Applications for an Award in 2025/26

The application form for this year’s Hawks’ and Ospreys Charitable Trust Awards is available below:

Application for Award 2025/26

HOCT Tutor Signature
HOCT Treasurer Signature

The opening date for submitting applications is 15th April 2026. The closing date for applications is 11th May 2026.

 

However, the Trustees recognise that, for some students, there are significant cash requirements earlier in the academic year. Therefore, applications from students competing at the highest level may also be considered earlier. Successful applicants may be eligible for an interim payment of part of their award to align with their competition requirements. The remainder of any award will be paid at the same time as the Summer Term awards.

Eligibility for an interim award will depend on students who are currently competing, or are genuinely being considered for competition at National or International level, with demonstrable financial need not covered by other sources of funding.

A condition of any interim award is that the student remains available for training and competition with their University squad.

 

Awards to students—undergraduate or graduate, of either gender—are made on the basis of sporting attainment and financial need. Applications should address the following criteria, which the Trustees will use to assess suitability:

• Applicants should normally be resident members of, and competing for, the University
• Eligible sports should normally be those for which Cambridge Blues or Half-Blues are awarded
• Sporting attainment should be demonstrated by achievement for the University and beyond (potential may also be taken into account)
• Financial need must be clearly established, with levels of cost also considered
• Excellence in academic or other extra-curricular areas will strengthen an application
• Neither gender nor a desire to spread awards across sports will influence decisions

Applications must be supported by a Tutor and Senior Treasurer/Member able to comment on the applicant’s financial circumstances. The greatest weight is given to applications supported by the applicant’s Tutor. For interim awards, Trustees may also seek verification from the University Sports Department or the relevant National Governing Body.

Applications may be supported by a single-sheet cover letter (maximum 400 words) outlining why you believe you are a suitable candidate for an award.

 

Completed applications for 2025/26 must be submitted no later than 11th May 2026.