ACTAS offers high performance squad programs targeting elite and developing athletes in the sports below:
In sports where ACTAS does not have a squad program, athletes may apply for an individual scholarship through the Individual Athlete Program.
In sports where ACTAS does not have a high performance program, categorised athletes may apply for an individual scholarship.
In 2026-2028 ACTAS supports programs with the following sports: Athletics, Cycling, Hockey, Rowing and Swimming.
The Individual Athlete Program is aligned to Australia's High Performance 2032+ Sport Strategy and prioritises athletes who have been identified by their sport as contributing to Australia's performance targets and are officially tabled through the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete Categorisation List.
The Program supports ACT and regional elite athletes from a variety of Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games sports.
Scholarship holders receive access to a range of high performance support services through ACTAS to assist them in reaching their sporting potential.
These support services include:
Performance Support
- Strength and Conditioning
- Sport Science
- Performance Nutrition
- Performance Psychology
- Athlete Wellbeing & Engagement
- Competition Support
- Program Management
Performance Health
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Sports Medicine
- Soft tissue therapy/Pilates
2027-2028 Individual Athlete Program - Applications Open
Applications open for the 2027-2028 Individual Athlete Program on Wednesday 7 October and will close 11:59pm, Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to review the Application Guidelines prior to completing the online application process. Link here.
All applications for the 2027-2028 Individual Athlete Program must be submitted via the ACTAS online SmartyGrants application service. Link coming soon.
Applications will be sent to athletes respective National Sporting Organisation by ACTAS for endorsement.
For further information please contact:
Assistant Director - Individual Athlete Program
Phone: (02) 6207 4408
Email: megan.marcks@act.gov.au
This initiative is powered by a significant funding commitment to Paralympic sport in Australia – through the National Para Sport Uplift. In partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Paralympics Australia and the ACT Government, the ACTAS Para Uplift Unit aims to increase Australia’s representation and medal success at future Commonwealth Games, Paralympic Summer and Winter Games.
The program is designed to provide access to coaching expertise, performance support staff, classification opportunities and competition for Para-athletes in the ACT and surrounding region.
The ACTAS Para Unit is a new initiative launched in October 2025, that will:
- Open doors to high performance sport
- Nurture talent through to elite competition
- Improve access to classification opportunities
- Provide access to specialised coaching and performance services
- Training and competition support
- Guidance and support to transition into community and competitive sport
Together, we are reimagining how Australia supports aspiring Paralympians – from potential to podium.
Whether you’re an aspiring athlete, a parent, a coach, or a school/community leader – we want to hear from you.
Register your interest here: ACTAS Para Uplift Program
For further information please contact:
Richard Nicholson - Para Unit Lead
Ph: (02) 6205 0748
Email: Richard.Nicholson@act.gov.au
ACT Academy of Sport
Phone: (02) 6207 4388 (+61 International)
Australian Institute of Sport (Building 30), Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617 | Po Box 176 Bruce ACT 2616