Elite Sport and Performers

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Adelaide University is proud to be part of the Elite Sport Education Network, supporting student athletes to thrive both academically and in their sporting careers.

As an ESEN-approved university, we offer flexible study options and tailored support services to help elite athletes and performers balance their commitments. Whether you're competing nationally or internationally, we understand the demands of your schedule and work with you to find solutions that support your success. 

Currently, hundreds of elite athletes and performers are studying with us across a wide range of sports and disciplines from swimming and soccer to rowing, AFL and waterskiing. Registration in the program is voluntary but encouraged, as it helps us identify students who may benefit from additional academic flexibility and support.

Registered elite athletes can access a range of benefits, including: 

  • Flexible study arrangements

  • Academic support tailored to performance schedules 

  • Access to scholarships and grants

  • Access to allied health support 

  • Invitations to professional development, events and information sessions relevant to student athletes

  • Access to on campus facilities (eg: strength and conditioning, recovery) 

We also welcome suggestions from students about areas of interest or support they’d like more information on. If you're an elite athlete or performer, we encourage you to register and explore how Adelaide University can support your journey.

Elite Sport and Performer Program

An elite athlete is defined as someone who competes nationally or internationally in a sport approved by Adelaide University.

Register online

Apply for the program by completing the online form and obtaining a signed letter from your sporting body verifying your level of competition.

AU Sport

AU Sport is the sole provider of sport and active recreation on campus, with an extensive range of sporting facilities and sport clubs.

Scholarships and grants

Adelaide University offers a range of scholarship and grant opportunities.

AU Gyms

Elite Athletes receive a heavily discounted membership with the on-campus gym facilities, AU Gyms.

Latest news

Stay up to date with the latest achievements, events, and announcements from Adelaide University Sport.

I was a member of the Elite Athlete Program through the University of Adelaide while completing my undergraduate degree and building up for my first multi-sport games from 2018-2021. The support I received, both financially and when I needed help juggling the commitments of sport and study, was game changing. It was super valuable to know I had someone I could reach out to when I needed help fitting assignments and exams around overseas competitions, making the adjustment to university smoother than I could have imagined.

Sophie Edwards OLY
Paris 2024 Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist, Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
Sophia

I have a real passion for learning and love the challenge of balancing elite sport, university and work. As an elite cyclist I don’t always know my racing schedule until a few weeks before so planning for exams and assessments can be difficult. UniSA’s Elite Sports Athlete program provides the support and flexibility needed for me to manage my cycling and study commitments and the staff always go above and beyond to help me with any challenges.

Caitlin Ward
Bachelor of Human Movement (cross institutional)
Caitlin

The Adelaide University Elite Athlete Program was a great help for me during my five years of study. Balancing a full time dentistry degree alongside full time training commitments was not easy but was made possible due to the support I received from the department. They helped me organise my schedules and find flexibility to be able to maximise both pursuits throughout my degree.

Paul Burnett
Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Beach Volleyball 2022 Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Paul