What Does Eligibility Mean?
Eligibility is the process that determines whether you can practice, compete and receive athletics aid when you enroll as a full-time college student at an NCAA school.
Eligibility requirements vary by division. Division I and II schools require your academic and athletics eligibility to be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center. Division III schools set their own academic standards on campus, but the Eligibility Center certifies the athletics eligibility of Division III international student-athletes.
What does the NCAA Eligibility Center review?
Academic eligibility looks at your coursework, grades, core-course GPA, transcripts and proof of graduation.
Athletics eligibility reviews your sports participation history and other athletics-related activities based on NCAA rules.
Division I, II and III have different eligibility processes. Review the division that matches the schools you are interested in.
Academic Eligibility Basics
Athletics Eligibility Basics
Which Division is Right for You
Do These Things Early
Make sure your counselor knows you want to play NCAA sports.
Check your high school’s list of NCAA-approved core courses.
Update your education history, sports participation information and contact information.
Ask each high school you attended to submit your official transcript.
Tasks tell you what information may still be needed in your account.
Missing Documents Can Delay Your Certification
Your certification may be delayed if transcripts, proof of graduation or other required documents are missing. Make sure your NCAA ID is included with submitted documents and check your Eligibility Center account for tasks.
Still Need Help?
Contact the Eligibility Center Customer Service team
| Domestic and Canadian students (except Quebec) | 877-262-1492 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri. |
| International and Quebec students | International Contact Form |
| High School Counselors (PIN required) | 877-622-2321 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET – Mon. through Fri. |
| NCAA Compliance Administrators | Membership Portal |