Are you interested in pursuing varsity-level esports as an international student? There are more esports study abroad options than ever. New academic programs are also evolving to support this booming industry, valued globally at US$1.38 billion in 2022.
When considering colleges and universities, look into extra benefits of their esports programs. Some will offer scholarships, physical athletic training opportunities, or classes related to game development. Read on for our list of featured esports study abroad programs. Each of these institutions brings something different to the game, and could be a great match for your goals.
Not sure about esports? Check out four more top careers to consider in 2023.
What are Varsity Esports?
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (or NACE) defines varsity esports programs as “the principal teams representing a college or university. Primarily, these teams compete against similar teams at peer educational institutions.”
Varsity esports teams work much like varsity-level teams for sports like basketball. Students must be enrolled in full-time studies, and maintain a minimum grade point average. Keeping up your GPA is especially important if you’ve got a scholarship to play esports. Remember, though: you’re not alone! Many programs offer academic support to help you succeed. Team requirements vary, so be sure to check in with each of your target colleges and universities.
Want to play varsity-level esports? There are lots of myths about getting on a team, but you don’t always need to have a maxed-out Elo ranking, or get top grades. Coaches look for players who bring positive vibes to the team and are willing to learn, too.
Popular Esports Destinations for International Students
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Miami University, Oxford
Before you start dreaming about orange trees and endless beaches, a note: this Miami’s in Ohio—but where esports are concerned, it still brings the heat.
In 2022, Best Colleges ranked Miami University, Oxford’s varsity esports program as the country’s best. Their team, the Redhawks, have lots of top scores: Overwatch and Valorant teams both won first place at the 2021 Esports Collegiate Championship, and in 2019, their Overwatch and League of Legends teams won their respective competitions at the National Collegiate Esports Tournament. Today, teams play Hearthstone, League of Legends, NBA2K, Overwatch, Rocket League, Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Valorant.
As the first District 1 (D1) varsity esports program in the US, Miami knows the importance of supporting their students from the game, to the classroom, to their future career. They offer varsity athlete benefits, including physical training and scholarships.
Build a foundation in their Games and Simulation or Emerging Tech in Business and Design programs. Or, dive into your personal interests by completing a capstone project. More casually, campus Game Jams are a great way to learn how to write and create your own games.
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University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine was the first public university in the US to create an esports program. It’s recognized as one of the best campuses for esports in North America, and was ranked #2 by Best Colleges in 2022. They have scholarship teams in League of Legends and Overwatch, and a pilot scholarship for Valorant. Plus, students are eligible for a UCI-exclusive Pokimane scholarship, founded by popular streamer Imane “Pokimane” Anys.
Academically, UCI is a leader in games-related research, and also offers a Computer Game Science major. Students are offered mentorships, and can connect with professional gamers. Today, athletes compete from the UCI Esports Arena and broadcast station, and can receive parallel training in shoutcasting matches. UCI also hires close to 40 students for paid positions within the esports program, which is a great way to gain related work experience.
Figuring out your ideal destination? Use our guides for how to choose where to study in the US or Canada.
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University of Central Florida
Esports at the University of Central Florida focuses on seven titles: Call of Duty, Counter Strike, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Rocket League, and Valorant. In 2020, their League of Legends team won gold at the Starleague North America competition. Their Overwatch team is ranked #1 in the US, while their Rocket League team is #3, per ONE37PM.
Academically, the UCF master’s degree in Interactive Entertainment dives into game design, 3D art, and project management, and was ranked the #1 graduate game design program by The Princeton Review and PC Gamer magazine. Meanwhile, UCF’s Digital Media bachelor’s degree offers classes ranging from game design to web and social platforms.
Keep these five factors in mind when choosing where you want to study abroad.
Image Courtesy: St. Clair College
St. Clair College
With the first varsity-level esports program in Canada, St. Clair College‘s teams rack up the wins in seven titles: Call of Duty, Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Rocket League, and Valorant. Teams train and perform in the Nexus space in the Don France Student Commons, which opened in 2022. It’s a 15,000-square-foot esports arena and broadcasting facility, and the largest in Canada.
In the two-year Ontario College Diploma in Esports Administration and Entrepreneurship, students learn team administration, marketing, and sports management skills. It includes work-integrated learning opportunities with the Saints’ esports program and industry partners, giving students a toolkit of practical skills to accelerate their career.
Learn more about life on campus in our St. Clair College spotlight.
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Illinois State University
With Game Design majors and minors, Illinois State University encourages players to translate their passion for esports to a future-facing career. Varsity teams compete in the Vault, and an esports arena is being built with 72 gaming machines and a four-sided broadcast display.
ISU has League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League varsity teams. The Redbird Esports’ website notes competition is fierce, with “most varsity team players [ranking] in the top .01% of a game’s player base.” However, they welcome everyone to join club-level or casual game groups for these and other titles.
When not at the controller or in class, international students can join the Redbird Esports Network. It’s a student-led program where you can support event coordination, social media management, or even broadcast directing. By using the skills you learn in class, you’ll create an awesome gaming experience for your fellow students, while strengthening the knowledge you’ll need to succeed in your career.
Esports courses and qualifications cover anything from esports management and marketing to tournament organizing and technical aspects. Professional esports athletes need coaches, trainers, managers, and physical therapists just like traditional sports athletes. And, of course, the video game industry also offers … opportunities in game design, coding, and publication.
Esports is still a young industry, with lots of room to grow. Students in these programs will help to shape what gaming looks like and how it will influence our lives in the future. There’s never been a better time to join them.
Curious about your esports study abroad options? Register with ApplyBoard for free, and check out open programs. We’re here to help.
