ISCA

What ISCA does

ISCA (International Sport College Australia) is a private higher education institution based in Narrabeen, New South Wales, founded in 2019 and wholly owned by International College of Management, Sydney Pty Ltd (ICMS). It targets a niche segment of aspiring student-athletes who want to combine elite athletic development with formal sports business qualifications, operating as a TEQSA-accredited Institute of Higher Education (PRV12025) and CRICOS-registered provider (01484M). The institution's core offering is the one-year Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance), which integrates three trimesters of academic subjects in business and sports management with three weekly practical high-performance training sessions conducted at elite sports facilities, capped by a 75-hour industry placement. Students can articulate into ICMS bachelor's degrees with credit transfer of up to 8 subjects, and a 12-week Undergraduate Certificate is offered as an entry pathway for domestic students only.

The technology stack is modest and pedagogical rather than proprietary: ISCA uses Moodle as its learning management system and operates an Athlete Journal System where students log training loads, wellness, recovery, and movement screening data. Course delivery spans three Sydney campuses — City (Sydney CBD at Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness), Northern Beaches (Manly, with training at Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen), and Moore Park (located inside Sydney Swans HQ at Royal Hall of Industries) — each providing access to specialized strength and conditioning, sports science, and elite-training infrastructure. The institution also operates a fourth site at Valentine Sports Park in partnership with Football NSW.

ISCA's revenue model is almost entirely tuition-driven, with fees structured per trimester or per subject and billed to individual student consumers. Domestic diploma students pay $10,230 per trimester ($30,690 total), international students pay $12,500 per trimester ($37,500 total), and the Undergraduate Certificate is priced at $3,650 per subject ($14,600 total for four subjects). The go-to-market is direct-to-consumer through the ISCA website, supported by the UAC admissions channel for domestic applicants, information sessions, open days, the annual Sydney Student Sports Summit, and a community-led social media presence. Headcount is reported at 1-10 employees and T1 2026 indicative enrolments at 31 students, indicating an early-stage, small-scale operation within the broader ICMS group.

Name

ISCA

Legal name

International College of Management, Sydney Pty Ltd

Website

https://iscaustralia.edu.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ISCA is a Sydney-based private higher education institution, owned by ICMS, offering a TEQSA-accredited Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance) that combines classroom-based sports business education with practical elite athletic training for aspiring student-athletes pursuing sports industry careers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education (Sports Management)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Hospitality, Tourism & Sports Management Schools (within Business Schools) (EDAHAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Strength & Conditioning / Athletic Performance Training (HSADAEAB)

Keywords

• Higher education diploma
• Sports management education
• High performance training
• Student athlete programs
• Industry placement

Headquarters

HQ city

Narrabeen

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Domestic Student Tuition: ISCA generates revenue primarily through tuition fees charged to domestic Australian students. Domestic students pay $10,230 per trimester for 3 trimesters totaling $30,690 for the full diploma. FEE-HELP government loans are available for eligible domestic students.
2. International Student Tuition: International students pay higher tuition fees of $12,500 per trimester for 3 trimesters totaling $37,500 for the full diploma.
3. Certificate Program Tuition: The Undergraduate Certificate of Sport Management (High Performance) costs $3,650 per subject with 4 subjects totaling $14,600.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

ISCA is a private higher education institution that delivers the Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance), a one-year program combining classroom-based sports business education with three weekly high-performance athletic training sessions at elite Sydney sports facilities, capped by a 75-hour industry placement. Students can earn an Undergraduate Certificate of Sport Management (High Performance) (12 weeks) as a fast-track entry, and successful diploma graduates articulate into the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) with credit for up to 8 subjects. Additional standalone offerings include subject-level enrollments in Business Units, Sports Management Units, and High Performance Units, plus the fee-free Industry Training placement subject.

