Winning Students 100, Scotland’s national sport scholarship programme, has announced its 2025-26 cohort, marking a record-breaking year for applications and reaffirming its status as a world-leading dual-career programme.
This year’s intake will see 106 student athletes supported as they pursue excellence in both sport and academia. Spanning 31 sports and 18 further and higher education institutions, this year’s in-take of athletes represent the brightest of young sporting talent based in Scotland. We are pleased to share that six Scottish Judoka will be beneficiaries: Eden Heffernan (University of Edinburgh), Sophie Wood (Edinburgh Napier University), Sunny Doig (Heriot-Watt University), Eva Ewing (City of Glasgow College) and Kirsten Taylor (Perth College UHI).
Since its launch in 2008, Winning Students 100 – formerly Winning Students – has become a vital support system and talent pipeline within Scottish sport, supporting over 1,700 student athletes to help them reach the pinnacle of their respective disciplines while gaining an academic qualification and forging the start of a successful career path.
The scholarship is funded by sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council and Scotland’s higher education and further education sector and managed by Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, the University of Stirling.
Cathy Gallagher, Chair, Winning Students 100 Advisory Board said: “Winning Students 100 is a bold and forward-thinking investment in the future of Scottish sport and education. The programme positions Scotland as a true pioneer, delivering a comprehensive support system that empowers athletes to achieve their full potential.
“The programme is about cultivating well-rounded leaders who are prepared for success in all aspects of their life. This year’s record-breaking applications highlight the programme’s reputation as a world leader in dual-career support, and we are proud to champion these exceptional individuals.
“As we look ahead to the coming year, we are filled with hope and excitement for what this cohort will achieve. Whether it’s excelling in their academic studies, breaking records in their chosen sports, or representing their nations on the world stage, these students embody the very best of what this programme stands for.
“This dual focus on academic and sporting excellence has made Winning Students 100 a powerful platform for success. By working closely with sportscotland, the Scottish Funding Council, partner institutions, and national governing bodies, we ensure that the programme continues to deliver value to students, parents, institutions, and funders alike. Together, we are shaping the future of Scottish sport and education.”