If you're an elite or emerging athlete, Swinburne can help you achieve your goals without the stress of juggling all your study commitments around a busy schedule.  This can come in the form of study support and financial assistance. 

To be classed as an ‘elite athlete’ you must be recognised as such by one of the following institutions: 

  • The 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
  • National senior squad members from ACE supported sports.
Want to study with us?

If you’re an elite athlete looking to study at Swinburne, we can help. Book a one-on-one appointment to start the process. 

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© Swinburne student and elite swimmer Matt Levy was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2014 for his accomplishments in the pool.

Study support 

Swinburne is part of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) program. This means eligible students can apply for flexible study options that let them study, train and compete at the same time.

Find out more about the EAEN program

Elite Athlete Program

To apply for Elite Athlete study support and/or financial assistance, you will first need to register as an Elite or Emerging Athlete by submitting an application form and making sure you meet eligibility requirements. This form includes details about your current level of representation, previous sporting achievements and must contain documentation or your association with the governing body for your sport. 

If an athlete is not recognised by one of the above, they may submit an application for consideration to Student Life. Student Life will use its discretion in assessing student athletes. A student may request to have their classification changed by contacting eliteathlete@swinburne.edu.au.

Register now

Financial assistance

The Swinburne Student Life Elite Athlete Fund provides grants of up to A$1,000 to support currently enrolled Swinburne students who are elite athletes. This can be used to help cover the costs of participating in national and international sporting competitions.

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

Note: If an athlete is not affiliated with a SportAus recognised sport but has been selected to compete at a State or National level in their chosen sport, they may submit an application for consideration to the University.

You are ineligible to apply if you are:

  • A professional athlete who is paid to compete in your chosen sport
  • Not affiliated with, or acknowledged by, a state and/or national sporting organisation as recognised by the SportAus.

Note: If an athlete is not affiliated with a SportAus recognised sport but has been selected to compete at a State or National level in their chosen sport, they may submit an application for consideration to the University.

Funds from a successful grant can go towards:
  • Travel costs directly associated with travel to and/or from the athlete’s home state to the place of the sporting competition
  • Accommodation costs directly associated with competing at a national or international sporting event.
     
Costs that the grants cannot cover:
  • Costs other than travel or accommodation directly related to competing (for example competition entry fees, per diems, food, uniforms, sporting equipment etc.)
  • Travel or accommodation costs associated with participation in training or training camps, even when they occur directly before an eligible event
  • Accommodation and/or travel that occurs before or while the application is submitted
  • Travel and/or accommodation costs for people accompanying athletes (that is, coaches, partners, parents etc.)
  • Travel or accommodation to participate in any Australian University Games Championships.

Athletes competing in state or national events are eligible to apply for up to A$500 per year.

Athletes competing in international events are eligible to apply for up to A$1000 per year.

Athletes can receive up to a maximum amount of $1000 in elite athlete funds per calendar year.

Athletes must submit their application at least two months prior to the athlete travelling and the event’s commencement.

You must have registered for the Elite Athlete Program at Swinburne prior to commencing an application for study or financial support.

Once registered, you can apply directly via the Swinburne Student Life portal. Log in to make an application via the Swinburne Student Life portal. You’ll need to create an account if you don't have one already.

Alternatively, you can email eliteathlete@swinburne.edu.au to receive an application form.

Log in now

Applications are assessed on the following criteria:

  • the benefit of the grant to the athlete
  • the inclusion of full, detailed costs of travel and accommodation
  • the athlete's reasons for wanting to compete at the event and the benefits to the athlete
  • the athlete's previous success in their sport.

Applications are assessed by the Swinburne Student Life Clubs & Sport team, in consultation with the Swinburne Student Life Director.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're an elite athlete studying at Swinburne, contact Student Life for study and financial support advice. 

Contact us now