I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship from the AIS. Pursuing a dual career can be difficult at times, and the support from the leading sporting body in the country is empowering. It speaks to a broader trend within elite sport that is aware of the value of future proofing athletes.

I hope this encourages more athletes to diversify their pursuits, and chase passion on and off the playing field!

I believe that completing further education is vital as an athlete because while sport is an amazing career, I know that it is not my entire identity and there is a time limit on its longevity. I think it is important to earn a qualification in something that you enjoy that will assist in the smooth transition from athlete to a member of the workforce.

I have studied Exercise Science and am very passionate about the field. This has provided me with a wealth of knowledge that has assisted, and continues to assist, me to be the best athlete I can be.It can be challenging to balance my sporting and education commitments, however through completing these simultaneously I have developed the tools to manage my time efficiently and become a well-rounded person, not just an athlete.

This scholarship is a great show of support for both my sporting and educational pursuits and I am thankful to the AIS for backing me in these endeavours.

The AIS Education Scholarship supports my studies which supports me in maintaining a balanced athlete lifestyle. Studying commerce and law has provided me with different perspectives and ideas that have strengthened my learning abilities in my sport and has allowed me to be a better athlete. By completing this double degree, it will directly improve my readiness and occupational confidence following my transition out of sport. I want to be as best prepared as possible for when the time comes.

I also aim to inspire other athletes in having a well-rounded identity and being as successful as possible. I aim to shed more light on studies to the next generation of athletes by emphasising the power of being one whole person comprised of multiple complex parts with different interests and goals.

Getting a solid education has always been an important part of my life, I believe that it is key to opening up all sorts of opportunities in the future, and , as much as I love my sport I know it won’t last forever at the elite level.  I’ve also found more and more that my sport and study compliment one another, the determination and commitment to achieve the best I can in canoe has rolled into my study.

Learning time management and handling the pressure of exams and assignments through study has flowed back into racing performance.  I really believe I am achieving more by being focused on both my sport and study rather than either alone.  My study takes my mind away from always thinking about sport and my sport takes my mind away from always thinking about study. You have to work really hard at both but I know that I’m going to end up in a position where I have done amazing things and had incredible experiences via canoeing and the opportunity to go onto an amazing and exciting career.

Finding the balance between work, life and sport is really challenging, and I am grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship as it helps me to keep pursuing both my sporting and academic goals.

My education has always been important to me. Diving into my masters degree at the same stage of my life where I am training and competing as a full time athlete, brings a whole new level of challenges.

I am so grateful to be a recipient of the AIS Education scholarship which supports me in my endeavours of both my academic and athletic careers.

The AIS Education Scholarship will help me in pursuing a career outside of swimming. I have always maintained an interest in physiotherapy since my first injury and to be able to study in this field whilst still pursuing my swimming career, not only complements my sport through a healthy balance, but also allows me an in depth understanding of the physiology behind injuries.

The ability to pursue multiple avenues and balance my lifestyle accordingly is something that I believe influences my abilities in sport. Constantly improving on this skill is a necessity for continuing life outside the pool and helps nurture constant learning and growth.

This AIS support recognises my passion for two career paths, and emphasizes that there is life after my elite athlete career in another industry I am enthusiastic about. This scholarship not only increases my motivation to pursue two careers, but encourages a healthy long-term lifestyle.

After completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Australia I commenced postgraduate study to pursue a career as a professional engineer. Whilst challenging at times, university provides a unique outlet away from sport, where physical demands are replaced with a pursuit of self-improvement through education.

Sport and academia exist symbiotically in my day-to-day life, skills transferring from one side to the other. The financial support received from the AIS education scholarship helps to nurture this relationship, enabling me to set myself up for a future engineering career alongside sailing.

Through the support of this scholarship, I can continue to stay on top of my finances whilst traveling internationally; all while continuing to complete my masters.

"Education at a tertiary level has always been a goal of mine alongside my sporting aspirations in the sport of sailing. Studying not only aids me in following my chosen career path in chemical engineering after sport but it also provides balance and challenge in my daily life whilst doing something I am passionate about. It gives me another outlet to strive towards excellence and to pursue a career in which I can make positive change.

