Tennis scholarships in the United States and Canada
The experience that will change your life
Tennis is one of the most popular international sports, and the process of securing a tennis scholarship at an educational institution has become highly competitive.
In this sport, every part of the process is crucial — from creating an academic and athletic profile to compiling results, tournament history, and statistics.
Another essential part is producing a video that showcases the student’s skills on the court. This video should be professionally guided and recorded to maximize the chances of success. At Awex Education, we take care of the entire process, personally traveling to film and complete the final editing of the video.
There are many schools with tennis programs in the United States and Canada. These schools compete in the following collegiate leagues: NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA.
It is very important for tennis players to seek the assistance of Awex Education with enough time in advance. This allows us to evaluate their real possibilities in the U.S. and Canada and determine which league or division is the most suitable for them to compete in with a tennis scholarship — without putting their eligibility at risk.
Furthermore, within these leagues, there are many different levels of tennis. Therefore, depending on each player’s profile, Awex Education will identify the schools that best match their athletic and academic level.
High School Tennis
If you are between 12 and 17 years old, have an intermediate level of English, and a grade above 6 out of 10, you can apply for a scholarship to study at a High School in the United States or Canada.
University Tennis
If you are 16 years or older, have an intermediate level of English, and a grade above 6 out of 10, you can apply for a scholarship to study at a University in the United States or Canada.
Tennis in the United States and Canada
Our CEO, William Touchard, explains in detail everything you need to know about the sports program.
Do you have any questions?
Why the United States and Canada?
College sports in the United States and Canada are the only system that allows student-athletes to combine competitive tennis with academic studies. In addition, with a sports scholarship, tennis players can cover a percentage of their educational expenses. In many cases, there are also opportunities to obtain academic scholarships that further reduce the total cost.
These educational institutions offer tennis scholarships in the U.S. and Canada to members of their teams, allowing players to finance their studies through tennis.
Moreover, this opportunity provides tennis players with a life-changing experience and many advantages compared to the Spanish system: balancing academics and sports, traveling across the U.S. and Canada with the team, earning a degree from a North American institution, mastering English, meeting people from all over the world, and living unforgettable experiences.
Thanks to tennis, a world of opportunities opens up for student-athletes.
Tennis scholarships in the United States and Canada
Each athletic league establishes a maximum number of tennis scholarships that can be awarded. Within those limits, each institution decides how to distribute the scholarship funds among its players.
Coaches allocate the funds in the form of full and partial tennis scholarships to members of the team. Usually, only the top-performing players on the roster receive a tennis scholarship.
There are also opportunities known as walk-on positions, which allow players to join the team without initially receiving a scholarship. After a year in this position, depending on the player’s performance, it may be possible to earn a tennis scholarship for the following seasons.
Scholarship limit per team
The number of tennis scholarships available at each educational institution varies from school to school. Each athletic league sets a maximum number of scholarships that can be offered, but individual schools may decide to offer fewer scholarships if they choose to or if their budget does not allow them to reach the maximum.
A clear example of this is the Ivy League universities (such as Harvard), which are academically prestigious institutions but do not offer athletic scholarships.
In addition, tennis is a sport in which coaches can divide the total number of scholarships among several players. They are not required to award a full scholarship to each athlete — instead, they may offer partial or percentage-based scholarships depending on performance and team needs.
Below are tables showing the maximum number of tennis scholarships each university can offer per team, along with the average team size and number of universities competing in each division:
Men’s Tennis
| University League | Number of Universities | Scholarship Limit per Team | Average Players per Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA D I | 205 | 9.9 | 29 |
| NCAA D II | 211 | 9 | 31 |
| NCAA D III * | 412 | – | 29 |
| NAIA | 188 | 12 | 28 |
| NJCAA | 69 | 18 | 24 |
| TOTAL | 1,085 |
Women’s Tennis
| University League | Number of Universities | Scholarship Limit per Team | Average Players per Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA D I | 332 | 14 | 28 |
| NCAA D II | 263 | 9.9 | 27 |
| NCAA D III * | 438 | – | 24 |
| NAIA | 192 | 12 | 24 |
| NJCAA | 187 | 18 | 19 |
| TOTAL | 1,312 |
* NCAA Division III universities are not allowed to offer athletic scholarships, including tennis scholarships, but students may still qualify for academic or need-based financial aid.
How does the process of obtaining tennis scholarships in the United States and Canada work?
The goal of Awex Education is to help tennis players gain access to educational institutions in the United States and Canada with tennis and/or academic scholarships.
We work to find the best possible schools for each athlete, as well as the highest scholarship amount available.
Below we explain how the process of obtaining a tennis scholarship at an American school works.
