Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme

Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme

This scheme recognises your commitments as an elite athlete or performer by applying adjustment factors to boost your selection rank.

On this page

  1. Benefits
  2. Eligibility
  3. How to apply
  4. Eligible courses and adjustment factors
  5. Frequently asked questions

Benefits

If your rehearsal, training or competitive commitments significantly impacted your Year 12 studies or equivalent, you may be eligible for up to five adjustment factors to raise your selection rank.

Eligibility

Each applicant is assessed on a case-by-case basis. We cannot confirm your eligibility for this scheme without a formal application. Use the below as a guide to determine whether you are an elite athlete or performer and should apply.

To be eligible for the Elite Athletes and Performers Scheme, you must:

  • be a domestic student
  • complete the NSW HSC or other eligible secondary education qualification (this can be in Australia or overseas)
  • apply for an undergraduate course at the University of Sydney in your final year of high school
  • demonstrate that your sporting or performance commitments have impeded your performance in the NSW HSC (or equivalent).

Eligibility for this scheme will also consider the following:

  • Time away from studies devoted to competition or performances during your HSC (or equivalent) that have significantly affected your studies.
  • The type of competition or performance, for example, representation at state, national, or international level during your HSC or other relevant studies.
  • If you were a member of an institute, academy, or other performing arts association.
  • The number of students competing for entry and the number of places available in the course.
  • Your rank and position in major competitions or performances.

How to apply

  1. Email the application form to admissions.office@sydney.edu.au before the closing date.
  2. Place an eligible course as your highest eligible preference in your UAC application.

Important dates

  • Applications open on 1 August 2025
  • Applications close at 11:59 pm on 31 October 2025
  • You will be notified if your application is successful via email on 18 December 2025 (unsuccessful applicants will not be contacted)

Supporting evidence

Your application will require you to submit the following evidence to support your entry.

  • A personal statement that details how your commitments impacted your academic performance during your HSC year (or equivalent).
  • The average number of hours per week you spent training, rehearsing or practicing and the number of school days missed during Year 12 due to sport or performance commitments. 
  • A copy of your official school attendance record during your HSC year (or equivalent) that shows absence due to elite sport or performance.
  • Two reference letters showing support from your:
    • sports coordinator, year advisor or principal, and
    • coach, team official or state or national organisation.

Eligible courses and adjustment factors

Adjustment factors are combined with your ATAR or equivalent to boost your selection rank for eligible courses.

Frequently asked questions