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Understanding Your U.S. and UK College Options

From NCAA, NAIA, and JUCO pathways to UK university sport, we help you understand your options and choose the pathway that best fits your athletic and academic goals.
Inside the U.S college system

The structure of the U.S. college system can be complex.

Here’s how it works. In the U.S., more than 3,500 accredited colleges are governed by three main athletic organisations: the NCAA, NJCAA, and NAIA. These bodies oversee collegiate sport, scholarship structures, and competition formats. Our role is to help you understand how this system works and how it applies to your pathway.

NCAA Division 1

NCAA Division I comprises the largest colleges in the U.S. college system. To qualify as a Division I institution, schools must fund at least seven men’s and seven women’s sports teams. These colleges typically have campus populations ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 students.

NCAA Division 2

NCAA Division II is the second-largest division in the U.S. college system. To qualify as a Division II institution, schools must fund at least five men’s and five women’s sports teams. These colleges typically have campus populations between 3,000 and 15,000 students and offer slightly less athletic aid compared to Division I schools.

NCAA Division 3

NCAA Division III is the smallest division in the U.S. college system. To qualify as a Division III institution, schools must fund at least three men’s and three women’s sports teams. These colleges typically have campus populations ranging from 500 to 3,000 students. While Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, many are prestigious academic institutions, including MIT, Boston College, and New York University.

NJCAA

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) comprises two-year colleges offering sports scholarships. These institutions provide opportunities for students who may not meet the requirements for a four-year college or need an alternative pathway to eligibility. After completing junior college, students can transfer to a four-year institution, cross-crediting their coursework to finish the remaining two years of their education.

NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) operates independently from the NCAA and includes colleges similar in size to NCAA Division III. NAIA colleges offer athletic scholarships and are an option for athletes who may not meet NCAA eligibility requirements. Unlike NCAA divisions, which are structured around the size and resources of the college, the NAIA focuses on providing opportunities for a broad range of athletes.
Inside the UK university system

The UK university system follows a different structure to the U.S.

Let us break it down for you. In the UK, university sport is integrated into higher education and is primarily governed by British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS). BUCS oversees university competitions, league structures, and championships across a wide range of sports. Universities manage sport alongside academic study, rather than separating athletes into a standalone athletic system. When you partner with us, we help you understand how the UK system works and how it compares to other international pathways.

BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport)

BUCS is the national governing body for university sport in the UK.

- Universities compete in regional and national leagues
- Competition runs alongside academic terms
- Sport is structured to fit around degree programmes

BUCS competitions range from high-performance programmes to more participation-based leagues, depending on the university and sport.

UK Universities

UK universities vary widely in size, academic focus, and sporting investment.-

Degrees are typically three years in length
- Entry requirements are academically driven
- Sporting commitments are designed to support, not replace, academic study

Unlike the U.S. system, universities do not compete across divisions such as Division I, II, or III.

Scholarships in the UK

UK sports scholarships differ from U.S. athletic scholarships. They may include:

- Partial tuition support- Accommodation assistance
- Access to facilities, coaching, and performance services

Scholarships are awarded by individual universities and are often combined with academic merit rather than offered as full athletic scholarships.

Your Sport, Your Stage: Explore 24+ Athletic Pathways

Supporting over 24 sports, we connect your unique talent with the perfect college opportunities. From the field to the pool, your future starts here.

Men's

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Fencing
Football (FBS, FCS, and Non-Scholarship)
Golf
Gymnastics
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rowing (Lightweight only)
Soccer
Swimming and Diving
Tennis
Track and Field (Indoor)
Track and Field (Outdoor)
Volleyball
Water Polo
Wrestling

Women's

Basketball
Bowling
Beach
Volleyball
Cross Country
Equestrian (NCAA emerging sport)
Fencing
Field Hockey
Golf
Gymnastics
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Rowing
Rugby (NCAA emerging sport)
Soccer
Softball
Swimming and Diving
Tennis
Track and Field (Indoor)
Track and Field (Outdoor)
Triathlon (NCAA emerging sport) Volleyball
Water Polo
Wrestling (NCAA emerging sport)

Club Sports

Sailing (not NCAA-sanctioned but often affiliated with NCAA schools)
Skiing
Dancing
E-Sports
The Platform Difference

Built for Platform Athletes

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Masterclass - Exclusive to Platform Athletes

Available to Platform athletes, this masterclass walks through the U.S. college recruitment process in a clear, practical way. It covers what to focus on, how recruitment works behind the scenes, and how to make informed decisions at each stage of your journey.
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Athlete Portal

Every Platform athlete gets access to a central portal that brings the entire recruitment process into one place. From eligibility tracking and timelines to resources, guidance, and next steps, the portal is designed to keep you organised, informed, and moving forward at the right pace.

