Elite Student Athletes

Elite Student Athletes and Performers

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

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

Apply here for 2026

About the Program

The Elite Student Performer Support Program (ESPS) is dedicated to supporting Monash's elite student athletes and performers. The program supports students to combine academic prowess with sporting or performing arts success through a range of initiatives including but not limited to course advice and assessment flexibility, fitness centre access and financial support.

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 and completing their courses.

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 apply; some State level disciplines are accepted.)

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 at teammonash-talentsupport@monash.edu.

Supporting students in performance

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.

Definitions

Gain insight into the criteria used to define both established and emerging elite athletes and performers, and explore how these standards evolve across different disciplines and competitive levels.

Fitness Centre access

Students are able to apply for a gym membership, which provides access to on-campus Monash University sporting facilities, where available. This benefit is only eligible to qualifying students based on your application.

Financial support

A limited number of the following grants are available each year, including the Elite Student Performer Travel Grant, World University Representative Travel Grant and the Elite Student Performer Varsity Grant.

  • Mentoring

    Mentoring opportunities are available to members based on faculty and year level. These limited programs, ranging from peer-to-peer to student-graduate connections, offer valuable guidance, networking, and skill-building experiences.

  • 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.