Elite Student Performer Scheme (ESPS)

Monash University is committed to helping its students combine academic success with sporting or performing arts success through our Elite Student Performer Scheme.

We provide a range of support services and benefits to students who are competing or performing at an elite level in their sport or discipline (ie at the National or International level).

This support will help student members to balance their commitments to both their studies and their sport/discipline and manage any conflicts that may arise.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Scheme, you must be:

• A commencing or continuing undergraduate or postgraduate student enrolled at a Monash University campus, including Monash College
• Competing/performing regularly in your sport or discipline
• Competing/performing at the National or International level. (Please note: some disciplines require International level; some sport specific state leagues do also qualify)

Performers:

• Performer disciplines are still a relatively new area and there is no current uniform method to categorise performers. As such it is up to the university to define who they will support.
• Primary forms of performance acts include dance, music and opera. There are also theatre disciplines including plays, musicals, classical Indian dance, kabuki, mummers' plays, improvisational theatre, stand-up comedy and pantomime.
• Secondary forms include magic/illusion, mime, spoken word, puppetry circus arts, performance art, recitation and public speaking.

Please note:

• Applications are also assessed on the level/standard of the sport/discipline in National/International comparisons
• Applications remain open all year round
• Applications will be assessed by a committee and outcomes will be communicated to each applicant via email
• If you have any questions about your eligibility, please send us an email via the details below

Benefits and Services

Student members of this Scheme are required to meet University requirements for enrolment, assessment and course completion, however, a degree of flexibility can be provided to assist them to meet these requirements.

Faculty Support

There are staff members within each faculty of the University who are aware of the Scheme and able to support members through their course to manage both their sport/discipline and study commitments.

These staff members can provide course planning advice, consider special consideration applications and answer student queries about academic matters.

Student members are encouraged to seek out assistance or support in a timely manner.

Fitness Centre Access

Scheme members are able to apply for a gym membership which provides access to on-campus Monash University sporting facilities, where available.

**Please note that not all campuses have on-campus sporting facilities and this benefit is only eligible to qualifying students based upon your application.

Financial Support

A limited number of the following two types of grants are available each year. Scheme members are able to apply for these grants but not all applications will be successful. Please enquire direct with Team Monash via the contact details below on how to apply.

• Elite Student Performer Grant: The Elite Student Performer Grant supports a student to attend an International representative event.
  A grant of between $100 - $1000 can be provided to assist students in attending the event and can be used for travel and associated event costs.

• World University Representative Travel Grant: A World University Representative Travel Grant supports a current Monash University student who has been selected to represent the University and their country at an International University sporting or performance event such as the World University Games, World University Championship, World University League or Continental University Sport federation level event. A grant of between $100 to $1000 is provided for approved out of pocket competition or performance related expenses that are not covered by sponsorship, external payments or the national selection body responsible for the student’s selection at an eligible event.

Applications for both grants open in March with a limited number of these grants available each year. Applications are assessed by a Committee with outcomes communicated via email. Please email us via the address below to find out more.

Mentoring

Members will have access to a number of mentoring opportunities throughout their time at Monash, depending on their faculty and year level. From peer-to-peer programs to student-graduate programs, you will have the opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you and build your networks and skills base.

Networking and Personal Development Opportunities

Members of the Scheme will have access to invaluable networking and personal development opportunities with other students in the Scheme and key contacts within the University.

Information and Resources

Members will also have access to valuable information and resources to assist them and provide further support and guidance.

ESPS History

The University is a member of the national Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) agreement developed in partnership with the Australian Sports Commission in 2004.

The EAFU program supports Australia’s elite athletes to achieve academic excellence while also pursuing a sporting career.

At Monash University, we have extended this support to students who are also elite in a performing arts discipline.

Since 2004, the program has shown that student participants were more successful in:

• resolving conflicting study and sporting commitments
• planning and managing their course workload
• completing their course

How to apply for the Scheme

New applications:

• Students can apply for our Program once they are enrolled at Monash University.
• Applications for 2020 close on October 31, 2020.
• Applications will then open in December 2020, for 2021 enrolled students.
• If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email us via the details below.
• Please ensure you complete the relevant supporting documentation and submit with your application.

Students re-applying in 2020:

• Registrations in the Scheme do not rollover year to year. Students registered in 2019 will need to re-apply for 2020.
• Information was sent out to registered students at the start of December. Please contact us if you have any questions.
• Please note, eligibility criteria are subject to change year to year.

New students in 2021:

• Students can apply for our Program once they are enrolled at Monash University.
• Applications are open from December 1 to October 31 each year.
• When applying for University courses through VTAC, as part of the Special Entry Access Scheme students are encouraged to apply for the minimu category 1 by providing a detailed personal statement outlining their commitment, dedication and time spent on their sport or discipline, as well as highlighting their plans and intentions with both their study and their discipline, including the benefits of this and what they have learnt.
• We unfortunately do not currently have an entry based scheme for athletes and performers, however, once students have gained entry on their own merit they are then able to apply for our Program.
• If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email us via the details below.

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about this program or have any questions, contact us via email at teammonash-talentsupport@monash.edu