TAFE Queensland earns Australian Institute of Sport Silver Status for Elite Athlete Support
TAFE Queensland has been recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as a silver status member of the Elite Sport Education Network (ESEN), reinforcing its commitment to helping elite athletes, coaches and officials balance high-performance sport with their education.
The recognition acknowledges TAFE Queensland as an elite athlete-friendly education provider, with strong systems in place to support students pursuing dual career pathways in sport and study.
It also comes as TAFE Queensland expands its Academy of Sport program to provide support not only for elite athletes, but also for coaches and sports officials.
Manager, Academy of Sport Partnerships, Don Harley said the Silver Status recognition reflected TAFE Queensland’s commitment to flexible learning, personalised support and helping students succeed both during and beyond their sporting careers.
“We are supporting the broader coach and official group in addition to our athletes. We recognise this as the next step to embracing a whole-of-ecosystem approach to high-performance sport,” Don said.
“Now more than ever, we need to all work closely together and support holistic, high-performance sport development as Queensland prepares for The Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.”
As part of this expanded support, TAFE Queensland has appointed Senior Athlete Pathways Coordinator Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane, who plays a key role in recruiting and supporting athlete students across the state.
This year, the Academy of Sport program will provide wellbeing, academic and financial support to students from nationally recognised sports, helping them manage the demands of training, travel and competition while progressing through their studies.
Under the AIS ESEN framework, silver status recognises education providers that deliver a high standard of support to elite athletes pursuing dual career outcomes.
This includes flexible study arrangements, access to specialist support, and tailored academic planning to help students balance their sporting and study commitments.
Don said the recognition also reflected TAFE Queensland’s strong partnerships with sporting organisations at every level and its ability to deliver athlete-centred support across its statewide network.
“While not the highest tier, silver status reflects our proven capability and consistent delivery of athlete-centred educational outcomes, sitting above the baseline standard and affirming readiness to progress towards gold recognition through ongoing enhancement and innovation in the dual career space,” he said.
The AIS Elite Sport Education Network includes universities, TAFEs and other education providers endorsed by the AIS for their commitment to supporting elite athletes, coaches and officials throughout their studies.
TAFE Queensland’s silver status strengthens its position as a destination of choice for elite athletes looking to pursue vocational education while continuing to compete at the highest level.
Who is considered an elite athlete?
Whether you're currently competing at a state, national, or international level, our dedicated support services can help you achieve your goals in and out of the classroom.
You may be eligible for elite athlete support if you:
- Compete at a state, national or international level
- Are a member of a national/state training squad or institute
- Are recognised by a state or national sporting organisation
- Are contracted to a professional sporting team.