Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme

Elite athlete eligibility

Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme applications are open. You can apply for EAPS from your completed undergraduate application.

This scheme applies to semester 1, 2026 undergraduate offers only. UAC is continuing to work with institutions to finalise their participation in the scheme. Applicants may be considered for adjustment factors or other admission considerations as institutions come on board.

An elite athlete is considered as an individual who competes at the highest level in their sport, participating in competitions at state, national or international levels.

Applications for the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme will be accepted from elite athletes who live with or without a disability and participate in either funded or unfunded sports. For your application to be considered, you must:

  • meet the eligibility criteria
  • be a member of at least one recognised sporting organisation
  • provide at least one supporting document as evidence of your sporting achievements or participation.

To be eligible for the Elite Athlete and Performer Scheme as an elite athlete, you must meet one or more of the following competition-level criteria:

International level
  • Member of an Australian national team (open or junior international).
National level
  • State representative in a national open squad or equivalent.
  • State representative in a national age squad or equivalent.
  • Finalist in a state age squad (eg NSW All Schools team, NSW Swimming).
State level
  • Member of a state institute of sport or academy program (eg NSW Institute of Sport, SAS).
Individual rankings
  • Top 5 open national ranking or top 10 age national ranking in individual sports.

Membership with at least one of the following recognised organisations is required:

  • Australian Institute of Sport
  • State Institute or Academy of Sport
  • State or national sporting organisations
  • Professional players’ associations (eg Australian Cricketers’ Association, Rugby Union Players’ Association, Australian Professional Footballers’ Association).

Applicants must provide at least one of the following:

  • letter of recognition from a relevant sporting organisation
  • evidence of participation and achievements, such as competition certificates or team rosters
  • third-party corroboration, such as a coach’s statement or official website references.

Your application cannot be considered until your supporting documents have been uploaded.