The Elite Scholarship Fund is designed to assist high performing and talented young student-athletes in gaining access to quality tertiary sporting-excellence educational institutions whilst attaining success at the highest levels within their chosen sport.
The Programme is a unique partnership between talented young student-athletes, National Sport Associations, Ministry of Education and Skills Development and the Botswana National Sport Commission.
The goal of the Programme is to provide a pathway for talented young sportsmen and sportswomen aged 21 and below, to progress their sports development to world class excellence whilst securing future prosperity through balanced academic and training tertiary education programmes.
Assessments for award of the scholarship will be done on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the BNSC. Athletes should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Athletes should be citizens of Botswana under the age of 21 years
- Athletes should be admitted by the tertiary institution (to play sport) of their choice but which offers sport.
- Athletes should have consistently placed in medal positions (Gold, Silver & Bronze) in National and Regional championships over a minimum period of two (2) preceding consideration for eligibility
The Ministry of Tertiary Education through Department of Education and Skills Development supports the programme through awarding of academic scholarships to cater for all education related costs while funds from the BNSC will normally be used for expenses for local and overseas training and competition approved by the BNSC which are not paid by the National Sport Association or any other organisations, such as : • board and lodging; • transport or travelling; • medical services; • insurance; • training expenses at approved training courses, clubs or centres; and • purchase, hire, or transport of equipment.
Since inception of the Programme in 1997, over 80 athletes have benefitted from across a number of sports including Athletics, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Karate, Football, Tennis, Volleyball, Swimming, Cycling, and Judo. Beneficiaries of the programme have represented the country in various international competitions such as Olympics Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Continental Games (Africa Games, Africa Championships).