The services listed on this page can be offered to a student-athlete as part of a Dual Career programme (or as part of a scholarship programme). It should be noted that the list of services is:
- Not exhaustive.
- There may be other services that are offered.
- Not relevant for everyone.
It is not practical to assume that a Dual Career programme can offer all of the services listed. What services are included will depend on resources, funding and university support.
The list of services may also be provided by a variety of stakeholders rather than one entity. Who provides the service will depend on their commitment to the Dual Career programme.
If you have an established Dual Career programme, we suggest that you review your programme by going through the list of services provided below. You may find other services to offer that will enhance your programme.
If your Dual Career programme already includes many of the services listed, or your programme has items that have been successful in their implementation, your programme is an example of best practice. Please contact FISU so we can ensure your best practice is recognised and to see how you may be able to become a mentor for others who are still developing their programme.
You can contact FISU Dual Career via emailing [email protected] and let us know about your best practice and how we may share your success to help others as part of this toolkit.
The university allows student-athletes to reschedule exams via an exemption application process.
The university allows students to apply for an extension to their studies so they can take longer to attain their qualifications.
The university allows students to adjust their study load to an agreed level which enables the student to finish their degree over a longer period.
Ability to adjust attendance to a minimum number of classes and/or an option to skip classes and catch up via a tutor.
Provision to sit exams under external environments.
Ability to switch between external, online or remote learning options.
Access to rooms on campus for study including internet and other resources. Ability to access study facilities on other university campuses in cities where the student is competing.
Tailor-made study schedules that are adjustable to training and competition schedules.
Access to individual or small group tutoring opportunities including an allocated tutor.
Flexibility to access recorded lectures or tutorials and/or attend classes online.
Specific mentor for the duration of the student-athlete’s degree to assist with academic challenges and opportunities.
Easy application process to take time away from university for representative duties, which may include the student representing:
- Their university
- Their region
- Their country
- Sponsor obligations
- Their National Sports Federation
- Their National University Sport Federation
University entry requirements take into consideration the athlete’s representative schedule, sporting achievements and allow for flexibility in meeting course entry requirements.
A person in the university is made available to assist in completing enrolment processes, requirements and applications.
Ability to connect with international partner universities or other institutions to:
- Study (access to study rooms or library)
- Access to attend course lectures or tutorials that are delivered for the same course
- Take exams under examination environments
- Access to rooms to view/take part in online lectures or tutorials
Provision to recognise prior or other external learning in relation to assessment outcomes.
Allowing student athletes to select their classes prior to other students enabling the student to align their commitments ensuring they are not left with only one option for classes. Note this is only an option if the university or course has more than one class/lecture/tutor option.
To assist the student to balance university workload and provide counselling directly relating to their academic studies (may also incorporate mental health and wellbeing).
Allow the student to enroll in university even if they do not reach the minimum requirements due to their athletic career.
Provide clear information about minimum requirements for grades/GPA standards and provide support for the student to reach these requirements.
Cash contributions to assist with travel to sport competitions and/or access to university travel booking services to book and have costs reverted to a university travel account.
Free or subsidised course or tuition fees for part or full duration of the course/degree.
Financial support provided to a student athlete to complete their degree. Components of a scholarship may vary.
Access to a mentor/grant writer to assist the athlete in applying for other grant funding. Note this grant funding is offered externally to the university support and can include government funding or funding provided by sponsors.
The university pays the athlete’s costs to enter various competitions relating to their sporting pathway. Costs may be covered in full or only partially. The university may have criteria relating to the level of competition for which entry fees will be paid.
Insurance coverage for the student during their time as a student. The university is to determine whether or not this includes insurance coverage for non university events.
Health & well-being support
Ability to access all relevant health and well-being services on campus. Student may receive full or partial subsidy.
Provision of a life coach who may be internal or external to university staff. Life coach assists student-athletes where relevant.
Previous university student-athletes to act as mentor to current university student-athletes via a formal or informal mentorship programme.
Ability to access free or subsidised accommodation on campus which may or may not include meals, utilities and/or other accommodation specific services.
Access to free or subsidised food on campus via food providers on campus or food delivery services.
Sport and training support
Free or subsidised access to gym facilities on campus.
Free or subsidised access to physiotherapy services on campus or with an appointed provider.
Free or subsidised access to some or all sport facilities on campus.
Free or subsidised access to some or all nutritional services on campus or at an appointed provider.
Free or subsidised access to strength and conditioning services on campus or at an appointed provider. This includes access to specialist strength and conditioning coaches.
Free or subsidised access to medical services on campus or at an appointed provider.
Free or subsidised access to sports psychology services on campus or at an appointed provider.
Free or subsidised coaches and/or coaching services on campus or via an appointed provider.
Ability to be subjects in sports related research being undertaken at the university. Note – it is assumed that student-athletes would be subjects in research that would further advance their technique, training, or other sport related matters.
Personal development
Free or subsidised career counsellor services on campus or via an appointed provider specifically to assist the student in seeking career opportunities once they retire from their elite athlete career. The planning for this career advice occurs during their time as a student-athlete.
Free or subsidised access to professional development courses or skills enhancement via campus courses or courses provided by approved external providers.
Ability to access relevant training programmes that will assist the student-athlete in enhancing their career opportunities once they retire from their elite athlete career. Free or subsidised access to programmes provided by the university or by an appointed provider.
The university links student-athletes to employers for industry placements or work experience programmes.
If the university has an industry mentoring programme, the student-athlete has the opportunity to join.
Other
Free provision of university branded uniforms or other merchandise as required for the student-athlete.
Use of the student-athlete brand to promote the university, university sport programmes or Dual Career programme. Note – a university should ensure that appropriate compensation is provided (by the university) for the use of a student-athlete’s brand and image.
Introduction to sponsors that support the university who may in turn sponsor student-athletes in the Dual Career programme.
Free or subsidised access to legal advice or other university services on campus or via an appointed provider.
Official recognition of being a Dual Career or scholarship student-athlete may include:
- Official citation
- Official letter of reference
- Digital badge
- Listed as a dual career student-athlete on the university website
- Support letters for employment
The option for the student-athlete to be a part of student advisory groups/leadership programmes/student committees or university boards.
Athletes can organise themselves in a club at the university where they can create a network, find support and undertake activities together to create friendships.