If you are a high-performance athlete, now is the time to take the next step, pursue a degree, broaden your horizons, and secure your future.
The UniSC High Performance Student Athlete program has two levels: High-Performance Student Athletes and Student Athletes. Support is divided into Education Support and Sport Support. Students must apply to be recognised as members of the HPSA Program.
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled as a UniSC student in an undergraduate or postgraduate program and meet one of the following criteria:
High Performance Student Athlete
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Tier 1- Gold: Actively competing at the open national or international level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR actively competing in a top Australian professional sporting league
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Tier 2- Silver: Actively competing as a youth age group athlete at the international level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR a member of a feeder squad for a top Australian professional sporting league
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Tier 3- Bronze: Actively competing at either the junior or open national level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR actively competing in a top state professional sporting league
Student Athlete
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Student Athlete: Actively competing at either the junior or open state level in a sport recognised by Sport Australia, OR actively competing in a top regional sporting league or national university sport league
High Performance Student Athletes and Student Athletes agree to the behavioural standards in the Code of Conduct.
Succeed in sport and in study
As a high performance athlete, we can support you to gain a degree, broaden your mind and secure your future.
Benefits of the High Performance Student Athlete program
High Performance Student Athletes (HPSA's) receive the following personalised support and exclusive benefits.
Special entry to degree programs
Prospective HPSAs are eligible to apply for UniSC’s Elite Athlete adjustment for an adjustment of up to six (6) selection ranks.
Academic support
At UniSC, we understand the unique demands of being both a student and an athlete. That’s why all accepted members gain access to a dedicated academic support system that champions success on and off the field.
Sport support
There are two levels of sport support available:
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High Performance Student Athlete (HPSA) – for athletes competing at national or international levels.
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Student / Pathways Athlete – for developing athletes on the rise in their sporting journey.
Scholarships and financial assistance
Apply for UniSC's scholarships and bursaries including:
Important dates - Semester 2 2025
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2 June 2025 |
Early class selection for HPSAs |
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1 August 2025 |
Last day to add a new course enrolment, swap courses or change classes |
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8 August 2025 |
Last day to withdraw from courses or study without financial penalty or a Withdrawn Without Penalty (WN) grade |
What our athletes have to say...
"My experience has shown me that the UniSC HPSA Program is extremely supportive of their students, and goes above and beyond in offering their students tools and support systems for success."
Matt O’Brien
Triathlon
Bachelor of Dietetics
"The HPSA program has provided me with pre semester skills preparation and ongoing workshops that have largely helped with areas such as financial management, carer advice and the importance of diet and sleep throughout my studies and sporting adventures."
Rachel Whittet
Basketball
Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Prosthetics and Orthotics
"The HPSA program has allowed me to access programs and services to ensure that I have every opportunity to excel at university and in swimming."
Katja Dedekin
Swimming
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Creative Writing and Publishing)
Find out more
Associate Professor Mark Sayers
High Performance Student Program
Email: msayers@usc.edu.au