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 Support 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 level ( Note. sport/discipline specific criteria applies, some State level disciplines are accepted; Monash  representation alone is not sufficient . )

Elite athletes:

• may be 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).

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 university and 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. 

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 assessed on the level/standard of the sport/discipline in National/International comparisons

• 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

• Course advice

• Assessment flexibility

• Timetable preferencing

• Special consideration

Student members are encouraged to seek out assistance or support in a timely manner to ensure flexibility can be arranged.

Fitness Centre Access

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

• Gym access at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula
• Pool access at Clayton

*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 grants are available each year:

• 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:  supports a current Monash University student who has been selected to represent the University and their country at an International University event such as the World University Games. A grant of between $100 to $1000 can be provided for approved out of pocket competition or performance related expenses.

• Elite Student Performer Varsity Grant:  supports a student representing Monash University in their registered sport 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.

How to apply 

Applications are now open for 2024 Support.

New applications:

- Students can apply for our Program once they are enrolled at Monash University.
- Please use the button below to apply.
- 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.
- Applications close in November each year.
 
Returning members:

- Registrations in the Program do not rollover year to year. Students registered in 2023 and prior, will need to re-apply for 2024.
- Please note, eligibility criteria are subject to change year to year.

Apply here  

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

Entry Scheme

Monash University is proud to offer a Scheme for elite athletes and performers to assist with  entry to Monash University . Additional consideration for up to 10 ATAR points can be given for entry into Monash University undergraduate and graduate degrees to applicants who 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 click on the button below.

Find out more here  

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