FAQs about the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme

The Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme (EAPS) recognises the significant commitment of students competing or performing at state, national, international or professional levels. The scheme enables universities, through UAC, to consider both academic and elite achievements when assessing applicants.

The scheme is open for 2026 admissions (domestic undergraduates only) and closes when final undergraduate applications close on 6 February 2026.

An elite athlete is a person competing at a national or international standard in their sport, often identified by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), a state institute/academy of sport, or a recognised professional sporting body.

A performer is a person who has achieved at a professional or elite level in the performing arts (eg music, dance, theatre), usually through a recognised company, conservatorium, or industry body.

Once you’ve submitted your UAC undergraduate application, click on the EAPS link at the bottom of the undergraduate application confirmation page, or log back in to your completed undergraduate application and navigate to the EAPS tab. This is where you can apply for EAPS and upload documents.

You can only submit one EAPS application in each admissions period, but you may nominate up to 5 elite athlete activities and 5 performer activities.

EAPS applications are processed centrally through UAC for further consideration by participating universities.

1. UAC assessment – UAC checks your documentation against the scheme’s requirements.
2. University assessment – Participating universities then determine how they will use the information in their admissions process.

Each institution also has its own policy on when and how it increases selection ranks for eligible applicants and each course.

Not all universities provide adjustment factors under the EAPS.

Yes. The EAPS does not replace course entry requirements, course prerequisites or minimum selection ranks. You must still meet all course requirements.

Participating EAPS institutions are listed on the UAC website.

Each institution applies the scheme differently, so always check your preferred institution’s EAPS policy.

Each institution sets its own EAPS policy. UAC facilitates the application process, but institutions determine their own eligibility rules.

Yes, provided the representation is at state, national or international level and is recognised by a relevant sporting or performance body.

Yes, if they are recognised by the relevant state, national or international organisation.

No. Any preference for an EAPS-participating institution will be considered, regardless of preference order.

No. Only EAPS-participating institutions receive and consider your EAPS information.

No. The EAPS is separate and does not form part of the Schools Recommendation Scheme assessment.

Yes, you can apply for EAPS after you submit your UAC application. Your eligibility doesn’t depend on where you live, but on whether your activity is equivalent to Australia’s recognised elite level. UAC will assess this based on the evidence you provide.

Your EAPS status is considered as part of the normal admissions and offer timelines. The timing depends on:

• the institution’s processes
• the admissions round you are being considered in.

The outcome or status of your EAPS application won’t be shared with you. EAPS outcomes are only shared with institutions to inform their offer decisions.

For information about how an institution considers EAPS applications, please contact them directly.

You’ll need to upload evidence of your achievements. Examples are:

• a letter of recognition from a relevant sporting or artistic organisation
• competition certificates, team rosters, or programs/reviews from performances
• records of auditions, sustained performances, or competition results at a state, national or international level
• third-party corroboration (eg coach or director statements, official website references).

Supporting documents for elite athletes

Supporting documents for performers

Documents must be uploaded to the EAPS section of your UAC undergraduate application.

Emailed, posted or delivered documents are not accepted.

No. An educational impact statement from your school is not required.

Institutions are not assessing the impact your elite level sports or performing had on your schooling or your studies. The EAPS relies on documentation from recognised sports or artistic bodies, not schools.

UAC does not chase missing EAPS documents. You must upload the required evidence with your application.

Incomplete applications may not be assessed.