Record number of athletes supported by AIS scholarship fund

Helping mogul skier Charlotte Wilson juggle her quest to qualify for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games while studying Biomedical Engineering is just one example of the success made possible through the latest round of the Australian Institute of Sport’s Athlete Education Scholarship (AES). 

Delivered in partnership with the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation – the philanthropic organisation founded by former Australian Sports Commission Chair John Wylie AC – the AES will support 65 athletes this year, the highest number to date, including an unprecedented number of Para athletes, helping them lay a strong foundation for life after sport.  

The AES grant means Wilson won’t have to choose between chasing her Olympic dream and biomedical engineering at the University of NSW, where she hopes to improve lives through prosthetic solutions.  

“As a mogul skier, I travel often for training camps and competitions. This is quite expensive, and with the cost of university, it can be hard to balance it all,” Wilson said.  

“Financial support makes a world of difference not only to my education but also to my sporting success.  

“Eventually, there will be a life after sport, and by starting my studies now, I already feel more prepared for when that day comes.”   

A quarter of the 2025-26 $200,000 AES funding was earmarked to support Para athletes, as part of the wider Para Uplift. The Para Uplift is a landmark initiative to strengthen Para sport in Australia and enhance opportunities for athletes with a disability ahead of the Brisbane 2032 and made possible through the Australian Government’s historic investment in Para Sport.  

The AES compliments the $20.8 million in direct financial support (dAIS) and a range of other programs available to athletes thanks to the Australian Government investment in high performance sport. 

Jackson Hamilton, who made his Paralympic debut in javelin in Paris and is currently studying at the University of Notre Dame Australia, is one of 15 Para athletes being supported this year by the AES.   

“I understand that having success on the international level requires not only physical strength but also mental resilience, knowledge, and a secure balance in all aspects of life,” Hamilton said.  

“Studying physiotherapy not only equips me with the skills to optimise my athletic potential but also prepares me for a successful and purposeful career beyond sport.”

Since 2020, the AES has provided more than $719,000 to 230 athletes pursuing higher education.  

“Supporting athletes is not just about investing in their performance, but also their wellbeing, education and future beyond sport,” ASC Executive General Manager of AIS Performance Matti Clements said.   

“We’re proud to partner with the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation and deliver the Athlete Education Scholarship program, which supports the holistic development of athletes.   

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see a record number of recipients this year, including more Para-athletes than ever before.”  

Director of the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation, John Wylie AC said:   

“High performance athletes dedicate so much of themselves in the pursuit of sporting excellence. It's an incredible commitment, but one that often comes with personal and financial sacrifices along the way.   

“The Athlete Education Scholarship program is a way to give back, helping athletes prepare for life beyond sport through investment in their education.   

“Myriam and I are proud to support this year’s recipients and encourage others to contribute however they can, to build a stronger future for athletes beyond their competitive careers.”