Emerging Talent Program
The Emerging Talent Program is a new initiative from Victoria University Sport designed to support student athletes competing at the state level while they pursue their academic and sporting goals.
Launching in 2027, the program will provide VU students with access to a range of health, wellbeing and performance support services to help them develop both on and off the field.
The program is designed to meet the needs of developing sportspeople by providing access to services that may not otherwise be available through their sporting organisation.
Program benefits
As a Emerging Talent Program member, you'll receive free access to a range of health, wellbeing and performance services, including:
- fitness centre membership at VU facilities
- strength and conditioning support
- field and strength testing
- on-campus osteopathy, remedial massage, exercise rehabilitation and exercise physiology services
- on-campus and online counselling services
- access to VU sporting facilities
- student-athlete mentoring opportunities
- sporting goods discounts through partner organisations
- access to sporting grants and scholarships.
Applications
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the Emerging Talent Program, applicants must:
- be a current Victoria University student enrolled in any course, from TAFE through to PhD
- be currently competing, officiating or coaching in state-level sport
- demonstrate both:
- strong sporting performance within the previous 12 months, or
- the potential to progress to a higher level of competition
- show a need for additional support, particularly where access to performance services is limited through their sporting organisation
Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What do we mean by state-level sport?
State-level sport includes participation in recognised state competitions and championships sanctioned by a State Sporting Organisation. Team sport examples include leagues such as the Victorian Football League (VFL), Victorian Netball League (VNL) and National Premier Leagues (NPL).
Individual sport examples include events such as the Athletics Victoria State Championships, Swimming Victoria State Championships and Gymnastics Victoria State Championships.
The examples above are provided as a guide only and are not an exhaustive list of eligible competitions. Athletes competing in sports listed on the Australian Sports Directory will be considered, and athletes representing states other than Victoria are also encouraged and eligible to apply.
How to apply
Applications for the 2027 Emerging Talent Program are open year-round for current Victoria University students. There are places available in the first intake of the program, with applications assessed as they are received. Once all 50 places have been filled, applications will close.
