Why students are being paid £2,000 to play computer games

The University of Roehampton is pioneering a new era in higher education by offering substantial esports scholarships, providing undergraduate and postgraduate students with up to £2,000 to pursue their passion for competitive video gaming alongside their academic studies. This innovative initiative aims to recognise and nurture talent in a rapidly growing global industry, while simultaneously alleviating the significant financial burdens faced by many students in the UK. The university’s forward-thinking approach underscores a broader trend of institutions embracing the cultural and economic significance of esports, offering a unique pathway for students to excel both academically and in the virtual arena.

Mark Ellul, the Registrar at the University of Roehampton, articulated the rationale behind this groundbreaking scholarship program. "This scholarship is about recognising talent in a field that has a growing popularity both around the world and among our students," Ellul stated, highlighting the inherent value and burgeoning appeal of esports. The program is designed not merely as a financial incentive, but as a comprehensive support system for aspiring esports athletes who can demonstrably balance their academic commitments with their gaming prowess. Scholars are expected to actively participate in weekly university tournaments, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition amongst their peers. Furthermore, they will represent the university at prestigious in-person events, elevating Roehampton’s profile within the national and potentially international esports landscape.

To ensure a competitive and dedicated cohort, Roehampton has established minimum ranking requirements in major video games. This ensures that scholarship recipients possess a demonstrable level of skill and experience. However, the university also demonstrates a degree of flexibility, considering applications from individuals who may not precisely meet the ranking threshold but exhibit exceptional potential in other areas. This includes prospective scholars with significant followings on popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, indicating a strong ability to engage audiences and a potential to become influential figures within the esports community. This nuanced approach allows for the identification of talent beyond raw in-game statistics, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of success in the modern esports ecosystem.

The inspiration for Roehampton’s esports scholarship can be traced back to the United States, where similar initiatives have been in place for several years, paving the way for UK institutions to follow suit. Cameron Dray, a former esports scholar at Roehampton, discovered the opportunity while actively searching for UK-based programs mirroring those he had observed in American universities. His experience serves as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in attracting and supporting talented individuals. Initially, the university offered a scholarship amount of £1,500. However, owing to the remarkable performance of the university’s esports teams and the escalating popularity of the program, this financial award was subsequently increased to £2,000. This enhancement reflects the university’s commitment to providing robust support and acknowledges the significant impact the scholarship has on its recipients.

For Dray, the financial assistance provided by the scholarship was transformative. "This money was crucial to me as it gave me the opportunity to study in a very expensive city without the need for part-time work," he explained. The financial freedom afforded by the scholarship allowed him to dedicate more time and energy to his studies and his gaming pursuits, a balance that is often challenging to achieve for students facing financial constraints. He also emphasized the transparency of the application process, stating, "There were requirements that came alongside the scholarship, but none that were unexpected or not transparent when applying." This clarity in expectations is vital for building trust and ensuring that students can make informed decisions about their educational and extracurricular pathways.

Dray strongly advocates for students to actively seek out and leverage all available financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and bursaries. "Many of these funds are available to more students than they realise, and everyone should be taking full advantage," he urged. This sentiment is particularly pertinent in the current economic climate, where the average graduate in England is burdened with substantial student debt, often exceeding £47,500. Scholarships like Roehampton’s play a critical role in mitigating this financial strain, reducing the overall debt accumulated by students and providing much-needed financial support that can impact their post-graduation prospects.

Thomas Cole, an accomplished esports player known by his handle "Pac," who specializes in the demanding racing game Trackmania, echoed the sentiment that universities offering unique scholarships, such as those in esports, can profoundly benefit students academically. He believes that by reducing the level of financial stress, these scholarships allow students to focus more intently on their studies. "Uni students being paid to play a game alongside doing their studies, it’s definitely cracking. If I had gone to uni, I would have loved that," Cole remarked, illustrating the aspirational appeal of such programs. He further elaborated on the potential motivational impact: "If it doesn’t let the academic side suffer, then I think being offered something like that really spurs on people to be better in gaming." This highlights the synergistic relationship that can be fostered between academic rigor and extracurricular excellence when properly supported.

Tom Allingham, a student money expert from the personal finance website Save the Student, consistently advises incoming first-year students to proactively explore scholarships and familiarize themselves with the diverse range of opportunities offered by their respective universities. He observed a significant deficit in awareness surrounding scholarships, stating, "Unfortunately, I don’t think there is enough awareness on scholarships." This lack of awareness can lead to a considerable amount of funding remaining unclaimed due to students being unaware of their eligibility. Save the Student actively works to bridge this knowledge gap by disseminating information about various scholarships and bursaries on their platform. Allingham’s core message is that "you can get extra funding for so many different reasons," encouraging students to look beyond traditional academic scholarships and consider the multitude of avenues available to support their educational journey. The University of Roehampton’s esports scholarship stands as a prime example of this evolving landscape of financial support, recognizing and rewarding diverse talents in a dynamic and increasingly significant cultural sphere.