The AIS education scholarship is rewarding for athletes such as myself balancing the loads of study and full time training and competition. I am so thankful in receiving this scholarship so that I can continue to work towards fulfilling my goals in sport and in life. "

"Being awarded the AIS Education Scholarship has enabled me to focus on my sport and have sense of security in my academic path. This scholarship will relieve the financial burden of University fees and payments which will ultimately bring ease of mind.  Whilst being an athlete and studying full time can be challenging at times, I thoroughly enjoying the intertwining elements that link the two together.

Not only will this scholarship support my current studies, it will also provide an opportunity for me to focus on my development as an athlete and person. I am honoured to be a recipient of the AIS Education Scholarship and am looking forward to continuing my pursuit for both academic and sporting excellence. "

This grant is very appreciated and will assist me in the pursuit of my important academic education while continuing my sporting pursuits. Attempting sport at a high level and undertaking a uni-degree is difficult both financially and timewise.  As an athlete, involved in a sport where it's epicentre is across the world, it is difficult to financially support yourself, let alone fund your studies.  With the assistance of this grant a part of my financial load of studying will be eased.

My education is important for my future career prospects and I find that sport training while studying actually also seems to assist in balancing stress and mental awareness generally.

The AIS education scholarship is important to me as it recognises the significance of achieving both in sport as well as academically. Maintaining a balance between these two key aspects of my life has always been integral to me and I’m extremely grateful that the AIS is able to support athletes like me in our education.

I hope to inspire younger sportspeople to similarly appreciate how fulfilling and exciting learning can be and to consider pursuing tertiary studies. As someone studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, I also aim to encourage female athletes to pursue careers in STEM.

Being able to study whilst training and competing is crucial for me as it gives me balance, while simultaneously setting myself up for a smooth transition post sport.

This scholarship not only takes the financial pressure off and allows me to focus on sport and education, it also allows me to give back and help others through the study of Career Counselling.

The AIS education scholarship is beneficial to me because it relieves part of the financial burden of balancing education with high performance sport. Education and a career away from hockey is very important to me as it maintains a healthy balance in my life and removes some of the stress about life after sport. I love playing for my country but once it is over, I want to be able to transition comfortably and be able to contribute to my community.

I am currently studying to become a medical sonographer, an area I am excited to pursue, as it is an important imaging modality that is constantly evolving as technology continues to improve.

As an athlete we can sacrifice a lot, but an education shouldn’t be one of them. Finding the perfect blend between sport and study can be difficult, where sometimes, one area may need more focus than the other. With the support from the University and the Lawn Bowling community I have been able to make it work. I believe it’s so important to have an interest outside of your sport and a career path for when the time comes to transition out of being an elite athlete.

My journey of playing Lawn Bowls started in the country, where I grew up, that’s where I found my passion to study Agricultural Science. The agricultural sector is a forever changing and developing industry, and one I’m excited to be part of! I am honoured to be a recipient of the AIS education scholarship, allowing me to focus on my study and further my knowledge and understanding through unique opportunities and experiences offered by the University of Adelaide.

Being a recipient of this scholarship allows me to achieve two very important goals in my life. I have always been one to want to learn constantly and the AIS scholarship enables me to study whilst competing at such a high level in my sport.

Studying while being a high performance athlete increases my motivation for success as it allows me to clear my mind from my sport for a short period of time. Being a high performance athlete is not forever and this scholarship will also assist me in my career after boccia.

Thank you so much!

Being successful in my sport, right now, is the most important thing to me. However, I am aware that this will not always be my focus and one day I will be exerting all my energy into my working career.

I am a highly driven individual who enjoys pushing the limits, so studying whilst competing is a challenge I welcome. Coming from a sheep farm I developed a strong passion for the outdoors and animals, which led me down the path of animal science. I have dedicated my time to have a backup plan for when hockey is no longer the priority, and this scholarship has greatly assisted me with this. I’d love to be able to have an impact on the livestock industry whilst improving current practices and inventing ways to reduce the impact on our environment.

