Griffith University earns AIS gold status for athlete education

Griffith University has been announced as the newest gold-tier member of the Australian Institute of Sport’s (AIS) Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN), recognised for its dedication to helping athletes thrive both on the field and in the classroom. 

The ESEN partners with universities and TAFEs to deliver flexible and holistic support for elite sportspeople, with gold, silver and bronze levels to help support athletes, coaches and performance staff as they pursue higher education. 

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) was the first educational institution awarded gold status in March, with further announcements to be made in the coming months. 

Australian Sports Commission Executive General Manager of AIS Performance, Matti Clements, said Griffith’s commitment strengthens the sport system’s vision to Win Well. 

“We want our athletes, coaches and officials thriving not just in sport but in all other elements of their life — and that’s where the ESEN comes into play,” Clements said. 

“Griffith is a great example of how universities can help contribute to a sustainable high performance system. Their support is crucial to helping athletes excel in sport while also setting them up for future success.”  

The recognition follows the announcement of the 2025 AIS-Griffith University Sport Scholarship recipients, awarded to Olympian Meg Harris (swimming), Paralympian Abby Craswell (athletics), Maguire Reid (Canoe Sprint) and Sidney Stephens (Freestyle Aerial Skiing). 

The partnership granted each athlete a four-year scholarship to support their ongoing commitment to academic and athletic advancement. 

Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM said: “Griffith are proud to be recognised as gold standard for elite athlete support across the AIS network.”  

“We understand how vital this support is to all of our athletes whether they are emerging talents, seasoned professionals, or among the more than 30 current students who competed at the 2024 Paris Games.  

“Providing this balance for them to navigate sport and study is beneficial not only to their transition after sport, but to their performance now, allowing them to engage in study that complements their sport."  

Find out more about the ESEN and scholarship opportunities available.

AIS-Griffith University Sport Scholarship recipients: 

• Meg Harris (Swimming Australia) – Bachelor of Nursing  
• Abby Craswell (Athletics Australia, Para) – Bachelor of Occupational Therapy 
• Sidney Stephens (Snow Australia) – Bachelor of Psychological Science  
• Maguire Reid (Paddle Australia) – Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology