national ranking requirements, and qualifying competition criteria apply for each discipline.
What does the World Aquatics Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides full board accommodation, access to top-tier training facilities and coaching, support for competitions, insurance coverage, a personal pocket money allowance, and various personal development opportunities. Athletes in Bahrain also receive study opportunities at the University of Technology Bahrain.
When is the deadline to apply for the World Aquatics Scholarship 2026-27?
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. National Federations must submit their online applications by this date.
How long does the World Aquatics Scholarship last?
Swimming, Diving and Open Water Swimming scholarships run for two years, commencing 1 September 2026 and running through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Scholarships in Artistic Swimming, High Diving and Water Polo are awarded on a one-year basis.
How many athletes are targeted in the 2026-27 programme?
The programme targets 100 Swimmers, 20 Open Water Swimmers, 20 Divers, 10 Artistic Swimming Duets, 20 Water Polo players, and 6 High Divers. Continental representation and gender equality will be prioritised.
Where are the World Aquatics Training Centres located?
Swimming Training Centres are in Antibes (France), Bahrain, Thanyapura (Phuket, Thailand) and Bond University on the Gold Coast (Australia). Diving athletes are based in Toronto (Canada), and Open Water swimmers at Azura Florida Aquatics (Davie, USA) or Antibes.
How do athletes apply for the World Aquatics Scholarship?
Applications must be submitted by National Federations using the discipline-specific online forms. A separate application is required for each nominated athlete. The forms are available on the World Aquatics website.
Is the World Aquatics Scholarship fully funded?
Yes, the scholarship is fully funded. It covers accommodation, training, coaching, competition support, insurance, pocket money, and personal development opportunities.
Who can I contact for more information about the scholarship?
For any questions, please contact the World Aquatics Development Unit at [email protected]. Full details are also available in the official 2026–27 World Aquatics Scholarship Programme document.
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