Victoria University (VU) is ranked number 7 globally for sport science.*

As leaders in sport we offer over 40 sports-related courses at undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational education (TAFE) levels. Our research in human movement and sport science has a world-class reputation.

We have strong ambitions to be Australia’s leading sport university and a global leader in sport. The VU Sport Strategy, 2019-2023: From Grassroots to Elite will drive us to achieve this ambition.

*ShanghaiRanking: Academic Rankings of World Universities

From grassroots to elite

The Victoria University (VU) Sport Strategy 2019-2023 (PDF, 3MB) outlines our commitment to cementing VU's place as a leading Australian and global institution in the field of sport. Download now.

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World-class research

The Institute for Health & Sport (IHES) provides the platform for VU's world-class research, addressing real-world problems of local, national and global relevance in both health and sport, across four key areas of research focus:

  • Clinical & community health & wellbeing
  • Healthy & inclusive communities - Sport, physical activity & culture
  • Mechanisms & interventions in health & disease
  • Sport performance & business.

Victoria University’s Olympic Research Network (ORN), established in 2021, is endorsed by the International Olympic Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee, and one of 53 Olympic Studies Centres located around the world. There are also centres in Sydney and Brisbane, and all three work collaboratively to foster academic insights into the Olympic Movement.

VU researchers were recognised for their global standing in the latest Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) results, with our human movement and sport science research receiving the highest rating of 5 (well above world standard).

Our $68 million high-technology facility is accessed by students, researchers & professional sports teams. The range of facilities include:

Institute for Health & Sport

The Institute for Health and Sport conducts research in exercise science, active living, chronic disease, biomedical sciences, technology, nursing, community health, psychology, public health, sport performance, sport in society, sport participation and sport business.

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Olympic Research Network (ORN)

Victoria University’s Olympic Research Network is now a member of the global Olympic Studies Centres(external link) following approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Australian Olympic Committee.

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Meet our world class experts: Sam Robertson - Transcript

#7

in the world

VU ranked 9th in the world for sport science in the 2022 Shanghai Rankings.

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Meet our world class experts: Camilla Brockett - Transcript

Sport courses & teaching

Victoria University is one of Australia's most recognisable sport universities.

We have an outstanding reputation in sport, exercise science, health and fitness, gained through our extensive offering of sport-related courses and world-class facilities.

Also unique to VU is our significant research and partnerships, as well as our leading academic staff.

We have the largest number of students enrolled in sport courses, and more sports industry partners than any other university. We also have the most graduates working in the sport industry.

200+

Sport employers

Learn in the workplace - 200+ sport industry employers offer our students practical placement opportunities

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Browse sport courses

World-class sporting education

I feel privileged to have access to world-class facilities and great lecturers who have helped me enjoy my studies and guide me to a career in sport and exercise science.

Samuel Bowers — Bachelor of Sport Science (Exercise Science)
Samuel's story

Industry engagement

We have affiliations with over 350 professional sporting bodies and employers to deliver better and faster employment prospects, grow our applied and translational research opportunities, drive further opportunities for commercial endeavour and actively contribute to community health and wellbeing.

These partnerships benefit our students through placement opportunities and industry-relevant curriculum development, as well as the broader VU community through collaborative research and programs dedicated to improving health and wellbeing. Our students in our exercise science courses also have access to internal and external placements through our Clinical Exercise & Rehabilitation (VUCER) placements program. During placement students get hands-on experience with real clients in the student-run exercise & rehabilitation clinic.

Some of our partners include:

VU's Industry Connections - Sport & Exercise Science - Transcript

Major sporting partnerships

Find out more about some of our major sporting partnerships, and how our extensive industry networks create opportunities for our students and researchers, and the communities we serve.

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Partnerships in sport & exercise

We have over 200 partnerships & affiliations with peak sporting bodies, professional and community sporting clubs and groups that focus on public health and education.

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VU & FIFA: The future of sports technology - Transcript

Related

Sport participation

Our sport infrastructure allows for sport participation from grassroots involvement through to the preparation for and assessment of elite sport performance.

We are focused on:

  • developing Footscray Park campus as the heart of a Maribyrnong Health, Sport and Active Living Precinct through partnerships with sport, government and community
  • improving and expanding existing VU sport facilities and developing new facilities to enrich the staff and student sport experience at VU
  • growing and strengthening programs for student and staff participation in enhancing their wellbeing through sport.

Elite student athletes

We support elite athletes so that you can complete your studies while training and competing at an elite level.

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Represent VU in sport

Compete against other student athletes and represent VU at UniSport Nationals, Nationals Snow or National Championships.

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Women in Sport

Victoria University is focused on shaping the future of sport by championing the cause of women and removing participation boundaries for women and girls in sport and physical activity.

Fitness centres

Access premier sport facilities including a 25m swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts and more.

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Campus & social sports

Campus and social sports are a fun and free way to get active while you study.

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Sport clubs

There are plenty of options for staff and students wanting to join a sporting club and play in local competitions.

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Sports inclusion for Indigenous people with a disability, particularly women

Resources for sport organisations to improve access to sport for people with disability, in particular people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island backgrounds. Key resources include:

  • Winyarr Ganbina – Women Arise: Insights to create inclusive communities for people with disability (video)
  • Outback Academy Australia – Red Dust Heelers: Checklist for an Inclusive Community Sports Organisation

This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.

Resources

Latest news

Trial vaccine may harness immune system to block effects of meth
Media release
News

Trial vaccine may harness immune system to block effects of meth

1st May 2023

VU researchers have developed a vaccine that holds great promise in the fight against meth addiction.

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Victoria University now a sponsor of the Afghan Women’s Team
Media release
News

Victoria University now a sponsor of the Afghan Women’s Team

28th April 2023

Victoria University (VU) is now a proud sponsor of the Afghan Women’s Team (AWT) for the 2023 season.

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Is sport (participation) a public or a private good?
Opinion

Is sport (participation) a public or a private good?

24th April 2023

VU researcher Hans Westerbeek discusses whether sport participation is a public good - and if so, whether opportunities should be funded by government.

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