Newly-crowned women's rugby sevens world champions Ms Alicia Quirk and Ms Nicole Beck are setting their sights on selection for Rio 2016 and with flexible study through Charles Sturt University (CSU) they've also got an eye on a degree.

Ms Quirk (pictured) and Ms Beck are part of the Australian women's Rugby 7's team which won the 2015/2016 HSBC World Rugby Women's Sevens Series in May.

A  Bachelor of Physiotherapy student from Wagga Wagga NSW, Ms Quirk admits juggling study with the demands of training and travel can be difficult, but she said the support through CSU has made it easier.

"I was able to extend my course over a much longer period to undertake my placement requirements which has been very handy, especially in the lead up to Olympic qualification," she said.

"Travelling with a full-time physiotherapist also helps with my learning and I am exposed to a lot more hands on experience in my day to day environment.

"The physical and mental demands of being a professional athlete are not sustainable for a lifetime, therefore it is important to have a back-up plan for life after professional sport."

Ms Quirk has a simple message for other elite athletes undertaking university study.

"It will be hard but like the hard work you put into training the same rewards are available with university study," she said. If you really want to do multiple things you will find the time to do it."

As a mother, professional athlete and Bachelor of Educational Studies student, Ms Beck from Bulli in NSW, said time management is the key.

"Set your goals and your deadlines and stick to them," she said. "It's important to not let one aspect of your life take up all your time, a healthy balance between study, sport, work and family-social life is key to getting the most out of each of them.

"Honestly sometimes I find it really difficult to manage my time, but mostly university study is a great way to switch off from rugby and exercise my brain instead of my body."

As for the next goal on the rugby field, Ms Quirk and Ms Beck will know by the end of June if they've been selected in the Australian Olympic team for Rio 2016.

"The next few months will be full on in terms of training, nutrition restrictions, extra sessions, recovery and preparation," said Ms Quirk.

"Winning the world championship is definitely a confidence booster," said Ms Beck. "It's good to know the team is in good form leading into Rio and that if we play our best we are capable of winning gold."

More than 50 athletes, performers and sports personnel are taking part in CSU's Elite Athlete Program.

Program co-ordinator Ms Kate Staniforth works with student athletes to balance their study and sporting commitments or negotiate special arrangements and flexibility to help them meet the requirements of their course.

"The program is not just for recognised elite or professional athletes," she said. "It also includes elite sports personnel, elite performers and also pre-elite athletes who have the ability to attain high honours.

"The support, understanding and flexibility offered at Charles Sturt University allows our athletes and performers to achieve their best in the classroom and on the field."

CSU is a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network, which recognises the additional support and flexibility required by students who are also competing or performing at an elite level.