Product overview

ISCA offers a portfolio of sports education products anchored by the Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance) — a one-year higher education diploma combining classroom-based sports business curriculum with practical high-performance athletic training. This core product is complemented by an Undergraduate Certificate (12-week fast-track option), the Industry Training placement module (75 hours), and three subject categories: Business Units, Sports Management Units, and High Performance Units. The High Performance Units integrate three weekly physical training sessions at elite sports facilities across three Sydney campuses. Articulation pathways lead to ICMS Bachelor degrees with credit transfer of up to 8 subjects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Diploma of Sports Management (High Performance) A one-year (three-trimester) TEQSA-accredited higher education diploma that combines classroom-based sports business and high-performance curriculum with three weekly practical athletic training sessions and a 75-hour industry placement. Articulates into ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) with credit for up to 8 subjects. Available to domestic and international students with FEE-HELP eligibility for domestic students.
• Undergraduate Certificate of Sport Management (High Performance) A 12-week full-time undergraduate certificate (4 core subjects, total tuition $14,600) providing foundational sports business knowledge as an entry pathway into the Diploma or directly into the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management). Available only to domestic students with FEE-HELP eligibility.
• Industry Training (Professional Placement) A 75-hour workplace learning component (subject WIL203A) embedded in the Diploma program, placing students at sports organisations to apply and extend theoretical and practical skills while building professional networks. Offered fee-free.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students can articulate into ICMS Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) with credit for 8 subjects
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Football NSWcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023ISCA established a North-West Sydney Campus at Valentine Sports Park in early 2023 as Football NSW's education partner. The partnership provides specialized football-focused education and training for students.
• NSW WaratahscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA has partnered with NSW Waratahs to support emerging athletes from within the NSW Waratahs environment. The partnership provides students with internship opportunities and industry experience at the Super Rugby club. Students can receive scholarships in collaboration with the Waratahs.
• Manly Warringah Sea EaglescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA has an Education Partnership with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club. The partnership provides training facilities at Sydney Academy of Sport (used by the Sea Eagles) and internship opportunities for students.
• Sydney SwanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA Moore Park Campus is located within Sydney Swans HQ at Royal Hall of Industries. Students have access to world-class elite training and community venue, home to Swans elite men's and women's teams and QBE Sydney Swans Academy with 700+ participants.
• Sydney Academy of SportcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerISCA Northern Beaches Campus utilizes training facilities at Sydney Academy of Sport in Narrabeen. The Academy is surrounded by natural bushland with views of Narrabeen Lake and hosts Olympic programs including Australian men's and women's national Rugby 7s.
• Sydney University Sport and FitnesscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerISCA City Campus students undertake high performance training at Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness facilities at 85 Darlington Rd. The facilities are home to more than 35 sports clubs and include elite training infrastructure.
• Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA partnered with the Australian Institute of Fitness to provide students with additional fitness industry certification opportunities. The partnership supports students seeking employment as accredited sports coaches and certified fitness trainers.
• International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA is owned, governed and operated by the International College of Management, Sydney Pty Ltd. ISCA students are integrated into the ICMS student community with access to all ICMS facilities, services, and can pathway into ICMS bachelor's degrees with credit transfer.
• Canterbury BulldogsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA provides internship placements with Canterbury Bulldogs NRL club. Students have secured paid employment with the club following their internship experience.
• South Sydney RabbitohsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA alumni have been employed by South Sydney Rabbitohs following their studies. The club participates in ISCA's industry placement program.
• Valentine Sports ParkcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerISCA operates a campus at Valentine Sports Park, the headquarters of Football NSW. Provides specialized football training facilities and proximity to football industry hub.
• Manly United Football ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA has partnership with Manly United Football Club for football-specific student training and industry connections.
• Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA partnership with local football association provides additional pathway opportunities for students interested in football.
• UTS Business SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA co-sponsored events with UTS Business School including the Sydney Student Sports Summit, bringing together sports management students from multiple institutions.
• Australian Strength & Conditioning Association (ASCA)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerISCA students undertake ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning certification through partnerships with ASCA, providing industry-recognized credentials for career advancement.
• NSW BluesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA students visited NSW Blues state-of-the-art training facility after Origin series victory, gaining insights from Centre's expert staff and learning about the history and traditions of Origin legends.
• New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISCA students hosted by NSWRL at their facilities, gaining industry exposure and networking opportunities with rugby league professionals.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE): ACPE is an Australian private higher education institution focused on sport, health, and physical education, offering diplomas and bachelor degrees that combine academic study with practical sports training. It is the most directly comparable peer to ISCA in terms of product, target student-athlete audience, and business model.
• Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF): AIF is an Australian vocational education provider delivering fitness, sports coaching, and nutrition certifications; ISCA itself has a partnership with AIF. AIF competes for the same career-changer and aspiring-sports-professional cohort and offers overlapping strength and conditioning credentials.
• AFL SportsReady: AFL SportsReady is an Australian sports-industry education and employment pathway provider offering traineeships and certificates for people pursuing careers in sport. It competes with ISCA for students seeking vocational sports-industry pathways and entry-level industry placements.

Others

• International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS): ICMS is the parent institution of ISCA and a TEQSA-registered higher education provider with 1,300+ students from 40+ countries. ICMS is the articulated degree pathway for ISCA Diploma graduates and shares governance and operations, making it both a sister entity and a critical channel partner.

Regional players

• TAFE NSW: TAFE NSW is a public vocational education provider offering sports-related certificates and diplomas in NSW, the same geography ISCA serves. While TAFE offers lower-cost, government-subsidized qualifications, it represents the primary alternative pathway for Australian students considering a sports-related vocational qualification.
• Endeavour College of Natural Health: Endeavour is an Australian private higher education provider in the health and wellness segment, serving a similar niche of motivated, often older students willing to pay premium tuition for specialised credentials. It is comparable as a sibling private-HE operator navigating similar regulatory and student-recruitment dynamics in Australia.

Broad incumbents

• University of Sydney (Sydney Uni Sport): The University of Sydney runs the elite athlete program that ISCA's founder Ian Evans previously led for seven years, and ISCA's City Campus uses Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness facilities. It is a broad incumbent competitor for student-athletes seeking combined sport-and-study pathways in Sydney.
• Australian Catholic University (ACU): ACU runs a long-standing Exercise and Sport Science program (overseen by ISCA's Dr Stephen Burke for 25 years). ACU is a broad incumbent higher education peer for student-athletes and sports science students, with a national footprint and degree-granting authority that ISCA cannot match.
• University of Technology Sydney (UTS): UTS offers sports management and business degrees and co-sponsors ISCA's Sydney Student Sports Summit. UTS is a broader incumbent competitor for the same sports-management-as-business-degree student pool in Sydney, with stronger brand recognition and full degree programs.
• La Trobe University (Sport and Exercise Science): La Trobe University is an Australian public university with established sport and exercise science programs that compete for student-athletes seeking formal qualifications. It represents a broader incumbent alternative for the same prospective student cohort across Australia.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC2c_qopqG7I3p7VYhS7QGdg
• Facebookfacebook.com/iscasport
• Instagraminstagram.com/iscaustralia

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ISCA