US Athletics Scholarships for Australians: A Step-by-Step Guide

Australia is one of the strongest track and field nations in the world, and US coaches know it. We've helped 74 Australian athletes study and compete at US universities, making Australia our second-largest group after the UK. Here's how the process works if you're finishing school in Australia.

Why Australians go to the US

• Study and compete at the same time, without choosing between uni 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.

• A US degree and an international network that stays with you for life.

Our athletes include Charlotte McAuliffe, a 4x world silver medallist and Australia's most decorated World Championship qualifier.

How the Australian school year fits

The Australian school year runs from late January to December, while US universities start in August. Most Australian athletes finish Year 12 in November and start in the US the following August, using the months in between to train, travel and prepare. Some universities also offer a January (spring semester) start.

Which grades count

NCAA eligibility and US admissions are based on your subject results from your final years of school, reported through your state certificate (such as the HSC, VCE, QCE, SACE or WACE) and school reports. That makes your grades from Year 10 onwards count, not just your final ATAR.

Your timeline

• Year 10: Focus on your grades in core subjects. Start recording results, times and footage.

• Year 11: Take a free assessment, build your athlete profile, start contacting coaches and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

• Year 12: Have calls and visits with coaches, compare offers and sign. Finish your final exams and send your results.

• After Year 12: Apply for your F-1 student visa, keep training and prepare to arrive on campus in August (or January for a spring start).

What US coaches look for

Coaches recruit on results, so keep a clear record of your best marks with links to official results. Short, recent race footage helps too. Strong grades matter as well, because they make you cheaper to fund and easier to admit. Our guide on how US coaches judge your track and field marks explains how to see where you'd fit.

For the bigger picture on timing, read When to Start the Recruiting Journey.

Get started

Read our page for Australian athletes, download the free guide (there's an Australian edition), or take the free assessment and we'll tell you where you could compete.