University sport

Tertiary education providers play an important role in delivering sport across the Australian sport sector.

UniSport Australia, opens in a new tab is the peak governing body of university sport in Australia. They promote and foster the importance of university sport as an integral part of university life at 43 member universities, who collectively represent more than one million students nationwide.

Their primary focus is providing expertise and leadership in university sport.

Vision - Active Students; Lifelong Success. Mission - In partnership with universities we are driving student success by demonstrating the value of sport through evidence-based advocacy and providing participation and competition programs locally nationally and internationally.

Key documents:

• Strategic Plan 2022-2025, opens in a new tab (December 2021)
• The Value of Sport, opens in a new tab (June 2021)
• Strategy 2020, opens in a new tab (November 2017)
• The Case for Change, opens in a new tab (July 2017)

Australian Universities

Many Australian universities are recognised world-wide for excellence and innovation relating to sport, active recreation, and health research. Additionally, universities recognise the health and wellbeing benefits that sport can bring to students and staff.

Several universities have developed strategic plans that clearly identify priorities in becoming leading institutions for research, innovation, equity, and participation in sport. Examples include:

• Ahead of the Game Sports Strategy, opens in a new tab, Queensland University of Technology, (2023).
• Griffith Sport Pride Strategic Plan 2023-2025, opens in a new tab, Griffith University Sport, (2023).
• Women in Sport Strategic Plan 2022-2026, opens in a new tab, Griffith University, (2022).
• Game On: UC Sport Strategy 2021-2026, opens in a new tab, University of Canberra, (2021).
• Sport Strategic Plan, opens in a new tab, University of Queensland, (2021).

Australian Universities may also provide support for elite athletes (e.g. Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth Games athletes) in three main ways:

1. The Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) is a national network that supports Australian athletes within the high-performance sport system. Partnered universities, TAFEs, and other education providers help to support elite athletes for the duration of their course study. This ensures their educational experiences are rewarding, flexible, and help them acquire the skills and qualifications needed to follow their passions and interests outside of sport. Endorsed members of the EAEN commit to a range of guiding principles and minimum standards through consultation with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
2. Some scholarship assistance is also available from select Australian universities on the basis of athletic and academic potential/performance.
3. Intra and inter-university competition, with a pathway to international university sport (FISU) events.