QUT and the Queensland Academy of Sport have announced five new $10,000 scholarships that will be awarded to elite athletes who study at QUT in 2024.
Applications for the new QUT Elite Sport Scholarship in partnership with the Queensland Academy of Sport are now open for commencing and continuing students and will close on January 13.
QUT’s Director of Sport, Emily Rosemond, said the scholarships would support promising Queensland talent in the decade leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
They will enable the Queensland Academy of Sport to identify and select athletes that are on the trajectory to achieve success, bolstering the university’s sporting scholarship program.
QUT sports scholarships already on offer each year include 10 QUT-AIS Scholarships and five QUT Elite Athlete Scholarships, each also worth $10,000. Rising Sports Scholarships that provide $5000 in assistance are also available.
All sports scholarship recipients become part of the QUT Elite Athlete Program, which boasts more the 300 members.
“This partnership ensures best practice in identifying and supporting talent at the pinnacle of sport in Queensland – athletes who are on a trajectory toward achieving national and international success in their chosen sport,” Ms Rosemond said.
“By partnering with the Queensland Academy of Sport, QUT will ensure developing athletes recognised by the peak body for Queensland high-performance sport receive additional funding to support both their sport and academic endeavours.
“We see the long-term benefits for athletes in developing holistically. That means they’re not only physically strong and skilled in their sport, but also mentally resilient, emotionally balanced, and socially connected, fostering a well-rounded and sustainable foundation for success both on and off the field.”
Queensland Academy of Sport CEO Chelsea Warr said the scholarships would empower athletes to strike a balance between their sporting and academic ambitions.
“With the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games, it’s a particularly pivotal moment for institutions like QUT to demonstrate their unwavering support for elite athletes, contributing to their success on the world stage and celebrating their achievements as ambassadors of Australia,” she said.
“The financial burden that comes with elite training can be overwhelming, often forcing athletes to compromise their education or even their athletic careers.
“Scholarships such as the QUT Elite Athlete Scholarship, can provide the crucial financial relief that allows athletes to focus on their training and competition.”
Ms Warr said the new scholarship program aligned with one of the academy’s key strategic goals – to provide QAS-supported athletes with career and education opportunities to develop transition pathways.
“Having these pathways ensures athletes have a holistic approach to their wellbeing and identified future career opportunities once their athletic careers have concluded,” she said.
Athletes planning to study at QUT in 2024 can find out more about the sports scholarships online or by emailing eliteathletes@qut.edu.au.
QUT Media contacts:
- Mechelle McMahon, media@qut.edu.au
- After hours, 0407 585 901 or media@qut.edu.au
