Athletics and Track Scholarships in the USA for New Zealand Athletes
Olympic Sports Scholarships has helped 55 New Zealand athletes 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
55 of the 430+ track and field athletes we've helped are New Zealanders.
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.
New Zealand athletes we've placed
The Taylor twins' 5K times weren't in the usual range for big offers. We built profiles that created options at good Division II schools, with two scholarships for one family budget.
Read the Taylors' storyWhy New Zealand athletes choose the US
- Study and compete at the same time, without putting your sport on hold.
- Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, meals and books.
- Full-time coaching, elite facilities and weekly competition at a level that is hard to find at home.
- A US degree and an international network that stays with you for life.
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. For New Zealand students, that is Year 10 to Year 13.
| US grade | NZ year | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 9 | Year 10 | School reports. Your grades in core subjects count from here. |
| Grade 10 | Year 11 | School reports and NCEA Level 1. Level 1 on its own does not show you have finished school. |
| Grade 11 | Year 12 | NCEA Level 2, shown on your NZQA Record of Achievement. |
| Grade 12 | Year 13 | NCEA Level 3, shown on your NZQA Record of Achievement. |
Your NCEA grades convert directly: Excellence counts as an A, Merit as a B, Achieved as a C and Not Achieved as an F. That means Merit and Excellence endorsements in core subjects do real work for your US GPA.
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 New Zealand athletes, that means your results from Year 10 onwards matter, not just Level 3. We work through your Record of Achievement standard by standard.
School calendar vs the US calendar
The New Zealand school year runs from early February to mid-December. US universities start in August, with some offering a January (spring) start.
| New Zealand | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| School year | Early February to mid-December, in four terms | Late August to May, in two semesters |
| Final exams | NCEA exams in November and early December (10 November to 4 December in 2026) | – |
| Results | Mid-January | – |
| Your US start | – | August after Year 13 (most athletes), or January for a spring start |
Most New Zealanders finish Year 13 in November or December and start in the US the following August, training through the summer season in between.
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.
Aiming for a January start? Start the same steps about six months earlier, in Year 12.
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 New Zealand athletes get sports scholarships at US universities?
Yes. Olympic Sports Scholarships has helped 55 New Zealand athletes study and compete at US universities. Scholarships can cover tuition, accommodation, meals and books.
How do NCEA grades convert to a US GPA?
NCEA grades convert directly: Excellence counts as an A, Merit as a B, Achieved as a C and Not Achieved as an F. US universities look at Year 10 to Year 13, so your results from Year 10 onwards matter, not just Level 3.
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.
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.
When should New Zealand athletes start the recruiting process?
Take your GPA review in Year 11 or 12 and start your strategy at the start of Year 13, about 18 months before an August start. For a January start, begin about six months earlier, in Year 12.
My NCEA results arrive in January. Is that a problem?
No. Most New Zealanders finish Year 13 in November or December, receive their results in mid-January and start in the US the following August.
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.
Take the free assessmentGet the free guidePrefer to talk? Book a free introduction call