The 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, NFL, 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.
The NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program was truly a transformational and impactful experience for me. The comprehensive training, mentorship, and networking opportunities provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of college sports administration. Not a day goes by without me leaning back on the knowledge I gained from this exceptional program. Brandon Floyd, 2021-22 Leadership Development Intern
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.
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.
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.
Join the PGIP Informational Webinar
Need more information before applying? NCAA leadership development is excited to host an informational webinar related to the Postgraduate Internship Program. This is your opportunity to hear directly from NCAA staff and get your questions answered.
Tuesday, August 19 | 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST | Virtual
During the session, representatives from each NCAA department will share:
- An overview of their team's responsibilities.
- The intern's role and contributions.
- What they're looking for in an ideal candidate.
The webinar will conclude with a live Q&A where staff will answer your questions about the application process and the program.
Be sure to check back on August 12 when applications open — webinar registration will go live then!