National Collegiate Athletic Association Postgraduate Internship Program Applications Open August 12

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Postgraduate Internship Program provides a yearlong, immersive learning experience at the national office in Indianapolis for college graduates pursuing a career in college sports administration.

Interns gain valuable insight into the inner workings of college sports from a national perspective, while receiving comprehensive training, mentorship and professional development opportunities. They also participate in site visits to NCAA member campuses, conference offices and affiliate organizations to expand their industry knowledge and connect with current leaders in college athletics.

Over the past 25 years, PGIP alumni have gone on to hold influential roles across the collegiate athletics landscape — on campuses, in conference offices, and beyond. Graduates of the program have been hired by organizations such as the Southeastern Conference, Mountain West Conference, National Football League (NFL), Wome’s National Basketball Association (WNBA, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USA Basketball, Women Leaders in College Sports, ESPN, Converse, and numerous Division I, II and III schools.

NCAA postgraduate interns are nonexempt employees with full benefits, making this a robust, real-world experience that equips participants for long-term success in the industry.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year NCAA member school by the internship start date.
  • No age restriction.
  • Not necessary to have a sports-specific degree.
  • 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.
• Are not current or former NCAA national office interns or employees.
• Are legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • International students are welcome to apply by utilizing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students.

Additional Information

• It is not required to have experience in an athletics department.
• Being a former student-athlete is not a requirement to apply.
• Interns are paid hourly with a rate that equates to $33,000 when annualized. Interns also receive full benefits.
• The 2026-27 NCAA 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. 

Important Dates:

• August 12, 2025: Application opens (8 a.m. ET)
• September 12, 2025: Application closes (5 p.m. ET)
• December 2025: Candidate selection and notification
• June 15, 2026: Start date for 2026-27 postgraduate internship cohort (Indianapolis, IN)
• May 28, 2027: End date for 2026-27 postgraduate internship cohort (Indianapolis, IN)

How to Apply?

The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program offers 36 positions across 12 departments, each with unique responsibilities and desired qualifications. To explore available opportunities, review the listings in the “Internships”section on this page.

Before applying, we encourage candidates to carefully read each department-specific description to identify the best fit for their skills and interests.

When you’re ready to apply, click the “Apply Now” button and complete the following:

• Respond to a series of short-answer questions.
• Upload your resume (required).
• Submit an optional cover letter.

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