Scholarships for High Performing Athletes from Hunter and Central Coast Academies of Sport

The University of Newcastle, in partnership with the Hunter Academy of Sport and Central Coast Academy of Sport, is proud to support local elite athletes in achieving their academic and sporting ambitions. Through our Sports Scholar Program, we offer dedicated scholarships and resources that help high-achieving athletes balance their studies with their commitment to excellence in sport.

If you’re an athlete with the Hunter or Central Coast Academy of Sport, explore the scholarship opportunities designed specifically for you.

Pathways to University for Local Athletes

For athletes who are still completing high school or returning to study, we offer several tailored pathways to help you enter university:

• Early Entry Program – Receive an early offer based on Year 12 performance.
• Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) – Get entry based on Year 11 results and school recommendations.
• Year 12 Subject Spotlight – Earn entry based on strong performance in core HSC subjects.
• ATAR and Selection Rank Adjustments – Eligible students can receive up to 12 adjustment points to enhance their admission ranking.

Scholarships Tailored for Athletes

As part of our commitment to supporting local talent, the University of Newcastle offers a range of scholarships for high-performing athletes. These scholarships provide financial support, allowing you to focus on your sport and studies:

• 5 x University of Newcastle Sports Scholarships – $2,000 each
• Friends of the University Sports Scholarship – $4,000
• Andrew Brown Sports Scholarship – $5,000
• 20 x Indigenous Accommodation Scholarships – $5,500 each, supporting Indigenous athletes with on-campus accommodation

These scholarships help reduce financial pressure, so you can dedicate yourself to achieving your best academically and athletically. Eligibility criteria apply. Learn more about these scholarships here.

Athlete Accommodation on Campus

Relocating to Newcastle for university? We offer on-campus accommodation options to high-performing athletes, providing a supportive environment close to training facilities and academic resources. This ensures you have the stability needed to thrive both in sport and in your studies. Eligibility criteria apply. Contact your Sports Concierge to learn more.

Health and Wellbeing Support

To help you reach your peak performance, the Sports Scholar Program provides access to NUSPORT’s high-performance training facilities and coaching, including:

• Discounted membership to The Forum fitness facilities
• Access to specialist training, including strength and conditioning, nutrition, and recovery support
• High-performance group training sessions focused on injury prevention and athletic development

We know that athletic success requires more than just skill—it requires comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Preparing for Career Success Beyond University

Our program goes beyond your time at university, providing career support to set you up for long-term success. We offer:

• Employment and internship opportunities
• Mentoring from industry professionals
• Leadership programs, including the Connected Leadership and iLead international programs (eligibility criteria apply)
• Dedicated career services to guide you in translating your sports skills to professional achievements

Whether you aim to pursue a career in sport or another field, the skills and connections you gain here will open doors.

Additional Pathways for Non-traditional Students

For those who haven’t completed Year 12 or are looking to return to university after a break, we provide pathways that make access to higher education possible, including:

• Open Foundation – Free entry program for those without standard qualifications
• Yapug – Free pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Explore these pathways to study here and start your journey towards university.

Get in Touch

For more information on scholarships, pathways, or the Sports Scholar Program, contact your dedicated Sports Concierge, Matt Tredrea, at matt.tredrea@newcastle.edu.au.