What is Varsity in the UK?

The meaning of Varsity changes across the pond—here’s how it plays out in the UK.

In the UK, Varsity is the name given to an annual showdown between two local universities.

It’s a long-standing tradition that brings rival schools together in an epic series of sports matchups.

Played across a single day or week at the end of the season, universities across the UK go head-to-head for bragging rights and school pride, culminating in one of the most highly anticipated events of the year.

From fierce rivalries to packed-out arenas, here’s everything you need to know about one of the most exciting traditions in UK university sport.

So How Does It Work? Varsity isn’t limited to one sport. It’s a multi-sport series that includes everything from basketball and soccer, to volleyball, tennis, and more. Each game adds to the overall tally—every win earns one point for that university. And the school with the most points at the end of the series is crowned the Varsity Champion.
	A Campus Rivalry Like No Other Throughout a Varsity event, thousands of students turn out to support their teams, packing out campus venues to ensure the energy is sky-high. Mirroring the intensity of college rivalries in the US, most Varsity rivalries are based on location — with neighbouring universities battling it out for pride, bragging rights, and local dominance.
For Many, One Last Dance For our student-athletes, Varsity is more than just another game—it’s often the final time they’ll pull on a university jersey and represent their team. It’s a chance to compete in front of friends, classmates, and coaches one last time, and soak up the unique spirit of UK university sport.
	Experience of a Lifetime Whether you’ve played at a high level or you’re looking for one more unforgettable sporting experience during your postgraduate year, Varsity offers a moment you won’t forget. From team huddles to trophy lifts, it’s an incredible way to finish the season—and your time at a UK university—on a high.

Want to experience Varsity in the UK?

After a full season of representing your university, Varsity is one final, high-energy showcase of everything student sport in the UK has to offer. It’s the culmination of months of hard work, team bonding, and competition, and it often delivers some of the most unforgettable moments of the year.

If you would like to explore the possibility of experiencing college sport in the U.K. whilst studying for a master’s degree – we want to hear from you!

At Play Overseas, we’re actively recruiting talented student-athletes across a wide range of sports. Whether you’re finishing your NCAA eligibility or just want one more season in a competitive team environment, studying in the UK offers the chance to continue your sporting journey while gaining a world-class education.

To get started, simply submit an application for our FREE service using the link below—and we’ll let you know what exciting opportunities are waiting for you.