Elite Sport & Performer Program
Our Elite Sport and Performer Program supports you to successfully complete your studies while competing, performing, coaching or officiating at the highest level.
We recognise the unique challenges of balancing elite-level commitments with academic study and provide the flexibility and support you need to succeed — both in your field and in the classroom.
Our students have represented at major local and international events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, World University Games, and other global performance stages.
Championing sport & performance
Victoria University stands at the forefront of both elite sport and performing arts education.
Ranked #7 globally for Sport Science by ShanghaiRanking in 2024, VU offers Australia’s largest range of sport-related courses and supports over 100 high-performance athletes and performers competing on international stages such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World University Games.
Beyond sport, our Arts and Humanities Program nurtures creativity and cultural insight through cutting-edge studios and performance spaces, empowering students in music, media, animation, and more.
Support
At VU, we recognise the challenges students face when combining elite-level sport, performance, coaching, or officiating with academic study.
Our Elite Sport and Performer Support (ESP) Program offers flexible study options and personalised assistance to help you balance your high-performance commitments with your education.
We can help with:
- personalised support with your timetable and enrolment
- assessment extensions
- flexibility with placements
- alternate exam arrangements
- assistance with credit transfers, course transfers, and cross-institutional study
- travel grants
- subsidies for UniSport representation
- complimentary fitness centre membership
- free or discounted access to on-campus sports facilities
- free or discounted access to VU osteopathy, remedial massage, exercise rehabilitation and psychology services
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you are competing, performing, coaching, or officiating at a high level. This includes:
Athletes
You compete at a national or international level and are recognised by one or more of the following:
- Australian Sports Commission (ASC)
- Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)
- State Institutes or Academies of Sport
- National or state sporting organisations
- Professional player associations
Performers
You perform at a national or international level and are recognised by one or more of the following:
- National or state performing arts organisations (e.g. Opera Australia, Symphony Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company)
- Industry bodies (e.g. Australian Dance Council, Actors Equity Australia)
- Major festivals, competitions, or productions in music, dance, theatre, circus, film, or TV
- Professional or commercial contracts (e.g. signed to a recognised Australian record label)
Coaches
You are a senior or head coach at a national or international level.
Officials
You referee or umpire at a national or international level.
ATAR adjustment for elite sport & performance participants
If you're a current Year 12 student involved in high-level sport, performance, coaching or officiating, you may be eligible for a 5-point ATAR adjustment to boost your Selection Rank.
This bonus applies to courses that consider the ATAR as part of the entry requirements and counts towards the maximum 20 ATAR adjustment points allowed (including SEAS, subject bonuses, and other schemes).
Eligibility for the ATAR adjustment follows the same criteria as the Elite Sport and Performer Program. To apply, complete the Elite Sport and Performer Program application form and select ‘Applying to study at VU’ when prompted.
Applications are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 5 December.
Please note: This adjustment does not apply to the Bachelor of Education (P-12) or Bachelor of Education (Primary).
Stories from our program members
