Why students are being paid £2,000 to play computer games
The University of Roehampton is offering esports scholarships to students who demonstrate both academic progress and competitive gaming excellence. This initiative aims to recognize the growing popularity of esports while helping students manage the rising costs of university education.
Why it matters
The integration of esports into higher education reflects the professionalization of gaming and provides new financial avenues for students.
Image source, Cameron Dray Image caption, Roehampton University's Overwatch Team winning Team of the Year 2022
As parents across the country prepare to wave their children off to university, conversations about family finances and the cost of living are growing ever more frequent - and fervent.
Yet every year, millions of pounds worth of scholarships and bursary funding goes unclaimed by students - with many unaware the extra help exists.
So roll up the next generation of gamers, who this year can apply for as esports scholarship from the University of Roehampton - with more than 100 handed out so far.
But can the students balance their studies and their esports? And is the scholarship set to catch on?
Esports, meaning electronic sports, is the name for competitive video gaming.
It is different from standard video gaming as esports includes spectators, much like traditional sports.
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