Your Guide to BUCS Nationals 2025

The biggest annual multi-sport event in UK university sport is back – it’s the BUCS Nationals 2025!

From Friday 14th to Sunday 16th February, the city of Sheffield will welcome over 4,300 student-athletes as they compete for national titles in six thrilling championship events at the BUCS Nationals 2025.

Badminton, Indoor Athletics, Long Course Swimming, Climbing, Fencing, and Karate will all share the stage in one of the UK’s premier university sporting showcases, with action taking place throughout the extended weekend in four venues across the city.

We take a closer look at the six championships that will define this year’s competition and share some highlights from last year’s events.

Indoor Athletics Championships

Taking place at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport, one of the country’s premier sporting venues, the BUCS Indoor Athletics Championships will once again provide the ultimate stage for athletes to chase national glory.

With thousands of competitors representing their universities, this prestigious event showcases the full spectrum of track and field disciplines. From powerful throws to lightning-fast sprints and soaring jumps, every event brings high-stakes action and incredible performances.

Long Course Swimming Championships

The UK’s top student swimmers will once again gather at the impressive Ponds Forge International Sports Centre for three action packed days in the water, racing across a variety of distances and strokes in one of the most eagerly awaited events on the UK university sport calendar.

Fresh off his gold medal victory in the 800m freestyle at the 2025 Paris Olympics, Loughborough University’s Daniel Wiffen returns to this year’s championships to defend his 800m and 1500m titles.

Badminton: Individual Championships

The highly anticipated Badminton Championships are back at the UK Sports Institute in Sheffield, where 600 students will compete in a knockout-style tournament to be crowned a National Champion.

The three-day event features men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, alongside the Para Championships on Sunday, bringing together the most talented players from across the UK, all proudly representing their universities.

Karate Championships

Recognized as the defining event of the UK university karate season, the BUCS Karate Championships sees the country’s most talented martial artists come together for an electrifying showcase of skill, strength, and determination.

Students of all experience levels—across novice and senior categories—will compete both individually and in teams, with events featuring the dynamic action of Kumite and the precision of Kata.

Climbing Championships

Now in its fourth year, the annual UK University Climbing Championships is one of the most thrilling events of the university sports calendar.

Climbers of all experience levels will tackle three levels of difficulty during this one-day competition, ranging from easy to hard. With boulder problems and lead climbs on the agenda, students will push their physical and mental limits for a shot at being crowned National Champion.

Fencing Championships

Following an incredibly successful return to BUCS Nationals last year, the UK University Fencing Championships promises another thrilling display of focus, agility, and tactical brilliance.

Students from across the UK will proudly represent their universities and showcase the artistry of fencing across three distinct weapons: the precision of Épée, the lightning-fast strikes of Sabre, and the strategic elegance of Foil.

Want to compete at BUCS Nationals in 2026?

The Student Sport Company can help! Working with the UK’s premiering sporting institutions, we can identify opportunities at universities that align specifically with your academic and career goals – for free!

Whether you’re a dedicated athlete aiming to elevate your game and compete on the national stage or simply in search of an enjoyable and social way to stay active, there are hundreds of thriving sports communities on campuses nationwide to join alongside your studies, and we can connect you with them.

Register your details for our free service via the link below to get started!