The first part is where the player must work to achieve the best possible athletic and academic results:
Achieving the Highest Possible Tennis Level
The higher the player’s tennis level, the greater their chances of earning a tennis scholarship — and the wider the range of schools they’ll be able to choose from.
It’s important to plan training sessions and competition schedules carefully in order to reach the highest level possible.
Achieving the Highest Possible Academic Level
Academic performance is just as important. By focusing on their studies, players can open the door to more opportunities, including academic scholarships that can reduce annual costs.
Preparing well in advance for the TOEFL and SAT exams is essential.
The Second Part: Awex Education Takes Care of Everything
It’s very important to contact Awex Education early to start preparing the process in advance.
Doing so greatly increases the chances of obtaining a better athletic scholarship in the U.S. or Canada and provides more options to choose from.
We recommend starting the process 1–2 years before the desired start date in the U.S. or Canada.
We analyze each case individually to evaluate the player’s tennis and academic level, as well as their expectations and family goals.
At Awex Education, we offer this evaluation FREE of charge and with no obligation. We meet with the athlete and their family to explain the real possibilities.
Once the family decides to begin the process, we take care of every step:
Step-by-Step Process
Case analysis: We study each tennis player’s level, academic record, and preferences regarding schools, then identify the best matches based on their athletic, academic, and financial profile.
Personal follow-up plan: We create a personalized roadmap with exam dates, preparation strategies (depending on the league), and short-, medium-, and long-term objectives.
Exam support: We help with the registration and preparation for the SAT and TOEFL exams.
Sports video guidance: We provide professional guidance to create a high-quality tennis video — one of the most important tools in the recruiting process — and take care of the final video editing.
Athletic & academic profile: We create a complete player profile to present to college tennis coaches.
University outreach: We contact schools that fit the player’s profile and preferences.
We collaborate with most U.S. and Canadian institutions, in all states and provinces.Scholarship negotiation: We communicate directly with coaches and admissions offices to negotiate the best possible scholarship and conditions for each athlete.
Detailed scholarship report: We present several tailored options, including the school’s name, location, size, academic level, tennis level, cost before and after the scholarship, and the annual amount to be paid.
Budget-friendly options: We always provide multiple alternatives within the family’s budget so they can choose the best fit.
Final school selection: We advise and guide the family throughout the decision-making process, though the final choice always belongs to them.
Signing the offer: We handle the signing of the final offer with the chosen institution.
League admissions: We manage the eligibility process with the corresponding academic sports leagues (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA).
University admissions: We handle the school’s official admission process, including sending transcripts, SAT/TOEFL results, and required documentation.
Accommodation & meal plans: We ensure all housing and meal plan arrangements are completed.
Health insurance: We assist with obtaining medical insurance for studies in the U.S. or Canada.
Student visa processing: We manage the visa procedures for both countries.
Travel & arrival organization: We coordinate flights and arrival logistics so the player is supported upon arrival.
Arrival support: We provide guidance on first-day logistics (banking, money transfers, cards, campus orientation, etc.).
On-campus employment: We assist students in finding academic or part-time jobs on campus.
Summer opportunities: We help interested players secure summer jobs at American tennis camps.
Ongoing support: We offer continuous assistance throughout the player’s stay in the U.S. or Canada — for any questions, paperwork, or even school changes — at no additional cost.
Career preparation: During their 3rd or 4th year of university, we offer students a career preparation course at a U.K. university, designed to help them transition into the professional world and connect with potential employers.
A Close and Personalized Approach
What truly sets Awex Education apart is our personal and caring approach.
We stay in constant contact with our athletes and their families through WhatsApp or phone calls, and in urgent cases, we are available outside regular office hours.
We are proud to offer dedicated, ongoing, and human support throughout this life-changing journey — every step of the way.
Academic requirements
Another key factor in gaining admission to a good school is academic performance — your high school grades, SAT, and TOEFL scores.
If two players have a similar tennis level but different academic results, coaches will almost always offer the tennis scholarship to the stronger student academically.
This is because every student must meet certain minimum academic requirements, making academics just as important as tennis in several areas:
Athletic eligibility: Students must meet specific grade and test score requirements to be accepted into athletic leagues.
University admission: Each tennis player must achieve the required scores on the SAT and TOEFL exams to gain admission to their chosen school.
Academic scholarships: Players can also earn academic scholarships in addition to their athletic ones, increasing their total financial aid package. These are awarded based on good grades and high test scores.
The higher the grades, the more opportunities and scholarship money a player can receive from universities.
Since every school and coach has different academic standards, Awex Education carefully evaluates both the athletic and academic profile of each student to find the university that best fits their level and goals.
What level of tennis is required?
