The University of Tasmania has joined the Devils as an Official Higher Education Partner.
The Devils and the University have been working collaboratively for more than two years on initiatives including integrated education offerings, professional development and the sharing of resources and facilities. Today’s announcement formalises a partnership that is already well underway.
The two organisations share a commitment to creating better outcomes for all Tasmanians, particularly through the power of education. With strong community connections and a presence across the state, both organisations will work to ensure the partnership delivers benefits across the island.
The partnership will focus on developing Tasmania’s future workforce, creating education, career and industry opportunities connected to elite sport that have not previously existed in the state. This includes pathways into off-field careers and opportunities for athletes to pursue higher education alongside elite sport.
Tasmania’s General Manager, Commercial and Partnerships, James Creak, said he was proud to welcome the University as a partner.
“We're proud to have the University of Tasmania, our state's premier tertiary education provider, as our Official Higher Education Partner,” Creak said.
“Our Devils' purpose is to ‘Honour the Map and Inspire the Future’. Our partnership with the University of Tasmania brings that purpose to life, connecting two organisations with a shared ambition to create opportunities for Tasmanians.
"Together, we have an exciting opportunity to connect education and sport, open new pathways for students and athletes, and make a meaningful contribution to communities across our state.
“We're excited about what we can achieve together and the lasting impact this partnership can have for Tasmania.”
The University has played a key role in supporting the Blundstone Tasmanian Academy of Leadership and Sport (TALS), which the Devils established in 2025.
Earlier this year, the Devils and the University announced an accelerated 2.5-year university degree pathway for TALS students, with graduates receiving 1.5 years of credit towards a Bachelor of Business. Several students are already enrolled in this pathway, with participation expected to grow as the partnership develops.
University of Tasmania Executive Director, Global Marketing and Recruitment, Michelle Weir, said the partnership brings together two organisations committed to creating opportunities for Tasmanians through education, community and aspiration.
“There is an entire workforce behind an elite sporting organisation, and this partnership gives our students the opportunity to explore those careers and build connections to an industry that is growing here in Tasmania,” Weir said.
“Whether their future is in business, events, marketing, health, performance or another part of the industry, we want students to see that there are exciting career pathways connected to the game that go well beyond playing it.
“Both the University and the Devils are deeply connected to communities across Tasmania. By working together, we have an opportunity to use education and sport to create pathways, build aspiration and contribute to communities across our state.”
Through this partnership, the Devils and the University of Tasmania are helping build a stronger Tasmania, creating more pathways and opportunities close to home.