Elite student athletes - Curtin Sport and Recreation | Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Elite athlete program and scholarships

Curtin Sport and Recreation is committed to creating a support program that allows our elite athletes to achieve their ultimate potential in both national and international sport.

HomeSport and recreationCompetitive sportBursary, scholarships and elite athlete program

Regional & Remote Communities Sport Bursary

The University Basketball League (UBL) is a national student-only competition that exhibits each university’s best basketball talent. Up to two male and two female students will be selected.

Program benefits

  • A total of $5,000 to contribute towards educational-related expenses
  • National travel opportunities during fixtures – no expenses incurred
  • Coaching by Lizel Buckley (women’s) and Ricky Grace (men’s)

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered eligible:

  • Demonstrate exceptional Basketball ability
  • Provide a letter of support from a coach/sports teacher/mentor
  • Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian permanent humanitarian or New Zealand citizen
  • Enrolled full-time or part-time (25 credits minimum) in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Curtin University in Semester 1, 2024
  • Minimum course weighted average (CWA) of 60 (if applicable)
  • Willing to contribute to the Curtin community (either through representing Curtin University in sanctioned University sports events or by promoting and supporting Curtin University)

Elite athlete program

Curtin is an elite athlete-friendly university, supporting over 170 student-athletes annually, including Olympians, Paralympians, Commonwealth Games, professional athletes, World/National Champions and National/State level representatives.  Eligible athletes can apply for ‘Elite Athlete Status’, giving them access to academic considerations. 

Curtin is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as part of the Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN).  Following the principles of the EAEN, our program has an overriding objective to assist our student-athletes in the pursuit of dual careers (combining high-performance sport and a tertiary education).  

Endorsed members of the EAEN commit to a range of guiding principles and minimum standards through consultation with the AIS. This is a national network that supports Australian athletes within the high performance sport system.

Program benefits

The Elite Athlete Program may support elite athletes through:

  • Flexible study, assessment and examination options where appropriate,
  • Complimentary Curtin Stadium Gym membership,
  • Opportunity to access the Elite Athlete Grant,
  • Identification of contact to provide advice and guidance to athletes on academic planning, course management and timetabling, and
  • Advocacy within the education environment for Elite Athletes within Curtin University.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Elite Athlete Status, students must be representing Australia or a State/Territory of Australia in a supported and recognised sport. Students who fall outside of this definition may still apply however, the decision will be at the Manager, Programs Curtin Sport and Recreation’s discretion.

Curtin Sport and Recreation works closely with State Sporting Associations (SSAs), the Western Australian Institute of Sport (WAIS) and other peak bodies to ensure that Curtin University has a strong and viable Elite Athlete Program.  You are considered an elite athlete if you have been identified as such by one of the following organisations:

  • the Australian Institute of Sport
  • a state institute or academy of sport
  • a relevant national or state sporting association

If your sport isn’t on the list of current key sports, we still encourage you to apply. We’ll assess your application based on your individual merit and alignment with our strategic vision.

Elite Athlete Grant

The Elite Athlete Grant has been developed to support elite athletes in attaining excellence in their chosen sport whilst maintaining academic achievement.

Completing an education at the same time as training for elite sport is challenging. However, comprehensive research and student-athlete testimonies demonstrate that athletes who successfully integrate their studies and sport can achieve excellent results in both areas.

Value

The Elite Athlete Grant will provide the following support (based on a full-time study load of 100 credits):

A total value of $2,500 paid in two instalments of $1,250:

  • First payment of $1,250 will be paid upon award
  • Second and final payment of $1,250 will be paid after results release, pending community service criteria have been met

 The amount can be used at the recipient’s discretion to contribute towards educational-related expenses.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered eligible for the Elite Athlete Grant:

  • Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian permanent humanitarian or New Zealand citizen
  • Enrolled full-time or part-time (25 credits minimum) in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree at Curtin University in Semester 1, 2024
  • Minimum course weighted average (CWA) of 60 (if applicable)
  • Member of the Curtin University Elite Athlete Program
  • Willing to contribute to the Curtin community (either through representing Curtin University in sanctioned University sports events or by promoting and supporting Curtin University)
  • Cannot be in receipt of any other Curtin-funded scholarship