There are over a thousand schools and universities in the United States and Canada with tennis teams that compete in various collegiate leagues. Within this wide range of programs, the level of tennis varies significantly.
Below, we outline the tennis level required to be eligible for tennis scholarships in the U.S. and Canada, depending on the academic league:
NCAA Division I
These are the largest universities, offering the most sports and generally the highest athletic level among all leagues.
Academic Requirements: SAT and TOEFL exams
Men’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 200 in Spain
Top 600 ITF Junior
Experience in ITF or ATP tournaments
Minimum UTR: 11.5 or higher (preferably 12+)
Women’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 300 in Spain
ITF ranking, experience in ITF or WTA tournaments
Minimum UTR: 8 or higher (preferably 9+)
NCAA Division II
These are smaller universities with strong athletic programs, similar in size and facilities to NAIA schools.
Academic Requirements: SAT and TOEFL exams
Men’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 500 in Spain
Experience in national tournaments
Minimum UTR: 10+
Women’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 700 in Spain
Experience in national tournaments
Minimum UTR: 7+
NCAA Division III
By league rules, these universities cannot offer athletic scholarships, but they provide other types of financial aid and academic scholarships, significantly reducing overall costs. They are typically highly prestigious academically.
Academic Requirements: SAT and TOEFL exams with good scores; strong academic record
Men’s Tennis Level:
Ranking +600 in Spain
Experience in national or regional tournaments
Very good academic level
Players of all UTR levels compete in this league, from high to low
Women’s Tennis Level:
Ranking +700 in Spain
Experience in national or regional tournaments
Very good academic level
Players of all UTR levels compete in this league, from high to low
NAIA
These universities are similar to NCAA Division II in size and structure. They have more flexible eligibility rules, especially regarding age.
Academic Requirements: SAT and TOEFL exams
Men’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 500 in Spain
Experience in national tournaments
Players over 19 years old with level around Top 200 in Spain
Minimum UTR: 10+
Women’s Tennis Level:
Real playing level*: Top 700 in Spain
Experience in national tournaments
Minimum UTR: 7+
Junior College (JUCO)
These are two-year colleges where students complete the first two years of university studies before transferring to a four-year institution. They can be a great option to improve academically and athletically before moving on to a higher-level program.
Academic Requirements: TOEFL exam only (SAT not required)
Men’s Tennis Level: Varies depending on the school
Women’s Tennis Level: Varies depending on the school
*In the following section, we explain how the real playing level is measured.
What do tennis scholarships cover?
Tennis scholarships in the United States and Canada cover a percentage of the total costs of attending a school. In the case of receiving a full tennis scholarship, all of the following expenses are covered:
Tuition and fees
Books
Housing (on-campus residence or apartment)
Meals
Health insurance
In addition, all tennis team members, whether or not they receive a tennis scholarship, always have the following tennis-related expenses covered:
Tennis training sessions
Physical conditioning
Sports equipment (strings, overgrips, racquets — in most schools — clothing, shoes, etc.)
Official competitions
Travel to competitions (transportation, accommodation, and meals)
Academic tutoring when needed
Sports medicine and physiotherapy support
How do American coaches measure an athlete's level?
Coaches assess a player’s tennis level based on several factors:
Tennis Ranking – ITF, ATP, WTA, or national ranking.
UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) – an increasingly important metric that coaches consult. All of our players have a UTR Premium account to track their progress. However, UTR is not implemented in every country and may not always reflect the player’s true level.
Competition Experience – results in national, international, or professional tournaments. Active participation and good results are key.
Performance Against Other Players – matches against nationally ranked players or players with ITF, ATP, or WTA rankings.
Performance Against Players at U.S. and Canadian Schools – results from matches against players currently enrolled in North American programs.
Tennis Video – footage showcasing skills, technique, and match play.
Awex Education Evaluation – we observe the player in person and assess their actual level. After years of experience, coaches value our honest evaluations highly. Rankings often do not reflect a player’s true level due to inactivity or other factors.
In-Person Visits from University Coaches – at Awex Education, we arrange visits for top-level players so that families and coaches can meet face-to-face. Coaches can watch players live to get an accurate sense of their level, which significantly increases the chances of obtaining a tennis scholarship at a high-level school.
With all this information, Awex Education evaluates each player and collaborates with educational institutions that match their tennis level, maximizing the chances of obtaining a sports scholarship and joining the team.
Awex Stories
Real stories from our students and families in the United States and Canada. Discover how they lived their experience, what they learned, and how this adventure transformed their lives.
Awex Stories
Real stories from our students and families in the United States and Canada. Discover how they lived their experience, what they learned, and how this adventure transformed their lives.
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