Learn more about EAPP benefits and services, check your eligibility and find out how to apply.

Encouraging excellence with the EAPP

What is the EAPP?

The Elite Athlete and Performer Program (EAPP) is designed to give students the tools they need to achieve balance across their active and academic lives.

The program comes with a range of benefits, including:

  • up to 5 adjustment factors
  • preferential class selection – priority allocation status
  • flexible study options
  • academic support
  • assistance with special consideration
  • access to financial scholarships and subsidies
  • accommodation scholarships
  • athlete and performer ambassador experiences
  • networking and career development opportunities
  • gym access on campus*

The program is administered annually, so all EAPP students need to reapply each year to maintain access throughout their study.

Elite athlete and performer support

Am I eligible for the EAPP?

Elite athlete definition

You’re considered an elite athlete if you’ve been identified as such by one of the following organisations: 

  • The Australian Institute of Sport
  • A state institute or Academy of Sport
  • A relevant national or state sporting association, of which you are a member e.g. Cricket Australia, Diving Queensland, Victorian Football League (VFL).
  • NB: The EAPP recognises Sport Australia funded sports or sports that are on a high-performance pathway to an Olympics, Paralympics or Commonwealth Games.

Elite performer definition

You’re considered an elite performer if you are a member of, and have had significant success in, a major artistic performing arts or production company at a state, national or international level.

More specifically the criteria can include:

  • Actors Equity Australia
  • Australia dance council
  • Australian dance theatre
  • Australian chamber orchestra
  • The symphony Australia company
  • Opera Australia/ state opera
  • Musica viva

EAPP member expectations

Being an elite athlete or performer is a great honour. However, there are also some extra responsibilities.

Before you apply to join the EAPP, please ensure you read our terms and conditions.

Elite Athlete and Performer Program terms and conditions

How to apply

You must apply for your ACU course via your local tertiary admissions centre (TAC) or via the ACU Guarantee. Following this, you will need to gather your supporting documentation and submit an EAPP application form direct to ACU.

To get started, read our step-by-step application guide.

As well as applying for the EAPP directly to ACU, you’ll also be required to apply to your course via your relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) or via the ACU Guarantee. Make sure you meet the course entry requirements and prerequisites to be offered a place in the course. To learn more about entry requirements and how to apply for an undergraduate course, visit Undergraduate students (How to apply)

Before applying for the EAPP, please ensure you have gathered the necessary supporting documentation: 

  • a sport/performance resume summarising your achievements and experiences over the previous 12months.
  • a supporting reference letter from your relevant sport or performance organisation or association which verifies your level of elite involvement over the past 12 months and your ongoing commitments
  • current training/rehearsal schedule and expected competition /performing schedule for the upcoming year (if known)
  • relevant high-resolution competition or performance photo (action shot with face visible preferred).

Please note: Your supporting letter must be on an official organisational letterhead, have the appropriate contact details (email and contact number) of your referee (i.e. coach/manager/AW&E Manager etc) and explain your current involvement in your sport/performance. This letter is not a character reference, it should include factual details of your level within your sport/performance including any significant achievements. If your letter does not have these, your application will not be considered.

You can begin applying by filling out our online form. Get things underway by visiting ‘Apply for the EAPP online’ in the link below.

Apply for the EAPP online

FUTURE STUDENTS (students who have applied to their Tertiary Admissions Centre but have not yet received an offer from AUC), please include your UAC/VTAC/QTAC application number on your application form to allow adjustment factors to be applied, if eligible.

If you have RECEIVED an offer from ACU and have a student number, or you are a CURRENT STUDENT, please include your student number on the application form as well as your ACU Student email (i.e. name.surname@myacu.edu.au).

Download example application (PDF 90KB)

Applications are open for Future students applying for entry in 2024 and we encourage applicants to submit their application form as soon as possible to allow any awarded EAPP adjustment factors to be given. Applications will continue be accepted past this time and adjustment factors applied to subsequent TAC application round.

Current student applications remain open year-round.

It’s important to remember your EAPP application is only valid if you receive a formal offer to study at ACU.

Note that acceptance into the EAPP does not mean you are on a scholarship. EAPP Scholarships are completely separate and are assessed accordingly.

Adjustment factors

Your EAPP outcome email will confirm whether you have been awarded adjustment factors.

Unsuccessful applications

Should your application be unsuccessful, you can re-apply for the EAPP at any time as your sport/performance achievements change.

Apply now

Visit our FAQ’s

Apply now

Current ACU students or students re-applying for the EAPP

If you are a current ACU student, you can apply for the EAPP at any time of the year. Applications are open to undergraduate, postgraduate and ACU Online students. While applications will remain open, some EAPP benefits may vary depending on the timing of receiving an application during the semester. I.e if applicants apply after the timetabling period, we cannot guarantee timetable preferencing.

EAPP members are required to re-apply to the program every 12 months, with application for 2024 closing on 27 October. This is to ensure timetabling preferences for 2024.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the EAPP or the application process, or would like to register your interest, please email elite.athleteprogram@acu.edu.au.

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