Supports membership services and academic-related initiatives across the NCAA.

Delivers internal operations and services that support the national office.

Supports planning, analysis and operational improvement efforts.

Contributes to planning and execution of NCAA championships and partnerships.

Supports media relations, storytelling and digital communications.

Supports eligibility services and stakeholder communications.

Supports fairness and integrity efforts across NCAA membership.

Supports enterprise initiatives aligned with NCAA priorities.

Supports governance operations and committee coordination.

Supports inclusion-focused education and engagement initiatives.

Supports legal operations and risk management activities.

Supports health, safety and sport science initiatives.

When is the start date of the Postgraduate Internship Program?

• The first date of the internship is June 14, 2027. The end date is May 26, 2028.

What are the requirements to be a candidate for the Postgraduate Internship Program?

• Applicants must be a college graduate (bachelor’s or master’s) from a four-year NCAA member school by the start date of the internship program. Other required and preferred qualifications are listed within the job descriptions of each department-specific position.

Can international students apply to the Postgraduate Internship Program?

• Yes, college graduates from a four-year NCAA member school may utilize OPT (Optional Practical Training). Learn more about using OPT here.

Is it required to have worked in an athletics department to obtain a position in the program?

• It is not required to have experience in an athletics department to apply for a position in the program.

Are you able to work remote as a postgraduate intern?

• The 2027-28 Postgraduate Internship Program will take place in person in Indianapolis, with relocation required for all cohort members. All NCAA interns will be subject to the same in-person/virtual work policy as all full-time NCAA staff members. 

Do you have to be a former student-athlete to apply for the Postgraduate Internship Program?

• Being a former student-athlete is not a requirement to apply for the PGIP. 

I am an athletics administrator or coach. Can I nominate my student-athlete or recent graduate for this program?

• No, there is no nomination process for the PGIP. Applicants must simply fill out their own submission for consideration in the program.

How many internships are available within the program?

• There are 36 internship positions available among 12 NCAA departments. The specific positions available are navigable in the box labeled “Internships” on the right side of the page.

Where have alumni of the PGIP gone after the program?

• PGIP alumni have gone on to fill influential roles within collegiate athletics on campus and within conferences, in professional sports organizations and in businesses outside the realm of athletics. Organizations that have hired recent PGIP members include the Southeastern Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the NFL, the WNBA, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Basketball, Women Leaders in College Sports, ESPN, Converse, and many Division I, II and III schools. Currently, over 40 former interns work at the NCAA national office in full-time roles.

Is there an age restriction for PGIP applicants?

• There is no age restriction for PGIP applicants. However, applicants must be a college graduate from a four-year NCAA member school by the start date of the internship program.

How much does the internship pay?

• Interns are paid hourly with a rate that equates to $33,000 when annualized. Interns also receive full benefits.

Is it necessary to have any undergraduate or graduate education in a sports-related program?

• It is not necessary to have a sports-specific degree (sports management, sports marketing, etc.) to be selected for the program.

What are the required components of the PGIP application on the NCAA Program Hub?

• Applicants will be required to answer a series of short-answer questions within their submission. Additionally, candidates are required to upload a resume with their application. They can upload a cover letter, but this is not required.

What is the “typical profile” of a successful candidate for the Postgraduate Internship Program?

• The internship program attracts a diverse and talented group. Each department is seeking different qualifications and credentials, so we encourage candidates to thoroughly review the department-specific job descriptions before submission.

If I need an internship for class credit, am I able to still apply for the Postgraduate Internship Program with the NCAA?

• The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program is not designed to provide credit toward an undergraduate degree, but an intern may be eligible to earn credit toward a graduate degree.

Can I still apply if I attended an institution that was a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics?

• Applicants must be a college graduate from a four-year NCAA member school by the start date of the internship program.