The aim of the Institute of Sport Athlete Support Programme is to help create an environment in which elite athletes can combine their international sporting career with their education in a way that allows them to achieve their potential in both fields. This support is available through both secondary and further education.

There are a limited number of places on the programme are available in any given year.

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:

- Carding level (priority for higher levels of carding)
- Sporting potential (based on carding level and an endorsement from coach and/or performance director)
- Ability to achieve academic potential (based on current academic qualifications or performance)
- Commitment to both academic and sporting excellence (based on endorsements / references and the athletes personal statement)
- Previous engagement and performance with the ISAS Programme or previous Scholarship Programme

Eligibility - Who should apply?

If you are currently studying and are likely to be studying next year then you should apply for the support the programme offers.

Athletes eligible for the ISASP are:

Carded athletes - athletes on the ISC International Carding Scheme.

ISASP will facilitate athletic and academic development by addressing the following:

- Development of performance lifestyle skills to develop management and coping skills to enable athletes to better manage the blend of sport and academia
- Combined sport and academic career planning
- Student-athlete academic counselling support
- Tuition fees for part-time and postgraduate study where deemed of positive performance impact by the performance director of the relevant sport. Please note: This programme does not cover registration fees.
- Access to training facilities where possible

How to apply?

Please visit the Institute of Sport Website: http://www.instituteofsport.ie/Institute_Of_Sport/Athlete_Zone/Education_Support/. Please note that the closing date for these applications is June 23rd 2011.