US Sports Scholarships for European Athletes
Olympic Sports Scholarships has helped 67 athletes from across Europe study and compete at US universities on sports scholarships. We guide you from your first GPA review to your first day on campus.
Our 2027 track record
67 of the 430+ track and field athletes we've helped come from across Europe.
57% of our athletes compete in NCAA Division I and 36% in Division II, with the rest in the NAIA or junior college. Across the programme, our athletes include 9 world medallists, 2 European champions and 11 European medallists.
A European athlete we've placed
A talented steeplechaser with a very strong academic profile. We treated her as a genuine Ivy League candidate from day one.
Read Adele's storyWhy 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.
What US universities look at
US universities look at your last four years of secondary school, the same span as US grades 9 to 12, reported through your school reports and your national school-leaving certificate. Records from the ninth year of schooling onwards are requested, with a certified line-by-line English translation of anything not in English.
| Country | School-leaving certificate | Final exams and results |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Abitur (Gymnasium) | Exams in spring; timing varies by state |
| France | Baccalauréat (seconde, première and terminale) | Written exams in June, results in early July |
| Spain | Bachillerato | Final exams and university entrance exams in May and June |
| Italy | Diploma di Esame di Stato (maturità). Read our Italian guide | Exams in June and July, results in July |
| Ireland | Leaving Certificate | Exams in June, results in late August |
| Netherlands | VWO or HAVO diploma | Central exams in May |
If your results arrive late (as with the Irish Leaving Certificate), coaches recruit you on your school reports and predicted grades, and your final results complete your eligibility.
English tests
If English is not your first language, most universities ask for an English test such as the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. Required scores vary by university, so we plan the test into your timeline once we know your target schools. Athletes schooled in English, such as in Ireland, usually do not need one.
Step one: your GPA review
Every OSS journey starts with a GPA review. US universities judge academics on a grade point average (GPA) out of 4.0, so we convert your school grades into a US GPA and check it against each division's standard. You find out which levels you qualify for today, and what to improve before coaches look at you.
| Level | Academic standard for new student-athletes |
|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | 16 approved core courses (English, maths, science, social science and others) with a core-course GPA of at least 2.3 |
| NCAA Division II | 16 approved core courses with a core-course GPA of at least 2.2 |
| NCAA Division III | Each university sets its own admissions standard |
| NAIA | Graduate from high school; a GPA of about 2.0 is typically required |
| Junior college (NJCAA) | Graduate from high school (or the equivalent) |
SAT and ACT scores are no longer needed for NCAA Division I and II eligibility (since January 2023). Standards can change, so we check the current rules with every athlete.
For European athletes, the conversion depends on your country's grading scale, so we work through your school reports subject by subject. Your grades from the start of those four years count, not just your final exam.
School calendar vs the US calendar
Most European school years run from September to June or July, which fits the US year well: most athletes finish school in the summer and start in the US that same August.
Your 18-month recruiting timeline
US recruiting runs on a cycle of about 18 months before you start university. Starting earlier is better: an early GPA review gives you time to fix weak subjects, and coaches build their lists well ahead of each intake.
Where do your times stand?
US coaches recruit on performance. Our Standards Engine shows the times and marks US programmes look for in every track and field event, from NCAA Division I to the NAIA. Distance runners can also compare road and cross country results in our cross country scholarships guide.
How OSS gets you there
- Free assessment and GPA review: we review your results, calculate your US GPA and tell you honestly where you could compete.
- Strategy (4 to 6 weeks): we agree your goals, build your recruiting profile and choose the right level and universities.
- Discovery (8 to 12 weeks): we present you to the right coaches across our 312 university collaborators and manage the conversations.
- Execution and support (2 to 4 weeks): we help you compare offers and sign, then guide your eligibility, F-1 student visa and move to campus.
Frequently asked questions
Can European athletes get sports scholarships at US universities?
Yes. Olympic Sports Scholarships has helped 67 athletes from across Europe study and compete at US universities. Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, meals and books.
Which school results do US universities look at?
US universities look at your last four years of secondary school through your school reports and your national school-leaving certificate, such as the Abitur, Baccalauréat, Bachillerato, maturità or Leaving Certificate. Anything not in English needs a certified line-by-line translation.
Do I need an English test?
If English is not your first language, most universities ask for an English test such as the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. Required scores vary by university. Athletes schooled in English, such as in Ireland, usually do not need one.
What times do I need for a US track scholarship?
Coaches recruit on performance. Our Standards Engine shows the times and marks US programmes look for in every track and field event, and you can set it to your school year. Distance runners can also use the cross country checker.
What GPA do I need for a US sports scholarship?
For NCAA Division I you need 16 approved core courses with a core-course GPA of at least 2.3, and for Division II at least 2.2. The NAIA typically looks for a GPA of about 2.0, while Division III universities and junior colleges set their own entry standards. We convert your grades into a US GPA during your free GPA review.
When should I start the US recruiting process?
US recruiting runs about 18 months before you start university. Take your GPA review about two years before you finish school, so there is time to improve weaker subjects before coaches look at you.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
No. SAT and ACT scores have not been needed for NCAA Division I and II eligibility since January 2023. Standards can change, so we check the current rules with every athlete.
Ready to take your sport to the US?
Start with a free assessment and GPA review, or read our free guide first.
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