ESPS Definitions

Established and Emerging Elite Athletes

To qualify as an Established Elite Athlete, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • National Squad member from a Sport Australia-recognised and funded sport.
  • AIS scholarship holder
  • VIS scholarship holder
  • Member of any of the following: AFL Players Association, Australian Cricketers’ Association, Rugby Union Players Association, Rugby League Professionals’ Association, Professional Footballers Australia or Australian Netball Players' Association (ANPA).

    To qualify as an Emerging Elite Athlete, at least one of the following criteria must be met:

  • State Squad member from a Sport Australia recognised and funded sport.*
  • Listed senior player in the top division of the following Victorian state based competitions (or interstate equivalent): Victorian Football League (VFL and VFL Women's), NPL VIC (top division and seniors), NRL Victoria (first Grade), Rugby Dewar Shield (seniors), Victorian Premier Cricket (first division and seniors), NBL1 South, Premier League Hockey (senior team) and Victorian Netball League (VNL).
  • For time-based events such as swimming, athletics and rowing, students must meet the entry standards for the open age category and have competed at the most recent Australian Nationals

    • Established and Emerging Elite Performers

    To qualify as an Established Elite Performer, regular participation in significant national or international performances, productions, installations, competitions or events is required.

    To qualify as an Emerging Elite Performer, participation in significant national performances, productions, installations, competitions or events is required.

    *For applicants currently undertaking Australian Year 12 (or equivalent), participation in underage state squads and competitions may be considered when assessing the required level of competition.