US Sports Scholarships for European Athletes
Olympic Sports Scholarships has helped 40+ athletes from across Europe study and compete at US universities on sports scholarships. We guide you from your first assessment to your first day on campus.
Why European athletes choose the US
- Study and compete at the same time, instead of choosing between university and sport.
- Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, meals and books.
- Full-time coaching, elite facilities and weekly competition against the best young athletes in the world.
- Study in English and graduate with a US degree and an international network.
How the European school year fits the US system
Most European school years run from September to June or July, which lines up well with the US academic year starting in August. Many European athletes finish school in the summer and start in the US that same August. Recruiting usually begins around two years before you finish school, so coaches can follow your results.
Your grades and eligibility
NCAA eligibility and US admissions are based on your subject results from your final years of school, reported through your national school-leaving certificate (such as the Abitur, Baccalauréat, Maturità, Bachillerato or Leaving Certificate) and school reports. If English is not your first language, most universities also ask for an English test such as the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. We check your eligibility as part of every free assessment.
Recruiting timeline for European athletes
| 2 years before graduating | Focus on your grades in core subjects. Start recording results, times and footage, and work on your English. |
| 18 months before | Take the free assessment, build your athlete profile, start contacting coaches and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. |
| Final school year | Calls and visits with coaches, take any English test needed, compare offers and sign. |
| Summer after school | Send final results, apply for your F-1 student visa and prepare to arrive on campus in August. |
How OSS helps
- Free assessment: we review your athletic results and academic profile and tell you honestly where you could compete.
- Profile and coach outreach: we build your recruiting profile and present you to the right coaches across our 312 university collaborators.
- Offers, visa and the move: we help you compare offers, handle eligibility and your F-1 student visa, and prepare for life on campus.
Ready to take your sport to the US?
Find out where you could compete, or start with our free guide.
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