Parramatta Eels expand education pathway with new hybrid program inspired by the NRL’s Las Vegas growth phase

Following the strong success of the inaugural dual diploma intake that commenced studies in January 2026, the next stage of the Eels Institute will provide students with another opportunity to build practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications aligned to careers in sport, business and beyond, this time through a more flexible delivery model.

The innovative 12-month course will be delivered in a hybrid format, combining face-to-face learning, online study and direct access to the club environment, without requiring students to commit to two full days of on-site study each week like the existing dual diploma offerings within the Eels Institute.

The program will also feature three Saturday intensives delivered from the Eels’ home base, while incorporating course content inspired by the NRL’s Las Vegas initiative, which sees up to four NRL clubs travel annually to the United States to participate in one of the most widely televised events on the rugby league calendar.

TAFE Queensland Academy of Sport Manager Don Harley said the new qualification offering had been intentionally designed to reflect the changing needs of the modern sports industry.

“The NRL is in a genuinely exciting phase of growth, not only domestically but internationally through initiatives such as Las Vegas,” Mr Harley said.

“This course has been built with that evolution in mind, giving students insight into how sporting clubs might prepare for and deliver major strategic projects of that scale, while developing the leadership capability required to operate in high-performance and commercial environments.

“Students will explore the types of planning, coordination, stakeholder engagement and execution that sit behind initiatives like the Vegas expansion and other major growth opportunities across the game.”

Previous education models delivered through the Eels Institute have seen students complete their studies face-to-face across two days per week. However, the new model is expected to appeal to a broader demographic of student, particularly those who may not have previously been able to commit to that volume of on-site learning.

Parramatta Eels Education Program Manager Kirstene Ciappara said the new delivery model would create greater accessibility for future students.

“I’m excited that we can offer the best of both worlds through this hybrid study mode,” Ms Ciappara said.

“Students will learn at Parramatta Eels HQ, while also having the flexibility to balance other commitments alongside their studies.”

Students can expect:

• To study a Diploma of Leadership and Management and Diploma of Project Management (BSB50420/BSB50820) over 12 months
• One day per week on campus at the state-of-the-art James Hardie Centre of Excellence in Kellyville
• One night per week of facilitated online learning
• Additional self-paced study supported by TAFE Queensland educators
• Exposure to Parramatta Eels personnel and live business projects
• Networking and professional development opportunities connected to the club
• Up to 50 hours of work experience across club operations

The partnership reflects TAFE Queensland’s continued commitment to delivering education that is practical, industry-connected and aligned to real employment pathways.

By combining nationally recognised qualifications with direct insight into one of the NRL’s most recognised clubs, students will graduate with both technical capability and the confidence to lead projects, teams and initiatives across a range of industries.

The expansion of the Eels Institute also reinforces the growing national footprint of TAFE Queensland’s Academy of Sport, which continues to work with leading sporting organisations across Australia to create career-focused education experiences.

Applications for the July 2026 intake are now open. For more information, to register for an upcoming information session, or to apply, click below.