University of Otago economics student and University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand student-athlete commission chairwoman Naomi Ireland (24) said the commission was established following the International University Sports Federation forum in France in July.
The commission would report to University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) to ensure young athletes voices were recognised by New Zealand sport governance structures.
At present, elite student-athletes faced challenges around balancing study and with training.
The commission would seek to make tertiary study more conducive for athletes, Miss Ireland said.
"It is about recognising that the importance of elite sport can work alongside tertiary study and creating more flexibility around due dates and time off is not making sport more important than study but letting the two work together."
Representatives from New Zealand’s eight universities would sit on the commission, she said.
"Selections were made based on the student athlete’s sporting participation and achievements, standing within each of their respective tertiary institutions and the skills and attributes they will bring to the group."
Committee members studied degrees ranging from marketing to law which would be utilised to promote the commission, she said.
The committee also planned to provide social media coverage of New Zealand sporting events and support students participating in recreational support move to the elite level.