The University of Tasmania is recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as an Elite Athlete endorsed university, supporting elite-level student-athletes through the Elite Athlete Program. This program will help you excel in both your academic and athletic pursuits.
Our dedicated UniSport staff work in collaboration with university staff to help student-athletes manage study and their sporting pursuits. With a wide range of study options, flexible learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalised support, the Elite Athlete Program aims to equip you for success now and in the future.
As a student with an Elite Athlete status, you will have access to direct academic study support provided by the Elite Athlete Coordinator, additional scholarship and bursary opportunities, subsidies to represent UTAS at the UniSport National competitions, as well as full year access (Tier 1) or discounted access (Tier 2) to statewide UniGym facilities, including high performance centres, weights and cardio gym, sporting facilities and fitness classes.
If you strive for excellence in sport and your tertiary studies, we’ll aid you in achieving your goals.
Feel supported
Access to personalised support from the Elite Athlete Program Coordinator, including academic study support.
Reach your potential
Full year access (Tier 1) or discounted access (Tier 2) to statewide UniGym facilities, including high performance centre, weights and cardio gym, sporting facilities and fitness classes.
Scholarship opportunities
Access to additional scholarship and bursary opportunities including subsidies to represent the University at Unisport Nationals competitions.
About our programs
High Performance Athlete - Tier 1
Eligibility
Our Tier 1 program is for Athletes who are a member of one of the following organisations as an ‘elite athlete’ or ‘elite coach’:
- Australian Institute of Sport
- State and Territory Institutes/Academies of Sport
- AFL Players’ Association
- Australian Cricketers’ Association
- Rugby Union Players’ Association
- Rugby League Professionals’ Association
- Australian Professional Footballers’ Association
- Australian Basketball Players' Association
- National Squad members from Sport Australia funded sports
- Senior/Head coaches from State and Territory Institutes/Academies of Sport, national teams from Sport Australia funded sports or participating professional sports
Or fulfil one of the below criteria:
- Those Athletes holding an individual National Ranking inside the top 15; at the discretion of UTAS Sport for sports unrecognised by Sport Australia.
- Those Athletes who received an individual medal in a Division 1 event in the previous year’s UniSport Nationals Competition or are selected as part of the 2024 University Basketball League squads.
Terms and Conditions
- The Elite Athlete Program Coordinator will assess your application in line with the Eligibility Criteria.
- If you have been assessed to not meet the eligibility criteria, you may request that your application be reviewed by an independent panel.
- UTAS Sport reserves the right to promote or demote a student subject to their ongoing performance.
High Performance Athlete - Tier 2
Eligibility
- Those Athletes selected as a member of a State team that will be competing at the National Championships, or was a member in 2024 and is vying for selection in 2025.
- Those athletes who compete or have been selected to compete in a National Sporting Organisation affiliated national competition at senior or reserve level.
- Those athletes who hold a top 3 individual ranking for the state/territory in their sport; at the discretion of UTAS Sport for sports unrecognised by Sport Australia.
- Those athletes who compete internationally in their chosen sport and is supported by an official body in doing so.
Terms and Conditions
- The Elite Athlete Program Coordinator will assess your application in line with the Eligibility Criteria.
- If you have been assessed to not meet the eligibility criteria, you may request that your application be reviewed by an independent panel.
- UTAS Sport reserves the right to promote or demote a student subject to their ongoing performance.
How to apply
Once you’re enrolled as a student, you’ll be able to apply for Elite Athlete Status via the Elite Athlete Recognition Application.
It is recommended that you lodge your application for Elite Athlete status ahead of start of semester. If you're a new students, you can apply as soon as you have received your UTAS Student number.
Applications must include supporting documentation verifying current state or national representation and upcoming competitions in the semester period for which you’re applying. Supporting documentation must be provided by a state or national sporting authority. Supporting documentation will be accepted from:
- A state or national Coach or Official/Manager
- Sporting institutions such as the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS)
- Professional associations such as the Australian Cricketers Association
Supporting documentation must be in PDF format on an official letterhead, dated (within 30 days) and signed. Applications that are submitted incorrectly will not be considered.
