- Griffith University partners with Australian Olympic Committee, named an official 'Australian Olympic Pathway University'
- Student athletes to access scholarships up to $40,000, degree pathways, and prior learning credits
- Griffith, Australia’s top producer of Olympians in recent Games, strengthens dual career support for athletes
Griffith University has made a landmark new partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), becoming officially an 'Australian Olympic Pathway University'. The designation acknowledges Griffith's extensive history of supporting elite athletes to excel in sport and their studies.
Under the partnership, student athletes will gain access to higher financial and academic support, including scholarships of up to $40,000, and pathways and credit towards a large number of the university's degrees. The alliance is for 2027 and solidifies Griffith's position as a leader in offering flexible, dual career opportunities for athletes transitioning to life during and post-sport.
Griffith has a rich sporting heritage already, having developed more Olympians than any other Australian university in the last three Olympic Games. Its influence was particularly evident during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where 50 Griffith students, alumni, and members of the swimming team represented the university, contributing to 36 medals in total, 12 of them gold.
Griffith Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the partnership reflects the university’s belief in nurturing both academic and sporting excellence. “We’re proud to continue providing the tailored support that allows athletes to pursue excellence in every aspect of their journey”, she said.
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Australian Olympic Committee chief executive Mark Arbib has called the partnership a historic agreement that puts athlete education and welfare at its center. "Griffith is putting money on the table to support our athletes. This partnership guarantees more Olympians will be able to access scholarships at Griffith and acknowledges the university's world-class sporting and training facilities, and scheduling flexibility", he said.
As part of the program, Olympians can also be eligible for Griffith degree-recognised prior learning credit, recognising the discipline and skills that have been built up through several years of elite competition. Griffith Sports College Director Naomi McCarthy OAM explained that the system recognises and respects athletes' distinct backgrounds and enables them to transition to academic life with confidence.
For students such as Shayna Jack, a Paris 2024 swimming gold medallist and student of criminology, the assistance has been life-changing. "Griffith has been an amazing pillar of support throughout my entire swimming career, providing advice, facilities, and even scholarship aid that has enabled me to pursue my sporting aspirations while continuing my education", she explained.