I am extremely grateful for the support from the AIS in helping me on my journey.

Firstly, it is an honour to receive this grant among so many talented athletes.  Playing rugby and studying simultaneously can be difficult. This scholarship not only releases this pressure it also allows me to prepare for the next journey of my life.

Playing rugby professionally is a dream come true. However, it is a dream that does not last forever. Hence AIS athletes are very fortunate to be exposed to scholarships like this, as they prepare athletes for the next stages of their lives.

Whilst kayaking is an extremely important component of my life, my education is equally as vital; for my future career, as well as offering a good balance between sport and studies.

The AIS Education Scholarship has given me the opportunity to continue my pursuit for success, both academically and in sport, where I hope to inspire younger athletes to pursue a life and a career outside of their sport. On the flip side, I hope to prove to people- particularly young women- who give up their sport to pursue their studies, that it is possible to be focused on both and achieve highly.

This scholarship has allowed me to find balance between canoe sprint and my degree, which I hope will provide a foundation to eventually become a paediatric doctor.

Sport has always been an integral part of my life and something that I have always wanted to pursue at a higher level. Balancing the commitments of elite sport and full-time study can be really challenging. Receiving scholarships like this one allows me to fully commit to both my sporting and academic pursuits without sacrificing either of them.

Being able to study while playing sport gives me balance and helps me to prepare for a life after sport. It also gives me something else to focus on other than sport. I am hoping that with my degree in physiotherapy I will be able to remain involved in elite sport after my playing career.

Thank you to the AIS for supporting me!

The AIS education scholarship will go a long way to helping balance study and training. Being able to study alongside competing as a professional triathlete allows me to pursue passions outside of sport as well as set myself up for a career post-triathlon.

Studying ecology and conservation while training, supports a balance in my life that’s beneficial for not only my performance but also my mental health and wellbeing.

I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the 2022 AIS Education Scholarship.  Our careers as athletes are incredibly fast paced and thrilling however unfortunately they are often not sustainable for our whole lives.  This is why I am incredibly passionate about using my time outside of my training schedule to set myself up for a career I am passionate about post my sporting career.

This scholarship will assist greatly with covering my study expenses whilst I am studying medicine full-time and preparing for the FIH World Cup and Commonwealth Games this year, as well as continuing my prep for Paris 2024.

I am extremely grateful for the AIS support which has allowed me to pursue a university education and a professional squash career simultaneously. Being able to study Exercise Science and Business Sports Management enables me to give back to the sporting community and help others find enjoyment and fulfilment through sport.

AIS support has given me the opportunity to balance my life, switching from the hyper competitive world of professional sport to being able to share the benefits and support others who might aspire to follow their dreams.

I am incredibly grateful for the support that the AIS Education Scholarship has provided me during my sporting and athletic career. Having the opportunity to continue my studies and continue to prepare for life after sport without the additional financial burden of University fees is a huge weight off my shoulders.

It's often very challenging to be able to keep a balance between my life goals, training and competition, but I have always found that study has really helped me to apply myself mentally in a different avenue outside of Judo, and I know that when I look to finish my career in the future, I will have the foundations of qualifications to be able to transition successfully into my career industry.

The AIS education scholarship has been invaluable for me, at a time when I am beginning to focus more and more on my life after sport. It has allowed me to pursue my new goal of becoming a teacher, while allowing me the freedom to continue to train and pursue my athletic goals without additional financial burden.

Once my career as an athlete has finished, I’ll be ready to jump into the workforce thanks to this program.

I appreciate this scholarship because I am studying one of the most niche degrees in Australia and playing one of the most challenging sports in the world. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be an elite athlete and that I wanted to be an optometrist. To do both of those things I had to move away from my hometown in central Queensland, to the city. It took me four years to get into the course of my dreams and it's taken me seven years to make my first Australian water polo squad.

During all this time studying and training, I've had no one to cook me warm dinners to come home to after training, no one to wash my clothes, no mum to give me a cuddle when I've had a rough day because I've had to live away from my family. Although it can't give me a hug when I need it, this scholarship certainly can allow me time for studying instead of having to work so that I can balance sport and university.

