2026 Application are Open!

If you're passionate about sport and want to build a career in the industry, there's no better place to start than Carlton College of Sport. Located inside the high-performance environment of the Carlton Football Club, our programs offer a unique blend of elite sports education and real-world industry experience. 

Each Higher Education Diploma also provides opportunity to complete over 100 hours of industry placement, and upon completion, offers up to four graduate roles at the Carlton Football Club, or a direct pathway to second-year university study (Bachelor’s degree).

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for 2026.

Carlton College of Sport, in partnership with La Trobe University, offers two Higher Education Diplomas.

• Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development
• Diploma of Elite Sport Business

Both are 12-month, full-time programs that are designed to prepare students for either employment in the sports industry or further university study upon their completion.

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Understanding the right application pathway for your circumstances is important. Please refer to the table below to determine your eligibility and the appropriate method of application.

APPLYING VIA VTAC 

If you are applying through VTAC, please create a VTAC account and follow the steps to submit your course preferences. To be considered for an offer, ensure you include one or both Carlton College of Sport diplomas in your preference list.

• VTAC course code: 2101112042 - Diploma of Elite Sport Business
• VTAC course code: 2101112052 - Diploma of Sport Coaching and Development

Applications are open now, and close on 29  September.

To apply through VTAC now, visit https://vtac.edu.au/

For further details on how to apply through VTAC please visit the VTAC How to apply page.

For details on offer rounds visit - https://vtac.edu.au/offers

APPLYING DIRECT TO LA TROBE UNIVERSITY 

If you are applying directly to La Trobe University, you will need to create an account and begin your application via the La Trobe University application portal.

As part of your application, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Personal details
• Education history
• Work experience

Depending on the course requirements, you may also need to upload supporting documents. For more information on what documents may be required, please refer to the FAQs.

Once the application is complete, the La Trobe Admissions team will be in touch with an update on your application. 

Direct applications for Semester 1, 2026 are open now, and close on 15 February.

For further key application dates, please visit the La Trobe University Course Key Dates page.

If Carlton College of Sport sounds right for you, come and visit us at IKON Park at our next Open Day - Book and Open Day here.

In the meantime, keep up to date on all important information regarding the application process by Registering here.

For questions about the application process or course details, contact the team via phone (03) 9389 6321 or email carltoncollege@carltonfc.com.au.