If you have any questions regarding the Deakin Elite Athlete Program, or for further information, please contact the Elite Sports Coordinator.
Jack Duke
+61 3 9244 3732
0438 712 324
Deakin Elite Athlete Program
Succeeding as an athlete doesn't mean sacrificing your studies
Deakin understands the demands placed upon elite athletes to balance studies and sporting commitments, and the need to support you to succeed in both areas.
What is the Deakin Elite Athlete Program?
Deakin University is a proud member of the EA Education Network (EAEN) and the Deakin Elite Athlete Program offers support and benefits to student athletes in a range of ways. These vary from academic assistance and course flexibility to financial support and gym access.
If you have sporting commitments or conflicts, we can help you negotiate your assessment deadlines and attendance at lectures and tutorials. We can also:
- give you course and academic planning advice
- help you tailor your workload to your sports program
- help organise a leave of absence if you have increased sporting commitments
- organise for you to study at other universities or online while you’re travelling for training or competition
- support you with special consideration, class attendance and exam relocations
help with reminders for important dates, for example re-application and census dates.
The Deakin Elite Athlete Program also has several other benefits for elite student athletes while studying, including yearly DeakinACTIVE gym membership and financial support through the Elite Athlete Sports Grants.
World Cup and Olympic Champion, Jakara Anthony balances competition with study
From navigating business studies to dominating the freestyle mogul skiing circuit, Jakara Anthony OAM shares a glimpse into the life of an elite athlete student.
Deakin's student-athletes
From the Commonwealth Games to the Olympics and Paralympics – Deakin’s diverse set of student-athletes achieve academic excellence while pursuing their professional sporting careers.
How to qualify for the Deakin Elite Athlete Program
We're aware that sport is constantly progressing and evolving, with more sports moving into an elite environment, leading to more athletes balancing sport and academic pursuits.
How to qualify as an elite athlete
To qualify for the Deakin Elite Athlete Program as an elite athlete, you must be registered with one or more of the following groups:
- Australian Institute of Sport
- State institutes or academies of sport
- AFL Players' Association
- Australian Cricketers' Association
- Rugby League Professionals' Association
- Rugby Union Players' Association
- Australian Professional Footballers' Association
- Australian Basketballers’ Association
- National squad members from Sport Australia funded sports
- Senior/head coaches from state and territory institutes/academies of sport, national teams from Sport Australia funded sports or participating professional sports.
Consideration for emerging athletes
We've expanded on the Australian Institute of Sport's definition of elite athletes, incorporating more sports by including a second category of support for emerging athletes.
Deakin University considers applications from emerging athletes for entry into the Deakin Elite Athlete Program. Emerging athletes may be involved in senior or junior national squads from Australian Sports Commission recognised sports, World University Games or Championships selection and national league representatives.
Join the Deakin Elite Athlete Program
If you're a current or future student, register now to receive the benefits of studying at a Deakin Elite Athlete Friendly university.
Apply as a current student
Elite athlete and performer adjustments
All courses offered at Deakin University attract an elite athlete adjustment on a sliding scale – for those students defined as elite athletes. Elite athletes are defined in line with Deakin's membership of the EA Education Network (EAEN).
Elite athlete scholarship
The Deakin Sport Network Elite Athlete Scholarship is available for elite or developing elite student athletes who study at Deakin in a full-time or part-time capacity. Eligible students can receive a cash payment of up to $5000 per year for three years.
