Elite Athlete Program
The University of Queensland (UQ) is an elite athlete friendly university which supports more than 300 student-athletes, including Olympians, Paralympians, Commonwealth Games and Professional athletes. Eligible athletes can apply for ‘elite athlete status’ which gives them access to academic considerations through Reasonable Adjustments for Students Procedures. Once approved for elite athlete status, student-athletes can access the UQ Sport Elite Athlete Program (EAP).
Utilising UQ’s expansive network, the program delivers a holistic approach to athlete support, providing access to a range of personal and professional development opportunities and resources. UQ’s Elite Athlete Program aims to equip you for success now and in the future.
The University of Queensland is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport as part of the Elite Sport Education Network.
The Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN) through partnered Universities, TAFE’s and other education providers helps to support elite athletes for the duration of their course study. This ensures their experience on campus is one that is rewarding, flexible and helps them acquire the right skills and qualifications needed to follow their passions and interests outside of sport.
UQ Sport Elite Athletes
The University of Queensland,
Sir William MacGregor Dr,
St Lucia, Qld 4067
How to Apply
Verify
Provide verification from your coach or a sporting body that confirms you are representing your sport at a national level, or representing Australia, or a state or territory of Australia, during the semester in which you are applying. International students representing their home country as a national, state, or territory squad member in a sport recognised by The Australian Sports Commission will also need to provide verification from the equivalent sporting body in their home country.
Please note: Competing at UniSport Nationals does not make you eligible for Elite Athlete Status.
Apply
Once you’re enrolled as a student, you’ll be able to apply for Elite Athlete Status via the My requests page in my UQ.
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 Queensland Academy of Sport
- 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.
Review and outcome
UQ and an appointed Elite Athlete Student Coordinator will review your application. Applications that are submitted incorrectly will not be considered.
You will be notified of the outcome via my.UQ My Request page. Approval for Elite Athlete Status is only valid for one semester. You are required to re-apply for each Semester of study.
Key dates
| Semester | Applications close |
|---|---|
|
Summer Semester 2025/2026 |
30 January 2026 |
|
Semester 1 2026 |
29 May 2026 |
|
Semester 2 2026 |
30 October 2026 |
|
Summer Semester 2026/2027 |
29 January 2027 |
Benefits and Services
Academic support
- Priority class sign on and timetable support
- Flexible study options (assessment & enrolment)
- Sitting examinations off campus under examination conditions (fees apply to sit off campus examinations)
- Where appropriate, waiving of minimum attendance requirements at lectures, tutorials or practicals.
- Where continuous enrolment is compulsory, a negotiated arrangement to study part time
- An extension of the time specified to complete a program of study
- The provision for students to defer enrolment for up to two years for major sporting events (e.g. in an Olympic Games year)
- Completion of some studies as a cross-institutional student or exchange student at an approved interstate or overseas university
- Provision of summer semester alternatives or, where programs with multiple modes of delivery are available, to undertake studies via distance mode.
For more information about eligibility and considerations afforded to registered elite athletes, please see Reasonable Adjustments for Students Procedures.
Perks
In addition to support for your study, eligible UQ Elite Athlete’s receive the following through the UQ Sport Elite Athlete Program:
- Free UQ Sport Gold Membership
- Wellbeing program
- Discounted UQ Sport Strength and Conditioning services
- Discounted Sport Psychology, Physiotherapy, and Nutrition & Dietetics Consultations
- Designated elite athlete support staff
- Complimentary Elite Athlete Program Merchandise
- Competition subsidy funding for out-of-pocket competition expenses
- Personal development workshops and services
Current Athletes & Alumni
Competition Subsidy
