The University of Newcastle, as a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University (EAFU) program, is committed to supporting your endeavours to combine study and maintain your elite athlete status and will do what it can to assist you achieve both your sporting and academic goals.  Of course it is recognised that academic standards must be and will be strictly applied. 

The University of Newcastle has supported elite student-athletes in teams such as the Newcastle United Jets, Newcastle Knights, NSW Waratahs and Matilda’s women's Football Team and has assisted several athletes competing at events such as the Olympic, Commonwealth and Paralympics Games. 

Elite student-athletes of the University of Newcastle have access to the award winning facilities of The Forum, University and The Forum, Harbourside. The Forum is renowned as a significant regional community resource. With the combination of world class facilities, research based programs that are supported by internationally acclaimed research organisations and staff that are qualified and experienced fitness and health professionals.  It is the goal of the University of Newcastle - with its excellent sporting facilities, reputable academic programs and now the EAFU program - to become the University of choice for elite athletes looking to begin tertiary study. 

What does it mean to be an Elite Athlete Friendly University?

Being able to combine sport and study creates a healthy balance and helps athletes to plan for their life after sport.  You could call it “their insurance plan” in case of injury. 

As a member of the EAFU network, the University of Newcastle now has a support scheme for elite student-athletes.  The University has developed a number of systems to ensure there is sufficient flexibility to create a supportive environment conducive to the achievement of academic and sporting excellence. 

As a result of this network, elite student-athletes are being identified at the start of their enrolment and gaining assistance with timetable planning and integrated scheduling of sport and study.  It is the goal of the University of Newcastle, with its excellent sporting facilities, reputable academic programs and the EAFU program, to become the University of choice for elite athletes.