Trusted by Athletes, Parents and Coaches

“Platform has been a huge help in all areas regarding the college process making it so easy for me and stress free, from initially finding a college then helping me transfer as well. Amrit give me lots of advice and perspective in helping me make my decision as it can get overwhelming for sure. Most importantly platform isn't just a college agent Amrit is also a great friends. Which makes working with platform so much happier as well. My future goals in college is to help me team up and give my everything to the team both on and off the court. Also in the class room too!”.
Tina Li
Brigham Young University
NCAA Division I Tennis
“Playing college tennis was a decision that I made with great enthusiasm since I was encouraged by the right people. Amrit was very helpful, not only in terms of helping me find the best college, but also being realistic and telling me what is and isn’t realistic since the beginning of the process. I wouldn’t have been a Hopkins Tennis student-athlete without his help”.
Marco Azar
John Hopkins University
NCAA Division III Tennis
”As an athlete from Lebanon, I initially felt lost and unsure of where to begin when applying to college. However, the platform team was incredibly supportive—they reassured me during uncertain times and always made sure I felt guided and motivated. They set the bar high and did everything in their power to help me find my place, both academically and athletically. My goal for the future is to continue improving in both my academics and tennis. As I approach my last two seasons with my team, I’m determined to make the most of these final years, enjoying the journey while pushing myself to be my best.”
Joan Madi
East Carolina University
NCAA Division I Tennis
With over 2,000 athletes placed and $200M+ in scholarships secured, our success stories reflect not just individual triumphs but the proven impact of our approach. Your family could be next.
Meet The Team

Get Expert Guidance Tailored to Your Sport.

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Amrit Rai | Founder

Founder and Managing Director of Platform Sports Management. Amrit has secured over $100 million in sports scholarships. Over the past decade, Amrit has been the 100% owner of Platform Sports, building relationships with leading high schools, sports clubs, and key sporting individuals.
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Meet the Platform Sports Team

With firsthand experience as former college athletes, our team understands exactly what it takes to succeed on and off the field. From navigating scholarships to supporting your academic and athletic goals, they’ve been in your shoes—and now they’re here to guide the next generation.

Together, we’ve helped secure millions in sports scholarships, and we’re committed to delivering expert advice, honest feedback, and personalised support every step of the way.

Resources For Athletes

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Events Hub

High-performance showcases, recruitment info nights, and skills camps are popping up across the country and you’re invited. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or part of a sports group or academy, this is your hub to see what’s happening near you and how to get involved.
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Webinars Replays

Join our "Going All In" webinar replay, designed to give student-athletes and parents an insider’s look at what it takes to stand out in the competitive U.S. college system.
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On the Field Podcast

On the Field is a podcast designed to empower athletes and their families with everything they need to know about the college sports recruitment process—one episode at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the recruitment process. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Chat to one of our team.
How do I know which division is right for me?
Choosing the right division depends on your unique combination of athletic ability, academic goals, and personal preferences. Each division—NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or NJCAA—offers different levels of competition, scholarship opportunities, and campus experiences. Our team is here to help you navigate this decision. We’ll assess your athletic performance, academic achievements, and long-term aspirations to find the division that aligns best with your goals. This process ensures that you’re not just competing but thriving both on and off the field.
What are the timelines for U.S. college recruitment?
The U.S. college recruitment timeline depends on your sport, division, and year of high school. In your freshman and sophomore years (Year 9–10 NZ/AUS), focus on building a strong athletic and academic foundation. By junior year (Year 11 NZ/AUS), start reaching out to college coaches with a polished sports CV and highlight reel. This is when recruitment heats up, with official visits and early evaluations. Senior year (Year 12 NZ/AUS) is about finalising eligibility through the NCAA or NAIA, maintaining communication with coaches, and preparing for signing periods—early signing typically happens in November, with regular signing running from April to August. If needed, post-high school options like Junior Colleges or prep schools can provide additional pathways. Starting early and staying organised ensures you're ready for every opportunity.
How can I improve my chances of being recruited?
Recruitment is about showcasing your talent and standing out as a well-rounded student-athlete. At Platform Sports, we help you build a standout profile, connect with college coaches, and communicate effectively to leave a lasting impression. By maintaining strong academics and leveraging our expertise, we ensure your skills are noticed and opportunities turn into offers.
What support is available if I transfer colleges?
Transferring colleges can feel overwhelming, but it’s often the right decision to support your growth and success. At Platform Sports, we’re here to make the process seamless and stress-free. Our team will guide you through every step, from understanding eligibility rules and navigating transfer portals to meeting critical timelines. We’ll help you identify a new program that aligns better with your athletic, academic, and personal goals, ensuring your next fit is the right one. Additionally, we’ll liaise with college coaches and advisors to streamline communication and position you for success. Transferring is about finding the right environment to thrive, and we’ll be with you every step of the way to help make this next chapter one of your best.
What are the academic requirements for U.S. college athletes?
To compete as a U.S. college athlete, you must meet academic eligibility requirements, including a minimum GPA, completion of core courses, and in some cases, SAT/ACT scores. You’ll also need to maintain amateur status and, for international students, have transcripts evaluated to meet U.S. standards. We simplify this process, ensuring you understand and meet every requirement for a seamless transition to college sports.

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