Elite athlete support and scholarships

Brendon Smith

We are committed to providing elite athlete students assistance and support to successfully combine their academic and sporting pursuits.

In addition to academic and pathway support, our Elite Athlete Program members may also be eligible to apply for specific athlete scholarships and grants.

We offer full support to our LEAP athletes, especially within the following areas:

  • academic case management, including assistance with:
    • enrolment
    • timetabling
    • flexible assessment
    • alternative exam arrangements
  • Grants and scholarships for sporting endeavours and university fees
  • High-performance services including strength & conditioning coaching
  • Nutrition screenings and support
  • Gym membership and access to sporting facilities
  • Elite Athlete Program apparel
  • Assistance with university entry pathways and credit transfer arrangements.


The program also provides help and training to support your career once you finish competing, including:

  • Professional development workshops
  • Access to industry networks through our sporting partnerships
  • Advice from La Trobe expert academics in sports and health.

The La Trobe Elite Athlete Support Fund (EASF) helps student athletes balance their sports and studies by providing financial assistance. The fund offers one-time grants to cover costs related to their elite sport. The three types of subsidies available are:

  • Elite Athlete Travel Subsidy: Helps cover travel expenses (flights, accommodation etc.) for national and international competitions.
  • Elite Athlete Equipment Subsidy: Assists with the cost of essential sports equipment.
  • University Representation Subsidy: Supports expenses when representing La Trobe in intervarsity sports events.

For more details, please visit our Elite Athlete Program funding page.

If you’re an academic high achiever competing in national or international level sport, you may be eligible for the Michael Malthouse Elite Sport Scholarship. This scholarship offers $10,000 to support the first year of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Eligibility Criteria (Undergraduate):

  • Studying Australian Year 12 or IB in 2024 and planning to enrol in a bachelor’s degree in Semester 1, 2025.
  • High academic achievement in Year 11 and 12.
  • High achievement in your chosen sport in 2023-24.
  • Supported by referee reports.

Eligibility Criteria (Postgraduate):

  • Planning to enrol in a master’s degree in Semester 1, 2025.
  • High academic achievement in undergraduate degree.
  • High achievement in your chosen sport in 2023-24.
  • Supported by referee reports.

Applicants must also apply to the La Trobe Elite Athlete Program after accepting their place at La Trobe University.

For more information, please visit our scholarships section.