FAQ
Applications open in July 2025 for the next intake in February 2026.
To make an application to study the Diploma in Sport Management you will need to meet the eligibility requirements, submit a short resume showing your work and study experience to date, and answer some application questions.
Applications are competitive and will be based on your written application and a short online interview.
Please visit the Apply page for full details and how to apply.
The Diploma in Sport Management is offered exclusively on a full-time basis, and deferral of study is not permitted past the commencement of the program.
The dates for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the end of this year, with teaching semesters running approximately mid-February to mid-June, then mid-July to the end of November.
The dates depend on Orientation event dates and any exam dates. There are also breaks in the middle of each semester around late April and early October.Students will engage in two days of face-to-face learning each week at the Adelaide Football Club. Additionally, there will be workshop students will attend in-person another day each week at the University’s City Campus locations.
Upon successful completion, graduates will be awarded a Diploma in Sport Management from Adelaide University. The University of South Australia is set to amalgamate with the University of Adelaide to form the new Adelaide University in January 2026.
Yes, graduates can gain guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Business majoring in Sport Management at Adelaide University, receiving 48 units of credit (equivalent to one year of full-time study), allowing entry into the second year of the degree. The Diploma may also provide up to 48 units of credit towards other degrees at Adelaide University.
Applicants can qualify for entry through various pathways, including:
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Secondary education equivalent to SACE.
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Completion of at least half a year of full-time study in a higher education program at a recognised institution.
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Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications at Certificate III level or above.
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Other entry pathways (Work and life experience): Completion of a 12-month Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or qualify for Special Entry.
In addition to the entry requirements above, applicants will need to provide some additional information about why they want to study the Diploma in Sport Management, and their career aspirations.
Admission may be competitive if there are more eligible applicants than available places, with rankings based on the entry criteria and additional written requirements.
Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply through the Aboriginal Admission Access Scheme after completing their application.-
Yes, applicants can use any prior SACE certificate (or equivalent), or higher education study qualifications to apply for this program. Please see Eligibility requirements for further details.
Depending on previously completed courses, students may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. For more information, please email study@afc.com.au if you have questions about credit for prior studies.
Yes, and you are encouraged to access student services! As a student of the Diploma in Sport Management, you will have access to all student services and facilities available to University students. More information can be found on the Student services website.
The first intake of students into the Diploma in Sport Management will commence their studies as students at the University of South Australia and the Adelaide Crows Institute of Sports Business. In January 2026, the University of South Australia will merge with the University of Adelaide to become a new institute called Adelaide University. Information about the new Adelaide University is available at adelaideuni.edu.au.
Assessments will vary for each course and will include a combination of assessment types including contribution in classes, case studies, quizzes, journals, presentations, written assignments, essays and exams.
Our first cohort will be a smaller group to ensure we can provide a quality experience to the student group. We may be able to accommodate more students in future intakes.
We will have the first intake in August 2025, with future intakes being once a year and in February from 2026.
While the courses may have some online content, teaching is in person two days a week at the Adelaide Football Club at West Lakes, with one class at the University’s city campus locations. Additional study is required each week outside of these core teaching hours to complete assessments and learn course content.
Each year successful graduates of the Diploma in Sport Management will have the opportunity to apply for one of two full-time paid roles at the Adelaide Football Club. Students of the Diploma will also have exposure to a variety of aspects of the Club while studying and completing placement across the business, invaluable experience you can take into other sporting environments.
Our University partner offers a wide range of academic learning support services and resources to assist you to be successful in your studies. Students can access online resources, attend workshops, meet with a Learning Adviser, and gain additional support through Access and Inclusion services. See more about student support on the Student Support Services website.
Students just need to meet the listed eligibility to apply. If you are under 18 years old, we will ask for a parent or guardian’s contact information to seek permission for enrolment and work placements.
Students will need access to a laptop to complete online reading, assignment work, correspondence with staff, and participate in classes at different study locations. As a guide, most computers purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs.
At minimum your laptop must be able to run:
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A modern web browser: A recent version of a web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge is required.
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Document creation software: Software capable of creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations (e.g. Microsoft Office)
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Webcam and audio: A built-in or external webcam and a headset or earbuds with a microphone are required for participation in online discussions, meetings, or other activities.
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The Diploma is designed to immerse students into a sporting club environment, with two full days of teaching onsite and further study, placement hours and assessments to complete each week at the University and offsite. Students will also not be able to study part-time or defer their studies after commencing.
Any additional work or study will need to fit around Diploma study commitments.The Diploma is designed to immerse students into a sporting club environment, with two full days of teaching onsite and further study, placement hours and assessments to complete each week at the University and offsite. Students will also not be able to study part-time or defer their studies after commencing.
There will be some flexibility around these commitments to complete part-time work or compete in sporting competitions, however attendance at face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops is encouraged at the time they are scheduled.
Successful completion of a Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or completion of a 12-month Foundations Studies program or equivalent can be used as alternative pathways to meet eligibility. Foundation Studies is a fee-free 12-month program commencing in February or July aimed at students who do not meet the entry requirements for their desired degree.
There are STAT dates available in February, April, May, June. See the website for details and costs: stat.acer.org/au/
