Sports

Sports Academy

Designed for student-athletes

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What is the PAR Sports Academy?

The PAR Sports Academy is a unique educational model designed to support student-athletes in balancing their academic and sporting careers. Since 2008, PAR University of Applied Sciences has enabled athletes to pursue higher education while balancing their sporting commitments. The dual career model has been developed in cooperation with key sports institutions and is further supported through PAR’s membership in the European network EAS (European Athlete as Student).

How does it work?

The Business Management study programme at PAR includes specific adjustments for student-athletes:

  • Flexible teaching aligned with training and competitions
  • Adapted exam schedules to fit sporting commitments
  • Individual mentoring and support for each student
  • Career planning and guidance beyond active sports

Results and recognition

More than 10 years of work in the field of dual careers for athletes has been recognised by the European Commission, which co-finances PAR projects through the Erasmus+ Sport programme. The programme has been attended by many top-level athletes, including:

  • Water polo players Samir Barać, Sandro Sukno, Ivan Krapić, and Anđelo Šetka
  • Athlete Sara Kolak
  • Skiers Ana Jelušić and Matea Ferk
  • Football players Luka Marić, Ivan Vargić, Diego Živulić, and Ivan Mance
  • Tennis umpire Anja Vreg
  • Volleyball players Ivana Miloš Prokopić, Bernarda Brčić, and Ivana Kalebić

Sport Academy

What sets us apart from the competition? Why choose PAR?

PAR offers a study model that allows student-athletes to pursue both sport and education without compromise. Students are supported through flexible study conditions and graduate with an internationally recognised degree that supports their transition into a professional career after sport. A key part of the programme is the Master’s degree in Sports Management, which provides students with knowledge in management, the organisation of sports systems, and leadership within sports organisations. After graduation, students are prepared for a smooth transition from sport to the business world, particularly in sports management and the organisation of sports systems.

Join as a partner Our partners

If you are a sports club, federation, or organisation, we invite you to join the PAR Sports Academy as a partner and support the dual careers of your athletes. By taking part in the programme, you enable your members to develop academic and professional skills alongside their sports careers, preparing them for life after sport. In doing so, you are not only supporting their athletic development but also their long-term future. Together, we can build a sustainable model of support for athletes through collaboration and mentorship.

HNK Rijeka
HNK Orijent
Z

Want to get involved? Contact us

Ivana Miloš Prokopić

Ivana Miloš Prokopić

bacc. oec.

For additional information and involvement in the work of the PAR sports association, contact us.

+385 (0)51 327 037 ivana.prokopic@par.hr

    The broader mission of the PAR University PAR Sports Association

    The PAR Sports Association is part of the broader mission of PAR University of Applied Sciences, which is to empower young people through sport, education, and socially responsible engagement. As a natural continuation of our long-standing commitment to promoting dual careers for athletes, the Association actively fosters the integration of academic success and sporting achievement for both professional athletes and all students with an interest in sports. The Association serves as a platform for organizing sports activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and strengthening the student community through sport. Its activities include:

    • organizing and coordinating participation in sports competitions (UniSport, Fiumanka, etc.),
    • establishing connections with other universities and sports organizations both domestically and internationally,
    • promoting sport and physical activity among students,
    • developing projects in the field of sport and health (Erasmus+ projects).
    Sports Association

    Sports Achievements of Our Students Outstanding Accomplishments

    The academic year was marked by exceptional sporting achievements of our students and alumni at both European and global levels.

    Leo Lazar

    🎖 Leo Lazar

    He won a bronze medal at the European University Combat Sports Championship, demonstrating a high level of sporting excellence and dedication.

    Matija Jurisic

    🏁 Matija Jurišić

    A rising star of Croatian motorsport, he became the European hill-climb champion. After securing the title in 2024 with an outstanding 10 wins out of 10 races, he successfully defended his championship this year with an additional 7 victories, also setting a record on the Buzet track. At the university, he is known for his humility and his exceptional ability to balance academic responsibilities with his sporting career.

    Oliver Lusic

    🤾 Oliver Lušić

    A PAR alumnus and captain of the Croatian Deaf national handball team, he concluded his international career in the best possible way, by winning gold at the Deaflympic Games in Tokyo. In the final against Germany, Croatia secured a 30–23 victory, with Lušić contributing significantly to the historic win by scoring five goals.

    These achievements stand as a testament to PAR’s successful integration of sport and education. Through an individualised approach, dedicated mentorship, and flexible study conditions, our student-athletes are empowered to reach their full potential across multiple areas of life.

    For more information or to get involved in the activities of the PAR Sports Association, please contact us at:
    📩 info@par.hr

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