Eligibility

 Athletes

Applicants must be currently enrolled as a La Trobe student in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree and meet one of the following criteria:

Tier 1

• Actively competing at international level in a sport endorsed and funded by the Australian Institue of Sport
• AIS Categorised Athlete
• Actively competing in a top Australian professional sporting league

Examples:

• NBL/WNBL Player 
• Australian National Snow Sports Team 

Tier 2

• Actively competing at national level in a sport endorsed and funded by the Australian Institue of Sport
• VIS Scholarship Holder/Categorised Athlete
• Actively competing at international level in a sport not endorsed and funded by the Australian Institute of Sport 

Examples: 

• Victorian State Athletics Team 
• Australian National Kick Boxing Team

La Trobe students who are coaching or refereeing at the above levels may also be eligible for this program. 

Tier 3

We've expanded on the Australian Institute of Sport's definition of elite athletes, incorporating more levels by including a third category of support for emerging athletes. La Trobe University considers applications from emerging athletes of La Trobe University partners for entry into the Elite Athlete Program. Applications for emerging athletes will be considered on a case-by-case basis by a panel of La Trobe Sport staff members. 

Examples: 

• Carlton FC VFL
• Football Victoria Emerging Players Program

 Performers

In 2024 we are introducing a performers aspect to the existing Elite Athlete Program!

You’re considered an elite performer if you are a member of, and have had significant success in, significant national or international performances, productions, installations, competitions or events.

Examples of performance include:

• Cheerleading
• Circus Arts
• Professional Dancing
• Ice Dancing
• Sport Aerobics

If you perform at a national or international level, please submit an application for consideration to the university and it will be assessed.

Please note:

• Applications are assessed on the level/standard of the sport/discipline in national/international comparisons
• Applications will be assessed by a committee and outcomes will be communicated to each applicant via email
• If you have any questions about your eligibility, please email eliteathletes@latrobe.edu.au

 Notes

International students may be considered eligible for LEAP if they are competing at a national level under an Australian National Sporting Organisation.

You will need to provide a letter of support to prove your status as an elite or emerging athlete. It must include a statement from the national or state officiating body of your sport confirming your participation at an elite level. This letter should be provided on an official letterhead and contain contact details for your referee (e.g. a coach or AW&E Manager). Please see example of an appropriate letter of support here. 

After you apply, you will be advised of your acceptance into LEAP via email. If you require further information, please contact La Trobe Sport: eliteathletes@latrobe.edu.au.