Elite student athletes
Our elite athlete program helps you successfully complete your studies while training and competing at an elite level. Our student athletes have competed at major local and international events, including the World University Games, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
On this page
Our elite athletes
Our students have competed at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World University Games and World Championship events. Meet some of our elite athletes.
Kate has represented Australia at three World Kendo Championships and at the recent Combat Games. She is the team captain of the Australian women’s team heading to Italy for the 2012 World Championships.
Kara, a Bachelor of Education student, competed in the ANZ Championship with the Melbourne Vixens in 2012.
Watch Liam Adams run and you will see why he has won Male Athlete of the Year award at the Australian University Sport Awards in 2008 and 2010, and the Sydney City2Surf race in 2011 and 2012.
Support for elite student athletes
We recognise the challenges of combining elite sport with an academic workload which is why VU is a member of the Australian Sports Commission’s Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) Network. Our athlete support program aims to help you balance study with your training and competition demands, by providing you with access to support and special study arrangements. The University’s Elite Student-athlete Program provides a framework for flexible study and assessment options for eligible student-athletes.
Special arrangements can include:
- alternative exams
- assessment deadline negotiations
- timetabling assistance
- cross-institutional study assistance
You will have access to our sport and fitness facilities as well as our research facilities.
We note that in order to be recognised as an elite student athlete, and receive the above support, you must be a member of at least one of the sporting organisations or teams listed below:
- Australian Institute of Sport
- State Institutes or Academies of Sport
- AFL Players’ Association
- Australian Cricketers’ Association
- Rugby Union Players’ Association
- Rugby League Professionals’ Association
- Australian Professional Footballers’ Association
- State or National squad and league members from Australian Sports Commission (ASC) supported sports (including athletes who have qualified for national championships)
Apply for the elite student athlete program
To be recognised as one of our elite student athletes, please take the following steps:
1. Complete an Elite Athlete Support application form
Applications must include supporting documentation from a relevant state or national sporting organisation, or an endorsement from an Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) member. You will automatically be considered for available Sport Scholarship support.
2. Meet with the University’s Elite Athlete Contact Officer
Once recognised as an elite athlete, make an appointment with Elite Athlete Contact Officer, Scott Cashmere: VU Sport Office, Student Engagement, level 2 building M, Footscray Park campus. Email: scott.cashmere@vu.edu.au, or phone: +61 3 9919 4433.
3. Identify any potential clashes with your study and your sporting commitments
Read each of your course unit outlines carefully; speak with your coaches and/or institute ACE Advisors about existing and upcoming (including potential) sporting commitments.
4. Meet with your course coordinator to introduce yourself and to communicate any potential study and sporting clashes
Introduce yourself to lecturers, tutors and teachers. Be proactive and identify any academic and sporting clashes for the semester. Potential clashes must be identified in advance. Special study arrangements may not be possible after the event.
Contact us
Scott Cashmere
Sport Services Manager
Phone: +61 3 9919 4433
Email: scott.cashmere@vu.edu.au