International Events

Represent Australia on the International Stage

The Australian Powerlifting Alliance offers athletes the chance to compete at IPF-sanctioned international competitions, including the prestigious World Championships and regional championships across the globe.

These events bring together the best lifters from around the world, providing a platform for Australian athletes to showcase their strength, discipline, and national pride on the biggest stages in powerlifting.

Whether it's your first time lifting internationally or you're chasing a world title, competing at this level is an unforgettable experience — one that rewards commitment, performance, and the passion to represent your country.

Interested in going international?
Details on how to qualify are available in the links below.

Athlete Qualification Pathway

To be eligible for international selection, athletes must compete in the APA Nationals Series and achieve the relevant Qualifying Total.

The primary document outlining how qualification and team selection works is our Athlete Progression and Selection Policy.

This policy explains the pathway to international competition, including eligibility requirements and how selections are determined.

Athletes are selected based on performance at Nationals and, where applicable, additional selection considerations outlined in the policy.

For further details on event-specific requirements, please refer to the information sheets linked below.

• IPF Sanctioned Event Calendar - click here 
• Athlete Progression and Selection Policy - click here
• APA International Team Application Process - click here
• APA 2025 Qualifying Totals: click here (revised 21-March 2025)
• Review of the 2025 Qualifying totals released 21-March 2025 - click here

Coaches

APA-approved coaches are eligible to apply for roles on the APA International Coaching Team, which supports athletes at IPF-sanctioned international competitions. Coaching roles include:

• Head Coach (HC): Leads the coaching team, oversees lifter readiness, coordinates team operations, and focuses on team performance and culture. May also provide platform coaching.

• Platform Coach (PC): Responsible for lifters during competition sessions, including attempt selection, warm-up management, cues, and platform support.

• Assistant Platform Coach (APC): Supports the Platform Coach and lifters throughout the session, particularly during warm-ups and equipment preparation.

All coaching team applications are reviewed by the Coaching Committee using an objective process that considers eligibility, experience, qualifications, and alignment with APA values.

New Requirements from 2026

From 2026, the following training standards will apply:

• Head Coaches will be required to complete the IPF Trainer Level 2 Course

• All other international coaches must complete the IPF Basic Coaching Course

These requirements ensure that our coaching team maintains the highest standards of technical knowledge, professionalism, and alignment with international best practice.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding APA-hosted IPF Level 2 and Basic Coaching Courses in early 2026.

Coaches must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and uphold the standards outlined in the APA International Coaching Team Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) , which includes accreditation, conduct expectations, and post-event responsibilities.

Event Applications

Applications for 2025 international competitions will be by invitation only to athletes who have achieved the relevant Qualifying Total at the relevant qualifying event(s).