Studying as a top-level athlete
Are you a top-level athlete who’d like to study? We’ll help you successfully combine the two – with a flexible, personalised approach and a strong network within elite sport.
Training camps, competitions and the significant time commitment they require place particular demands on your daily life. At the German Sport University Cologne, you do not have to choose between competitive sport and your studies. We create the conditions that enable you to successfully combine both.
As a partner university for elite sport, GSU supports you in successfully combining your studies with elite sport. We have been part of this nationwide network since 2003 and, together with strong partners, are committed to ensuring that you can optimally combine your sporting career with your studies.
Around 100 elite athletes are currently studying at GSU. As Germany’s only sports university, we have made it our mission to ensure the compatibility of competitive sport and your studies in a unique way – and we are constantly developing our programmes further.
Whether it’s flexible study planning, personalised advice or support in coordinating training, competitions and exams: we’ll support you every step of the way so that you can succeed both in elite sport and in your studies.
The benefits of studying at GSU at a glance
More flexibility for squad athletes
Special arrangements, such as those relating to the Physical aptitude test or sabbatical semesters, make it easier to balance studies and sport.
Flexible study planning
Together, we’ll tailor your studies to fit in with your training and competition schedule – with personalised timetables and flexible arrangements.
Individual examinations and assignments
Examination and submission formats are tailored to individual needs where required – in close collaboration with all those involved.
Personal support
Mentors and specialist advisers provide you with personalised guidance and support with your studies and organisational matters.
Attendance and Absences
Training camps and competitions will be taken into account – together we’ll find ways to make your studies work.
Ideal training conditions
Make use of GSU’s sports facilities free of charge for your top-level training.
Everything you need to know about funding
Who is eligible for funding?
Official squad athletes of the DOSB, as well as all elite athletes who are part of a structure similar to that of a national team, are eligible for this individual support. Are you unsure whether you belong to such a squad? Please get in touch and we’ll find out together.
What do I need to do to be eligible for funding?
- Please ensure that you are a member of one of the national squads listed above.
- Complete the membership application form for athletes. By doing so, you acknowledge the terms of the agreement and accept the obligations set out therein.
- Contact the career advisory service at the NRW/Rhineland Olympic Training Centre and arrange a consultation.
- Contact the relevant personnel at Spoho (Dr Meffert or Dr Rohleder) to coordinate all further steps together.
What obligations do I then have towards GSU?
Balancing elite sport with your studies depends on close collaboration – and mutual commitment. As part of the programme, you will play an active role in shaping your dual career and take responsibility for both your sporting and academic paths.
This includes, in particular:
- Attending a pre-study counselling session with the career advisory service at the Olympic Training Centre
- Taking personal responsibility for the careful organisation of your studies and the reliable planning of your academic progression
- Communicating and coordinating training, competition and travel schedules at an early stage with the relevant national sports federation, the relevant academic staff and the university’s advisory services
- Providing regular updates on sporting commitments and achievements, so that Spoho can support you as effectively as possible and raise your profile
- Representing GSU externally, for example through the visibility of your sporting achievements and as an ambassador for the dual career programme at the German Sport University Cologne
This fosters a reliable partnership that provides you with the best possible support on your journey in elite sport and your studies.
Financial support
NRW Sports Foundation Scholarship
Through the NRW Sports Foundation Scholarship, the NRW Sports Foundation supports national squad athletes at the German Sport University Cologne. Scholarship holders receive a monthly grant of 300 euros over two semesters, enabling them to focus on their studies and sporting careers with (greater) peace of mind. As a partner university for elite sport, we are grateful to the NRW Sports Foundation that we can now offer the student squad athletes at our university a scholarship tailored specifically to their needs.
Germany Scholarship
We have been participating in the Germany Scholarship scheme since 2011, thereby supporting high-achieving and committed students. The aim is to support academic excellence whilst providing the financial flexibility needed to successfully complete a degree. The scholarships are awarded to applicants whose track record to date suggests they are likely to achieve good academic results or professional success. When deciding on the award of scholarships, both objective performance criteria and grades, as well as personal circumstances, are taken into account.
