Nathan Hart receives AIS Education Scholarship to Support Athletes in Sport, Education and Life

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) continues supporting athletes to be successful in sport, education and life, awarding more than $100,000 in education scholarships to another 41 athletes from 19 sports and 19 tertiary institutions including two-time Olympian Nathan Hart.

In its second year, the AIS Education Scholarship program has now awarded a total of more than $320,000 in scholarships to 118 athletes across 30 sports and 31 tertiary institutions. The program is possible thanks to the generous support of the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation.

John Wylie, former Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, said: “I’ve been inspired to see how hard athletes work to chase their sporting dreams, but it doesn’t need to be at the sacrifice of their other ambitions in life. Sport and education is a winning mix.

“It’s fantastic to see more sports and more educational institutions take the opportunity to join this program, this time we’re adding athletes from rugby, netball and boccia. We have seasoned Olympians and Paralympians who have competed at the highest level, through to emerging athletes starting out on their sporting and education journeys. That’s the wonderful opportunity Australian sport provides.”

Last year’s Snowboard Cross World Champion and three-time Olympian Belle Brockhoff is studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law at Deakin University and says balancing study and sport helps her to be a better athlete now, while giving her confidence that she will be ready for life after sport when the time comes.

“Study has provided me with different perspectives and ideas that have strengthened my learning abilities in my sport and allowed me to be a better athlete. The double degree will also really improve my occupational readiness and confidence when I transition out of sport,” Brockhoff said.

AIS Director Matti Clements said: “The AIS now has formal links with more than 40 universities and 12 TAFEs, giving Australian athletes greater choice and flexibility with their education support. We are pleased to support athletes who demonstrate a genuine commitment to study and can use their own experiences to inspire and benefit others, in sport and the broader community.”

For more information on AIS Education Scholarship | Australian Institute of Sport .