Athletes who sign-up for the scheme will work towards the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) and the University of London's postgraduate certificate in international sports management.

Designed for players who choose to combine education with their professional careers, the scholarships are said to provide "unique opportunities".

A group of 11 candidates were selected as part of the first intake, after more than 70 applications from 35 countries.

This time, there will again be one fully funded scholarship and 10 at 25 per cent cost.

Pakistan's Mahoor Shahzad, who received the fully funded scholarship during the first intake, is now preparing for the rearranged 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after receiving a tripartite place in the women's singles.

"We are delighted to offer a second cycle of scholarships to dual-career athletes and interested badminton industry participants following the immense success of the first intake," said BWF secretary general Thomas Lund. 

"The fact one of our scholarship holders from last year will be competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is a great endorsement of the programme.

"With many in the badminton community still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a great opportunity for individuals to be able to explore academic pursuits that complement their badminton careers."

The scholarships are taught entirely online and can be completed over five years.

Applicants must have an existing undergraduate degree, or a minimum of five to eight years of relevant work experience and professional references.

They must be proficient in English and be in good standing with their National Federation.

The deadline to apply is July 16 and successful applicants are due to be notified in August.

"This collaboration between WAoS and University of London is playing a major role in providing an international platform for players like me who are resilient and eager to do well in sports and studies but find it tough to maintain a balance due to competitions and training schedule," said Shahzad.

"This will not only prepare me for a bright future but also allow me to put my best input on the field."

Chris Solly, the managing director of WAoS, added: "We are also delighted with how many professionals from the global badminton family have already joined our scholarship programme and are engaging in further learning in this way.

"With initiatives like this, along with our global education partners and sports industry partners such as BWF, WAoS is helping the sports industry on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 crisis through our fully online education pathway. 

"This provides opportunities from high school to postgraduate education, with some of the world’s leading global educational institutions and international sports bodies as our partners."