Representing eight sports and five academic disciplines, the recipients will receive funding over two years, along with access to career support from both QUT and the AIS to help athletes manage the demands of university and high-performance sport.

Among the 2025 recipients are Brisbane Roar footballers Grace Kuilamu and Alicia Woods, who played the A-League Women’s 2024/25 season and were part of the under-20 Young Matildas squad in the past year.

At just 18, Kuilamu is beginning a Bachelor of Engineering at QUT and was drawn to the university’s supportive environment for athletes.

“The QUT-AIS Scholarship will help me focus purely on my studies in engineering and my footballing career, without the worries of financing student loans,” Kuilamu said.

“This will allow me to excel in both aspects and continue to strive to reach my dreams, without anything holding me back.”

Rower Sam Forbes is another QUT-AIS Scholarship recipient, currently in his second year studying a Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

The support means he can continue his double degree while pursuing selection for upcoming international events, including the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Rio de Janeiro and the Commonwealth Beach Sprint Rowing Championships in Barbados.

“I honestly do not think I would be able study and compete full time without the QUT-AIS Scholarship,” Forbes said.

“It really takes the pressure off, financially and academically. The support network is so strong and really helps me facilitate my goals both inside and outside the classroom.”

The QUT-AIS Scholarship program has been supporting student-athletes for the past three years, with QUT recently recognised as the first gold-tier member of the AIS Elite Sport Education Network, for its commitment to the wellbeing of Australia’s elite athletes.