Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
World Aquatics has announced the opening of applications for its 2026-27 Scholarship Programme, aimed at supporting athletes worldwide who have internationally recognised achievements but lack access to high-performance training in their home countries. The programme, established in 2014, has supported hundreds of athletes globally.
This year, the programme introduces High Diving scholarships for the first time in its 12-year history. Orlando Duque, Chairperson of the High Diving Technical Committee and 2013 World Champion, stated that this addition will provide emerging high divers with stability and support to focus on performance and represent their countries at the highest level.
The programme offers scholarships to 100 swimmers, 20 open water swimmers, 20 divers, 10 artistic swimming duets, 20 water polo players, and 6 high divers. It prioritises continental representation and gender equality to ensure inclusivity and diversity among recipients.
Swimming scholarship athletes will be placed at World Aquatics' Training Centres in Antibes (France), Bahrain, Thanyapura (Phuket, Thailand), and Bond University (Gold Coast, Australia). Divers will be based in Toronto (Canada), and open water swimmers at Azura Florida Aquatics (Davie, USA) or Antibes. Recipients at these centres receive full board accommodation, coaching, competition support, insurance, a personal allowance, and development opportunities. Those placed in Bahrain also have access to study opportunities at the University of Technology Bahrain.
Water Polo scholarship holders will join first and second division clubs across Europe, including Spain, France, Croatia, and Greece, benefiting from competition, specialised coaching, and further development. Artistic Swimming duets and High Diving athletes, along with their National Federations, may select their own training locations and programmes, supported by scholarship grants.
Swimming, Diving, and Open Water Swimming scholarships are awarded for two years starting 1 September 2026, continuing through to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Scholarships for Artistic Swimming, High Diving, and Water Polo are granted on a one-year basis.