Elite Athlete & Coach Program

Are you an elite athlete or coach looking to study a higher education degree?

The Australian College of Physical Education has supported student athletes strive for academic and sporting excellence since 1917, and is among national leaders in providing the highest standard of services for elite athletes, coaches and officials. ACPE is recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport and the New South Wales Institute of Sport as an Elite Athlete Friendly University.

Our Bachelor degrees in Sport, Health, Education and Dance offer the highest quality learning in a flexible and supportive environment in Sydney’s home of sport, Olympic Park. Selected subjects, degree and postgraduate options can be studied fully online.

About the Program

ACPE’s Elite Athlete and Coach Program is designed to encourage elite sportspeople to achieve their fullest potential by providing the support which allows them to balance academic study and high performance sport.

Athletes balancing a dual career of pursuing excellence in tertiary studies whilst playing representative sport at the highest level are given comprehensive assistance and a benefits package that is tailored for each individual, ensuring success is achievable, both on and off the playing arena.

Athletes and coaches studying at ACPE are made to feel welcome and have the full support from the skilled and dedicated staff, including a single point of contact for all your enquiries.

ACPE is an institution dedicated to sporting degrees and has the advantage of our campus location in the famous Sydney Olympic Park. With many of our subjects and degrees being offered online, you will be able to continue your studies at your pace if sporting commitments lead you interstate or overseas.

As a leading provider of sporting degrees and with a large network of partnerships within the sporting industry, Elite Athletes and Coaches studying at ACPE are provided with every opportunity to realise their full potential in preparation for the next step in their careers.

Elite Athletes discuss why they chose to study at ACPE

Parramatta Eels captain Tim Mannah and champion swimmer and 2018 Commonwealth Games hopeful Kurt Herzog discuss their study journeys and why they chose to study at ACPE.

Elite Athletes and Coaches

ACPE recognises Elite Athletes and Coaches who have been identified and recognised by one of the following organisations:

Australian Institute of Sport
State Institutes or Academies of Sport
AFL Players Association
Australian Cricketers Association
Rugby Union Players Association
Rugby League Professionals Association
Australian Professional Footballers Association
National senior squad members from ACE supported sports

ACPE’s Elite Athlete and Coach Program supports elite sports people in a number of ways. These include:

A tailored study plan
Flexible timetables and reasonable adjustments to class attendance requirements
Access to peer tutoring
Assistance from the Student Success Centre
Reasonable adjustments to assessments and assessment schedules
External exam invigilation to accommodate sporting commitments
A designated Elite Athlete Coordinator to assist in the planning, managing and execution of study commitments

How to apply

As a direct entry institution ACPE provides prospective students with a swift and easily accessible application process.

Lodge your application for your course of choice by speaking with an Admissions Advisor on 1300 302 867. Once accepted into your course of choice you will be directed to lodge your application for the Elite Athlete and Coach Program with ACPE’s Elite Athlete Coordinator.

To confirm if you’re eligible for entry into ACPE’s Elite Athlete and Coach Program, complete the Elite Athlete Identification Form and you will be contacted about next steps in the application process.