The scholarship can help me have it all, being an elite athlete and being an optometrist. And I hope to inspire others that don't want to choose between two loves in their lives.

The AIS Education Scholarship is important to me because it shows Australia that our major sporting institute encourages athletes to develop a skill set off the track which sets them up for life after the conclusion of their sporting careers.

This is not only crucial to the welfare of the athletes after they finish up with sport but also encourages athletes to possibly use education to give back to sport within Australia. An example of this, would be an athlete acquiring a law degree which not only creates a safety net for life after sport but can attract this ex-athlete back into the sport through athlete management. This is a win for the athlete and the sport overall.

Undertaking further education is important for me to maintain balance in my life. I am very passionate about Water Polo and plan to play for many more years; however I know that one day I will transition from the sport into a new career.

The AIS Education Scholarship gives me confidence in pursuing full-time study, considerably reducing my student debt. This relieves a lot of the stress involved in being dedicated to both study and sport, making for a much easier transition into my post-athlete career. Thank you to the AIS, I am truly grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Being a recipient of the AIS Education Scholarship is a privilege which allows me to balance my education goals with my sport goals. While sport is my main focus, being able to study and pursue another passion of mine allows my mind to have time away to recover and rejuvenate after training and competing. The AIS Scholarship also allows me to reduce my debt at the end of my degree and ease the financial burden while I am studying and competing.

Additionally, this scholarship promotes the positive need for a balance between sport and life after sport. My study allows me to be prepared and take steps to pursue opportunities and career development in order to have a seamless transition post my sport career.

I have always loved studying and training concurrently and whilst balancing them has been challenging at times, I have learnt invaluable time management and organisational skills and the importance of prioritising and asking for help. The AIS Education Scholarship will help me in balancing my studies and taking the first steps in preparing for my post-athletic career as a doctor, whilst also training for my goal of becoming a dual Olympian.

The skills required to be a high-performance athlete complement my studies and will one day be very important to my career in medicine. In the future, I hope to bring my knowledge as a doctor into the sporting sphere and help athletes to be at their peak mental and physical health and fitness, so as to perform their best. I believe that having past experience as an elite athlete will give me greater empathy and understanding of the problems future athletes may have.

I'm very grateful to have received this scholarship as it will allow me to pursue my academic goals alongside my athletic career without any financial pressures. Balancing study and training load can be very challenging at times, where study is often sacrificed for training and competition.

It is important for us to recognise that being an athlete isn’t a forever job, and this scholarship enables me to strive in other areas of life to prepare for a post athlete career.

I am grateful and honoured to have received the AIS Education Scholarship. The support of the AIS will allow me to continue studying and set myself up for success in a post-sport career in Law. Sport provides a fantastic platform for developing critical skills for excelling in a future career and in turn, my education allows for a well-rounded lifestyle and inspires a desire to learn.

Balancing studies and sailing is often challenging, however, it pushes me to be more efficient with my time and enhances my determination to achieve my sporting and career goals. To have the opportunity to continue to work toward these goals makes me excited for my future and determined to continue working hard.

This scholarship is important to me because I strongly believe in the importance of education. I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to study and educate myself. I also believe that having interests outside of my sport makes me a better person and athlete by providing myself with another type of stimulation away from the sporting environment.

This scholarship is also incredibly important as being able to study alongside my sporting commitments means that I will be ready and able to make the transition away from my sport as easily as possible when the time comes.

The scholarship is important to me because education will help me to have a career after sport.

Receiving the AIS Education Scholarship is very important to me. I am very passionate about having the ability to build a career beyond sport through education. I believe it is vital for every athlete to have the opportunity to balance sport and education.

Both skills learnt in sport and studies are interchangeable and help develop a multitude of life skills that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to the AIS for selecting me as a recipient for the AIS Education Scholarship and supporting my education whilst competing and training at an elite level.

I feel very honoured and grateful to have received the AIS Education Scholarship to help support both my sporting and academic goals. The financial support provided through this scholarship has enabled me to maximise opportunities beyond sport, to provide a greater sense of balance and purpose.

