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International Students

 

International Students

The NAIA is proud to have student-athletes from many different nations competing at our institutions. If you are looking to play college sports in the U.S., the NAIA can help you find the perfect fit for your athletic college career.

 

Get in the Game!

 

 

 

The NAIA Experience for International Students

Student-athletes come first in the NAIA. They are the inspiration that drives us to make character a core component and benefit of all intercollegiate sports. Read on to learn what you can expect from your NAIA experience.

Who needs to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center?

All first-time NAIA student-athletes must register and receive an eligibility determination before they are permitted to play.

When do I need to register with the NAIA Eligibility Center?

Most international students should register immediately after graduation or the end of the academic term/year. International students who will enroll in the fall term at an NAIA school should have all required academic records submitted to the NAIA Eligibility Center at least two months prior to the start date of the term in which they are seeking eligibility. Don’t wait until the summer holiday months when many schools close; it could delay your determination.

How much does it cost, and how do I pay?

  • Now through September 14, 2025:
    • The one-time, non-refundable international registration fee is U.S.D. $160.00*.

*Beginning September 15, 2025, the registration fee will increase to $170.00.

  • Beginning September 15, 2025:
    • The one-time, non-refundable international registration fee is U.S.D. $170.00. 

Do I have to purchase an InCred® evaluation?

Yes, international students are required to purchase an InCred evaluation for eligibility decisions. International transcripts that are sent directly to the eligibility center will be forwarded to InCred for handling. Only records submitted to and verified by InCred, as well as the official InCred credential evaluation, will be used to apply NAIA eligibility rules.

How do I send translations?

Academic records must be sent in BOTH the original language of issuance AND a literal, word-for-word English translation. If the translation is not a literal translation, the NAIA Eligibility Center reserves the right to request new translations or verify the translations with a third party. If a third-party verification is required, this can delay your review, so have literal, English translation submitted for all academic records.
  
Translations do not need to be certified, notarized, school-stamped or official. Translations should be sent together (but can come in a separate envelope) with the original language documents to reduce processing time.

 

 

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Download Guide for International Students

How to navigate the
PlayNAIA website

This video will walk you through the process of registering on the PlayNAIA.org website, a requirement for all student-athletes who want to play in the NAIA.

Go to PlayNAIA.org

 

 

Paving the way for international students

InCred® offers international academic credential services to students outside of the United States. Our skilled staff of trained academic credential evaluators provide foreign students basic statement comparability, course-by-course evaluations, athletic eligibility addendums and certified copies of your academic records.

 

Check out InCred

 

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What our student-athletes are saying

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We represent five different countries and this is how we all say "Let's go!" in our own languages.

Park University (Mo.)
Women's Volleyball

 

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A lot of kids [in Brazil] look up to me ... and want to go to the U.S. and study abroad and pursue a degree in college in America.

Victor Faria de Navajas
 Northern New Mexico
Men's Basketball
Member of NAIA ASA and CSA

 

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See more testimonials

Follow your path to eligibility

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1.

Get Recruited

The NAIA partners with recruiting companies around the world:

  • Students from North America, check out NCSA.

2.

Get Eligible

Take your life and your game to the next level. Register with PlayNAIA, the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility, and as well as InCred, our partner for international credential evaluations.

3.

Find your NAIA School

Search by sport, location, school size and more!

4.

Get ready to play!

Play the sport you love while earning your degree.

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It's never too early to get eligible

 

incred

 

InCred® credential evaluations offers international academic credential services to students outside of the United States. Their skilled staff of trained academic credential evaluators provide foreign students basic statement comparability, course-by-course evaluations, athletic eligibility addendums and certified copies of your academic records. Learn how InCred can help you start your U.S. college experience today!

 

Register with InCred today!

 

 

 

Playnaia

 

PlayNAIA.org is the official clearinghouse for NAIA eligibility. Every student-athlete must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to play sports at an NAIA college or university. Register now to make sure your eligibility is in order, increase your opportunity for scholarships, and show coaches you are ready to play.

 

Register with PlayNAIA now

Podcast Episode 2