ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for the Elite Sport Program, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an Adelaide University undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• Be an elite, emerging or talented tier student athlete, high performance coach, high performance official or medical/allied health practitioner.
• Be involved in a Sport Australia recognised sport.

ELITE

To qualify for the Elite Sport Program as an elite athlete, coach, official or medical/allied health practitioner you must be a member of one of the following organisations:

• State or Territory Institute/Academy of Sport.
• Professional Sporting Association (e.g. AFL Players Association, Australian Cricketers Association, Rugby Union Players Association, Rugby League Professionals Association, Australian Professional Footballers Association, Australian Basketballers Association, etc.).
• National squad member from a Sport Australia recognised sport.
• Senior/head coach, official or medical/allied health practitioner from State and Territory Institutes/Academies of Sport, national teams from Sport Australia recognised sports or participating professional sports.

EMERGING

Adelaide University are expanding on the Australian Institute of Sport definition of elite athletes, incorporating more sports by including an additional category to support emerging athletes.

We will consider applications from emerging athletes participating in a sport as an athlete recognised by Sport Australia, and selected in a:

• Junior national squad.
• State senior team squad member.
• World University Games or Championships.
• National league competition.

TALENTED

Athletes who are in this tier will be supported as required during their studies at Adelaide University. This tier includes athletes involved in:

• Club - representation at the highest state league level.
• State - underage level state team representation.

To be eligible, an athlete must not be serving a sanction from Sport Integrity Australia, National Sporting Organisation, State Sporting Organisation, UniSport Australia or Adelaide University (including foundation Universities).

We recommend that those who qualify for the Talent tier register for the Adelaide University Sport and Fitness High Performance Sport Club, which comes with a range of benefits and support. Learn more about the High Performance Sport Club.

If you are unsure whether your sport or ranking is eligible, please email eliteathlete@adelaide.edu.au.

Acceptance to the Adelaide University Elite Sport Program is at the discretion of program staff.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

As an Elite Sport Program member, you receive access to:

ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY & SUPPORT

For Elite and Emerging. 

• Flexible study options.
• Exam and assessment flexibility.
• Consideration for timetable adjustments.
• Support with managing study loads during competition and travel.
• Academic advocacy and liaison with course coordinators.

The above benefits may be provided in the Talent Tier as required.

TRAINING & PERFORMANCE SUPPORT

For Elite and Emerging.

• Access to Strength & Conditioning services.
• High performance testing.
• Free all access membership to campus fitness facilities.
• Free access to recovery services at Adelaide University Gyms.
• Access to Adelaide University Allied Health Clinics for physiotherapy, podiatry and exercise physiology.
• Assistance connecting with University sporting clubs.
• Membership to the Adelaide University Sport and Fitness High Performance Sport Club.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

For Elite, Emerging and Talent.

• Access to Adelaide University counselling services.
• Access to Adelaide University inclusion services for students with a disability.
• Eligibility for relevant scholarships and grants.
• Access to workshops and athlete development resources.
• Networking and peer/alumni mentoring opportunities.
• Opportunities to represent the University at UniSport competitions.

A range of Elite Sport Program apparel will be made available for free and/or at a reduced cost throughout the year.

How to Apply

Prepare your documents, including:

• • A sporting résumé (recent achievements, rankings, selections).
  • Provide verification of sporting status from a recognised sporting organisation such as:
    • National Sporting Organisations (NSOs)
    • State Institutes or Academies of Sport
    • Professional sporting bodies
    • Peak industry associations
  • Any relevant competition schedules

Complete the online application form and attach the supporting documents.

REGISTER FOR THE ELITE SPORT PROGRAM

APPLICATION TIMING

Applications open 1 December 2025.

Applications will remain open throughout the academic year in case your sporting circumstances change. Early applications are recommended, especially before major competitions.

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

Maintain Academic Progress
Stay on track with coursework, communicate early about clashes, and use academic support when needed.

Commit to Training & Competition
Make yourself available to represent the University where your schedule allows it.

Uphold Professional Conduct
Demonstrate respect, sportsmanship, and adherence to the Adelaide University and Adelaide University Sport and Fitness codes of behaviour, including online.

Communicate Regularly
Keep program staff updated on schedules, injuries, academic challenges, and respond promptly to emails and requests.

Prioritise Health & Wellbeing
Manage physical and mental wellbeing responsibly and seek support early.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Dedicated staff are available to assist you. Contact us via email at eliteathlete@adelaide.edu.au.

If you have questions or need help preparing your application, please get in touch - we’re here to support your academic and sporting goals.