Volleyball scholarships in the U.S. for international players: step by step

Updated: October 31, 2026

To get a volleyball scholarship in the U.S. you need to meet academic eligibility, build a video with full rallies, choose programs at your level and email the coaches yourself. Here is the path, in order.

1. Understand the divisions

Women's volleyball is played in the NCAA (Divisions I, II and III), the NAIA and the NJCAA (junior colleges). Division I and II give athletic scholarships, Division III does not (you can get academic and financial aid), and the NAIA and junior colleges also offer scholarships. In Division II the limit is 8 scholarship equivalencies per team, split into portions by the coach. In Division I, since 2025-26 and the House v. NCAA settlement, the cap went from 12 scholarships to a roster limit of 18 players, and each university decides how much to offer. These rules change, so confirm them on each governing body's official website. More in how much a scholarship covers.

2. Solve eligibility

For NCAA D1 and D2 you must register with the Eligibility Center, and for the NAIA with its own center. Start early. See the eligibility guide.

3. Know the positions and what coaches look at

The main positions are setter, outside hitter, middle blocker, opposite and libero. Coaches look at height, reach and jump, technique, how you read the game and the level you play at. Each program has different openings depending on its players' graduation years, so look at which position each one needs.

4. Build a good video

Show real matches and full rallies with your position clearly identified: serving, passing, defense, attack and, if you are a setter, your setting. Put your best work first, keep it short and add a link to a full match. Follow the video guide.

5. Build your university list

Mix ambitious, realistic and safety programs across divisions. Consider team level, the major you want, cost and openings in your position.

6. Email the coaches

Send a short email in English with your position, graduation year, height, GPA and video link, personalized with something specific to that program. Follow up after 10 to 14 days if there is no reply. The fastest answers often come from assistant coaches. Follow the email guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are there volleyball scholarships for international players?

Yes. Universities can recruit international athletes, subject to each governing body's rules and each university's admissions.

Which division has no athletic volleyball scholarships?

Division III has none; aid comes from academics or financial need. Division II, the NAIA and the NJCAA offer athletic scholarships, and so does Division I under the new rules since 2025-26.

How tall do I need to be to play college volleyball?

There is no single height: it depends on position and division. Setters and liberos are usually shorter than middle blockers. If unsure, email the coach and ask.

When should I start contacting coaches?

As early as possible for eligibility and video. Coaches in each division have rules about when they can contact you first, but you can show interest whenever you want.