Elite Sport & Performer Program

Apply for the Elite Sport and Performer Program

Fill in our application form to be considered for the program.

Our Elite Sport and Performer Program supports you to successfully complete your studies while competing, performing, coaching or officiating at the highest level.

We recognise the unique challenges of balancing elite-level commitments with academic study and provide the flexibility and support you need to succeed — both in your field and in the classroom.

Our students have represented at major local and international events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, World University Games, and other global performance stages.

Championing sport & performance

Victoria University stands at the forefront of both elite sport and performing arts education. 

Ranked #7 globally for Sport Science by ShanghaiRanking in 2024, VU offers Australia’s largest range of sport-related courses and supports over 100 high-performance athletes and performers competing on international stages such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World University Games

Beyond sport, our Arts and Humanities Program nurtures creativity and cultural insight through cutting-edge studios and performance spaces, empowering students in music, media, animation, and more. 

Support

At VU, we recognise the challenges students face when combining elite-level sport, performance, coaching, or officiating with academic study.

Our Elite Sport and Performer Support (ESP) Program offers flexible study options and personalised assistance to help you balance your high-performance commitments with your education.

We can help with:

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you are competing, performing, coaching, or officiating at a high level. This includes:

Athletes

You compete at a national or international level and are recognised by one or more of the following:

  • Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
  • Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
  • State Institutes or Academies of Sport
  • National or state sporting organisations
  • Professional player associations

Performers

You perform at a national or international level and are recognised by one or more of the following:

  • National or state performing arts organisations (e.g. Opera Australia, Symphony Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company)
  • Industry bodies (e.g. Australian Dance Council, Actors Equity Australia)
  • Major festivals, competitions, or productions in music, dance, theatre, circus, film, or TV
  • Professional or commercial contracts (e.g. signed to a recognised Australian record label)

Coaches

You are a senior or head coach at a national or international level.

Officials

You referee or umpire at a national or international level.

ATAR adjustment for elite sport & performance participants

If you're a current Year 12 student involved in high-level sport, performance, coaching or officiating, you may be eligible for a 5-point ATAR adjustment to boost your Selection Rank.

This bonus applies to courses that consider the ATAR as part of the entry requirements and counts towards the maximum 20 ATAR adjustment points allowed (including SEAS, subject bonuses, and other schemes).

Eligibility for the ATAR adjustment follows the same criteria as the Elite Sport and Performer Program. To apply, complete the Elite Sport and Performer Program application form and select ‘Applying to study at VU’ when prompted.

Applications are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 5 December.

Please note: This adjustment does not apply to the Bachelor of Education (P-12) or Bachelor of Education (Primary).

Stories from our program members

Maeve Coughlan tackling an opponent in judo
How Maeve balances study & athletic success
Bachelor of Exercise Science (Clinical Practice)
"VU was a natural choice because of its reputation as one of the best sport universities, with great facilities and support networks for elite athletes."
Maeve's story
Basketball champ's secrets to study success
Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports Science
"Studying has been crucial for my mental health – it's given me something else to focus on so I’m not thinking about sport 24/7."
Studying has been crucial for my mental health – it's given me something else to focus on so I’m not thinking about sport 24/7.
An elite balance
Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Masters of Business Administration (VU Online)
"I’m looking to VU to help me set up for life after footy. For now, footy is my full-time job so I study part-time in the evenings. Studying is a great release from football."
I’m looking to VU to help me set up for life after footy. For now, footy is my full-time job so I study part-time in the evenings. Studying is a great release from football.
Josh Hose.
Paralympic champion
Certificate IV in Disability CHC40312
"My teachers at Victoria University supported me as an athlete. They provided flexible due dates for assignments and other adjustments when it was necessary."
My teachers at Victoria University supported me as an athlete. They provided flexible due dates for assignments and other adjustments when it was necessary.

Contact

Scott Cashmere

Manager - Sport Services, VU Sport

+61 3 9919 4433 [email protected]

Michaela Petronio

Elite Sport and Performer Coordinator, VU Sport

+61 3 9919 4213 [email protected]