The University of Canberra is a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) network. As such, the University has signed an agreement with the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Capital Territory Academy of Sport to support the integration of Australian elite athletes' sporting and academic aspirations. The University of Canberra is dedicated to supporting elite athletes in their quest for academic success.

Defining Elite Athletes

The University of Canberra defines elite athletes as those identified under the EAFU agreement. The majority of elite athletes are attached to the network of institutes and academies of sport across Australia. For athletes to be defined as elite for the purpose of the EAFU agreement, they must be identified and recognised as such by one of the following organisations or programmes:

• 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 Coach and Athlete Career and Education (CACE)-supported sport
• Coach Career Management Program
• SCOPE Program

Applying for Study at the University of Canberra

Details of how to apply to study at the University Canberra are available here.

Elite athletes as defined above, and whose training and competitive commitments have affected their education, may be eligible for special consideration. In addition to their application, applicants must provide the University of Canberra Admissions Centre with a letter explaining why they believe their sporting commitments have affected their study in years 11 and 12. The letter should be accompanied by a supporting statement from the relevant sporting body. This statement should include the hours per week on average spent training and competing.

Support for Elite Athletes at the University of Canberra

• A specialised orientation session for new student-athlete during Semester 1 Orientation Week
• Provision of course advice and academic planning guidance
• Advocacy for the student-athlete within the University environment
• Ability to negotiate assessment deadlines based on sporting related commitments
• Ability to negotiate attendance at lectures and tutorials (if practical) where student-athlete is unavailable due to sporting commitments
• Provision of support for cross-institutional studies where possible
• Ability to tailor academic study load to integrate with sporting commitments
• Ability to extend maximum time to complete course due to periods of decreased study load
• Ability to take several leaves of absence if required due to increased sporting commitments

Scholarships

Details of the University of Canberras full range of scholarships are available online.

Contacts

Ms. Laurie Boal
Manager, Student Equity and Access Office
Student Equity and Support Unit
(02) 6201 2333
Laurie.Boal@canberra.edu.au

A/Prof. Michele Fleming
Dean of Students,
Director, Student Equity and Support Unit
(02) 6201 5906
Michele.Fleming@canberra.edu.au