How to become a sportsperson
Compete at the highest level in a sport that ignites your passion.
Pathways to this career
- Build, develop and refine your skills with the guidance of a coach.
- Consider studying related areas like sports development, coaching, refereeing/umpiring or sports administration. Or complete an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in sports-related fields like human movement, sports science, physiotherapy, sport psychology, physical education or sports journalism.
- Applying for scholarships or programs awarded to elite sportspeople. This opens doors to new training and career opportunities around Australia, as well as overseas.
What does a sportsperson do?
Sportspersons are professional athletes who are paid to work as individuals or on a team for the purpose of entertaining fans. They usually specialise in one sport. Depending on the sport, the position may be part-time or full-time.
Duties and tasks
- Actively engages in practices and training's.
- Complies with the given rules and regulations.
- Demonstrates expertise in a given sport or athletic event.
- Participates in sporting competitions.
- Represents the organisation and/or team in a positive manner.
Industry bodies
- Department of Sport and Recreation (NSW)
- Department of Sport and Recreation (WA)
- Northern Territory Institute of Sport
- Queensland Academy of Sport
- Sportspeople
- Tasmanian Institute of Sport
- Victorian Institute of Sport
Related jobs
- Dietitian
- Sports coach
- Fitness sports centre manager
- Nutritionist
- Fitness instructor
- Sports administrator
- Sports commentator
Discover related sports degrees
Bachelor of Nutrition and Exercise
UndergraduateFLI-NUE-DEG
Create healthy communities through nutrition and exercise
Prepare to promote community health through nutrition, physical activity, and health education. Gain real-world skills in communication and behaviour change. Graduate equipped for diverse roles in public health, health promotion and client-centred care.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise)
UndergraduateADU-BHS-DEG
Use nutrition and exercise to improve health, performance, and wellbeing
Harness the power of nutrition and exercise to boost health. Learn the science. Apply it in real life. Help people heal, perform, and thrive. Graduate ready to improve lives in communities, workplaces, and beyond.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of High Performance Sport (Sports Analytics)
PostgraduateACU-SSA-MAS
Harness sports data for performance gains
Build advanced skills in analytics, data and athlete monitoring. Use Python and performance data to uncover insights. Combine sports and science to optimise athletes’ training and support smarter coaching decisions.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Master of High Performance Sport (Coaching)
PostgraduateACU-HPC-MAS
Lead performance through smarter coaching
Build advanced expertise in athlete development. Deepen your knowledge of strength, conditioning, recovery and athlete wellbeing. Conduct research, project work and industry. Hone your place in high performance sport with advanced coaching skills.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Discover related sports subjects
Introduction to Sport Management
UndergraduateTUA-SPO101
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 15 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027
UndergraduateLTU-PHE3SEP
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 1 Mar 2027
Psychology of Exercise, Sport and Health
UndergraduateADU-PSYC3033
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 5 Apr 2027
Adapted Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport
UndergraduateADU-HUMV3006
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 11 Jan 2027, 28 Jun 2027
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