Postgraduate Certificate in International Sport Management

In June 2021, BWF-WAoS opened a new cycle of scholarships for WAoS’ and the University of London’s Postgraduate Certificate in International Sports Management September 2021 intake.

BWF received 24 applications from 17 countries, comprising staffs of Member Associations, current and former athletes (badminton and Para badminton), technical officials, coaches and university graduates, with female applicants making up 29 per cent.

After going through the evaluation process, we shortlisted candidates for the one fully-funded scholarship and 10 25 per cent-funded scholarships available.

The full scholarship went to Gronya Somerville, a women doubles player from Australia. The 25 per cent scholarships were awarded to three female applicants and four male applicants.

“Receiving this full scholarship for PGC International Sports Management programme is an amazing opportunity to progress my education in a way that compliments my badminton career. Being fully online and flexible in this programme allows me to still prioritise my training and travel schedule while being able to gradually advance in my studies and better prepare myself for life after sport. Studying is one of the best things to do while on tour as it allows me to take my mind off sport and make the most of the down time to still take steps forwards in other avenues and achieve other goals. I hope with the knowledge and skills I gain from this programme, I can give back to the sport and continue to help with its development and growth within Australia and also globally.” – Somerville.

In November 2021, BWF-WAoS opened again another cycle of scholarships for the same programme for the February 2022 intake. BWF received 10 applications from nine countries, with female applicants making up 30 per cent.

The full scholarship went to Ritah Asiimwe, an Ugandan SU5 player who participated at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Other than that, two half scholarships and three 25 per cent scholarships were awarded.

“I am super excited, proud and blessed. I always wanted to further my studies since 2010 when I acquired a degree in Development Studies but could not afford it. I have never thought the opportunity will come through sports. It’s a great opportunity and another achievement, a motivation to carry on with life. I hope it empowers me even after being an active athlete. I wished, hoped and prayed for something like this and thank you BWF for this phenomenal opportunity.” – Asiimwe.

The certification is jointly offered by WAoS and University of London, with 16 candidates currently enrolled.

Bachelor of International Sport Management degree

Nine candidates from nine countries applied for scholarships for the February 2022 intake of the Bachelor of International Sport Management degree offered by BWF, WAoS and Federation University.

The fully online course was developed through identifying the need of athletes to have dual careers and from industry professionals for more flexible study options. The degree can be completed in three years full-time or up to 10 years part-time.

Among the applicants are current players, national coaches and Member Association staff. One fully funded scholarship and four 25 per cent scholarships were available and the full scholarship went to Nour Youssri, the Egyptian recently crowned the new African champion.

“I’m so grateful and thankful for receiving the full scholarship from BWF and WAoS. It will be a new chapter and journey in my life. This scholarship has given me the opportunity to study my passion and what I love so that I can reach my goals. Being a student athlete is not easy and requires hard work, but I believe studying what I love while being an athlete makes it easier to have a dual career.” – Youssri.

Athlete Certificate

Last September, BWF and WAoS also opened a new cycle of scholarships for the WAoS Athlete Certificate, which is an online course developed for aspiring athletes between 15 to 18 years who want to gain a broader understanding of the tools needed to become successful and knowledgeable athletes.

Hundred scholarships were offered to each Member Association to access the online course. A total of 96 applications have been received from 21 Member Associations, with female youth athletes accounting for 38 per cent of it.

“The WAoS Athlete Certificate has positively changed the way I perceive life as a student-athlete.” – Kawther Mohamed Rabie, one of the A scholars from Egypt.