Elite Student Performer Support

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

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 Program, 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 sport specific state leagues do also qualify)

Elite athletes:

are competing at a national or international level in a Sport Australia endorsed sport
may be registered with a State institute or academy of sport
may be a member of a relevant national or state sporting association, eg. Cricket Australia, Diving Queensland, Victorian Football League (VFL).

Please note, a limited number of sport specific state leagues do also qualify.

If you are not registered with one of the above organisations, but compete in a sport at a national or international competition level, please submit an application for consideration to the universityand it will be assessed.

Elite performers:

are defined as a student who participates in significant national or international performances, productions, installations, competitions or events.

Primary forms of performance include dance, music, esports 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.

If you are not participating in one of the above disciplines, but perform at a national or international level, please submit an application for consideration to the university and it will be assessed.

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 Program 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 Program 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

Program 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. Program 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 Travel Grant: The Elite Student Performer Travel 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.
Elite Student Performer Varsity Grant: The Elite Student Performer Varsity Grant supports a student in representing Monash University at a UniSport Nationals event. A grant of up to $500 can be provided to assist students in representing Monash University at the event and can be used for travel and associated event costs.

Applications for each grant open in March with a limited number of these grants available each year, and are dependant on funding.

Applications are assessed by a Committee with outcomes communicated via email. Please email us directly 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 Program will have access to invaluable networking and personal development opportunities with other students in the Program 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

New applications:

Students can apply for our Program once they are enrolled at Monash University.
Applications for 2021 are now open, please use the button below to apply.
Please ensure you complete the relevant supporting documentation and submit with your application.
Please ensure your supporting letter is from your State or National organising body.
Please note, your place in the Program does not rollover year to year. Students need to re-apply each year.

Returning members:

Registrations in the Program do not rollover year to year. Students registered in 2020 and prior, will need to re-apply for 2021.
Applications for 2021 are now open, please use the button below to apply.
Please ensure you complete the relevant supporting documentation and submit with your application.
Please note, eligibility criteria are subject to change year to year.

Entry Scheme

In November 2020, Monash University introduced a new scheme for elite athletes and performers to assist with entry to Monash University. Students who qualify under the scheme receive an adjustment factor of up to 10 ATAR points. To be eligible, the student must have been performing at an elite level concurrently with their schooling and meet the range of requirements to be considered including:

are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
are a recognised elite athlete or performing artist by one of the Recognised Organisations
can demonstrate that they have undertaken elite training, competition and/or performances whilst preparing for entry to Monash University.

Success in the scheme does not guarantee entry into a Monash course. Students must meet the prerequisite and any additional requirements of the course they are applying for to gain entry.

For further information visit the Elite Student Performer Entry Scheme WEBSITE.