USA College Sporting Pathways

Recommended Subject Selections and Eligibility

Jump to:

• Core Subjects Requirements

• TC Subject Options for College Eligibility

• Preparation Time

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN attending A USA COLLEGE?

If you are playing and representing your sport at a high level, this pathway could be for you!
The USA College system allows International students the opportunity to receive a scholarship to study and represent their university in sporting competitions.
Depending on the scholarship you are offered (full or partial), a student can receive covered cost for the following:

• Tuition

• Admission Fees

• Books

• Housing

• Food

• Gym membership

• Academic tutoring

• Travel

• Sporting equipment

• Sporting apparel

• Coaching

• Athletic rehabilitation

Being recruited to play college sports is a difficult proposition for Australian athletes as they have to deal with the additional requirements and procedures that international athletes are subject to. But, if you are very talented in your field and the desire to succeed and work hard, on and off the sports field, then undertaking an athletic scholarship at a university in the US might be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

NCAA Sports (National Collegiate Athletics Association)

The NCAA conducts 90 national championships in 24 sports across Divisions I, II and III, with 45 championships administered for women, 42 for men and three co-ed national championships.​

That means almost 54,000 student-athletes participate in NCAA championships each year. From signature events like the NCAA March Madness® men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to rowing, softball and skiing, the NCAA administers championships to ensure student-athletes have a first-class experience.

The NCAA is the governing body for Division I, Division II and Division III institutions. The NCAA is a member-led organization dedicated to the well-being and lifelong success of college athletes.

To be eligible to play in Division I, the NCAA requires the completion of 16 core subjects in Years 9-12 (FLE 2 – GRAD)​

• 4 years of English

• 3 years of Maths

• 2 years of science (e.g. general science in years 9-10, chemistry, physics, biology in years 11-12)

• 1 extra year of English, maths or science

• 2 years of social science (e.g. history, psychology)

• 4 years of extra core courses (from any category above or foreign language)

The 4X4 Subject Plan

If you follow the 4x4 plan and ensure to have a subject from each field in your timetable across 4 years, your eligibility for either a Division I or Division II USA College will not be at risk. ​As TC offers a flexible learning environment, you are not limited by year levels and can undertake the subjects at any stage, as long as the subjects meet the required semester allocation. (i.e. 4 years of English)

Any subjects not listed in this table are not recognised by NCAA and therefore cannot count towards your USA College eligibility.

Example Student Timetable

How has this student ensured eligibility?

English – Preparatory English, Pre VCE English, English 1-2, English 3-4
Maths – FLE Maths, Pre VCE General Maths, General Maths 1-2, Further Maths 3-4
Science – Pre VCE physics, Pre VCE Biology, Biology 1-2, Biology 3-4
Social Science – Psychology 1-2, Psychology 3-4

FLE 2

• Start planning now! Take the right subjects and aim the best marks possible.

• Use this page to see NCAA-approved core.

• Register for a free Profile Page account at eligibilitycenter.org for information on NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.

FLE 3

• If you fall behind academically, ask the careers team at TC for help finding approved subjects you can take.

• If you are being actively recruited by an NCAA school and have a Profile Page account, transition it to a Certification account.

• Monitor the task list in your Eligibility Center account for next steps.

• At the end of the school year upload an official transcript to your Eligibility Center account which will have been made with the careers team.

FLE 4

• Check with the careers team to make sure you are on track to complete the required number of NCAA approved core subjects and graduate on time.

• Take the SATs and submit your scores to the Eligibility Center using code: 9999.*

• Ensure your sports participation information is correct in your Eligibility Center account.

• At the end of the school year upload an official transcript to your Eligibility Center account.

GRAD

• Complete your final NCAA-approved core subjects as you prepare for graduation.

• Take the SAT again, if necessary, and submit your scores to the Eligibility Center using code: 9999.*

• Request your final amateurism certification (this status means the NCAA has made a final decision, declaring you eligible pending an academic review) beginning April 1 (fall enrollees) or Oct. 1 (winter/spring enrollees) in your Eligibility Center account at eligibilitycenter.org.

• After you graduate, ask the careers team to upload your final official transcript with proof of graduation to your Eligibility Centre account.

• Reminder: Only students on an NCAA Division I or II school’s institutional request list will receive a certification.