Schiller International University has signed a new partnership agreement with Ferrero Tennis Academy, creating opportunities for aspiring tennis professionals to pursue higher education while competing at the highest levels of international sport.
Through this collaboration, student-athletes at Ferrero Tennis Academy will have the opportunity to study Schiller’s online Bachelor of Science in International Business while continuing their development and competition schedules on the ATP and WTA tours.
Key Takeaways
- Schiller International University has partnered with Ferrero Tennis Academy to support student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic goals.
- Academy players will be able to study an online Bachelor’s degree in International Business while competing professionally.
- The partnership promotes academic flexibility, career development, and long-term opportunities beyond professional sport.
- The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping athletes balance education and high-performance competition.
Supporting Student-Athletes On and Off the Court
The partnership has been designed to help talented tennis players start a career in international business while pursuing professional careers in one of the world's most demanding sports. Through flexible online learning, student-athletes can work toward a Bachelor of Science in International Business without interrupting their training schedules, tournament commitments, or international travel requirements.
This model recognizes the unique challenges faced by elite athletes and provides an opportunity to develop academic knowledge and professional skills alongside athletic performance. By combining higher education with competitive sport, the partnership supports a more holistic approach to athlete development and long-term career planning.
Why Academic Flexibility Matters for Professional Athletes
For many professional athletes, balancing education and competition can be a significant challenge. International tournament schedules, extensive travel, and training commitments often make traditional academic pathways difficult to pursue.
The online format of Schiller's International Business degree allows students to continue progressing academically while remaining fully engaged in their sporting careers.
This approach helps student-athletes:
- Build professional skills beyond sport
- Prepare for future career opportunities
- Develop business and leadership knowledge
- Gain an internationally recognized degree while competing professionally
The partnership reflects a growing recognition that athletic success and academic achievement can go hand in hand.
Learning from One of Tennis's Leading Academies
Founded and led by some of the most respected figures in professional tennis, Ferrero Tennis Academy has established itself as one of the world's premier training environments for elite players.
The academy is led by Juan Carlos Ferrero, former world No. 1 and current Sporting Director, whose coaching career has included work with some of the sport's most successful athletes. Under his leadership, players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Maria Sharapova, Alexander Zverev, David Ferrer, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Nicolás Almagro have benefited from the academy's high-performance environment.
During the partnership discussions, representatives from Schiller had the opportunity to meet Ferrero and learn more about the academy's philosophy, player development model, and commitment to supporting athletes both on and off the court.
A Shared Commitment to Student Success
The collaboration reflects a shared vision between Schiller and Ferrero Tennis Academy: helping student-athletes achieve excellence in both education and sport. By combining world-class tennis training with access to flexible higher education, the partnership creates new opportunities for athletes to develop as competitors, professionals, and future leaders.
Discover Our Campuses
Our BA in International Relations and Diplomacy is available online and at the following campuses: