In fact, the Australian sports industry is one of the largest in the world, with nearly 100,000 Aussies employed across the sector. Choosing the right course is important: from a sports management course to a sports education Bachelor’s degree, let us help you find the right fit.
The entry requirements to study sports and fitness will vary based on the exact course you want to do. Academic requirements will differ between educational institutions and the level of study you undertake. For the most accurate information, you should view the course information on the institution’s website.
For an undergraduate degree, you’ll need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent.
For postgraduate courses, satisfactory completion of an undergraduate degree is required. However, some institutions may take relevant work experience or research ability into consideration as well.
For Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, most students will need to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10. Some courses may require extra prerequisite subjects or work experience.
When studying sports and fitness in Australia, there are several skills that will help you be the best sports and fitness professional you can be. While some things can be learned, these are some intrinsic skills you should possess, or be willing to work on:
If you have a genuine passion for fitness and helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, you will likely enjoy a long and successful career in sports and fitness-related fields. Coupled with great communication, leadership and teamwork skills, as well as the aptitude to work with all age groups and with people from all backgrounds, you’ll be off to a kicking start with your sports and fitness career.
There are several pathways to study sports and fitness, from TAFE certificates to university-level degrees. To find the best sports and fitness course in Australia, you need to decide where you want your sports and fitness career to take you, while also taking into account your current level of sports and fitness knowledge and any previous study you’ve done.
Here are some of the different sports and fitness courses available in Australia:
There are several career pathways you can enter after studying sports and fitness in Australia, including:
Some of the leading Australian institutes to study sports and fitness include University of Queensland, the University of Sydney, Deakin University, University of Technology Sydney, Griffith University and Western Sydney University. Most universities offer not just bachelor’s degrees but also certificates and diplomas. TAFE and online platforms like Open Colleges are also excellent institutes to study a range of sports and fitness courses.
Your earning potential with a sports and fitness qualification will largely depend on the exact field you enter into. For example, personal trainers may earn anywhere from $60,240 to $80,560 per year on average, while the national average salary of a sports psychologist is $102,740 per year.
The employment level in the sports and fitness industry between 2001 and 2019 rose significantly, from around 43,100 to 117,800). This dropped by half in 2020 to 61,000 before increasing again in 2021 to 104,200. Employment levels are projected to remain steady at this level until 2025.
Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees. Schemes vary from state to state. There may be scholarships available depending on your chosen University, but at this present time, there are no government subsidies for sports and fitness courses.