It has always been a goal to pursue a pathway to medicine after triathlon, and this scholarship has supported me to begin that journey.

This scholarship has been incredibly helpful in assisting my University studies and provides a head-start with my transition into the workplace and life after sport. I am grateful to have been able to study whilst playing sport and have a healthy balance between the two. University has provided an outlet from the netball world and has given me direction for a career post retirement.

I am incredibly grateful to the AIS for this scholarship and supporting me in my studies.

I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship from the AIS. Pursuing a dual career can be difficult at times, and the support from the leading sporting body in the country is empowering. It speaks to a broader trend within elite sport that is aware of the value of future proofing athletes.

I hope this encourages more athletes to diversify their pursuits, and chase passion on and off the playing field!

Cross-Country Skiing, La Trobe University, Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)

I have been training and racing as an elite cross-country skier for many years now and plan to do many more years in the sport. Studying further at university in a degree I’m passionate about has helped me be motivated and excited for my transition one day out of elite sport.

Setting yourself up for the future is so important as an athlete, as you never know when it could end. Furthermore the connections and friendships I have made at university have made my journey as an elite athlete more enjoyable. Thank you to the AIS for the opportunity to be selected as a recipient for the AIS Education Scholarship.

Water Polo, Flinders University, Bachelor of Health Sciences/Master of Physiotherapy

This grant is extremely important to me as it allows me focus on my sport and study while I am at uni. Balancing sport and study can get very difficult being a full-time athlete and also a full-time student, and often study gets sacrificed for training and competition. However, my study is important for life after sport and this scholarship helps support my future career goals of becoming a physiotherapist.

As an athlete it can also be challenging to work enough to support your sport, study and general life expenses which can be quite stressful.

This scholarship alleviates the stress around study expenses meaning more of my time and income can be focused on my training.

Rowing, The University of South Australia, Bachelor of Construction Management

I commenced a Bachelor of Construction Management at the start of 2021, after completing a 4-year apprenticeship in HVAC plumbing. I was inspired to undertake University study in a similar industry as my apprenticeship to further my skills and future employment opportunities.

Balancing sport and study can be challenging at times, however, I’ve found university has provided me with a great balance away from rowing and I’ve been able to apply the new skills I’ve learnt studying to improve my rowing performances.

The AIS Education Scholarship will help relieve the challenges and financial stresses that are encountered when pursuing elite sport and study.

Gymnastics, Australian College of Physical Education, Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education)

Growing up in the elite sporting world I was always eager to learn and achieve goals. Some of the major inspirations that have influenced my sporting career thus far are coaches, teachers, and older athletes. I envied their passion and ability to help others love sport, health, and fitness. I was never the most academic kid in school, but I am passionate about helping and mentoring the next generation as many others helped me too.

The AIS Education Scholarship allows me to work towards my aspirations beyond sport and find balance with training and work life. I am extremely appreciative to be a recipient of the AIS Education Scholarship and promote the importance of balancing sport and education.

I would really like to express my appreciation of this scholarship. I am extremely grateful so thank you!

Judo, Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Sports Media

This scholarship will allow me to continue to pursue my athletic career and dreams alongside my educational goals and studies without financial stress and burden. Studying has provided a fantastic balance to my life as an athlete and given me a greater perspective for life after sport.

Balancing my sporting career with extensive study has been challenging, however it has given me the tools to be more efficient with my time, committed to my goals and a more well-rounded athlete and above all, person. I plan to finish this degree in the next 18 months and use my studies to set myself up for a life after sport, continuing to cover sport in the media and a sports journalist.

I'm very grateful that this scholarship will allow me to continue to chase this dream.

Rowing, University of Tasmania, Bachelor of Science (Hons)

The AIS Education Scholarship is important to me because it allowed me to be able to pay my rowing membership fees without worrying about taking more shifts at work or compromising my study. Education is important to me because no matter how successful you are at your chosen sport, there is always a life afterwards in which it is crucial to be passionate about what you do.

As I have now successfully completed my degree, I would like to thank the AIS for their financial support, and for allowing me to achieve my goals to the best of my ability.