The 2002–03 Northern Premier League season was the 35th in the history of the Northern Premier League, a football competition in England. Teams were divided into two divisions; the Premier and the First.

Premier Division

The Premier League featured three new teams:

League table

Results

Division One

Division One featured four new teams:

League table

Results

Play-offs

The Division One play-offs saw the third to fifth placed sides in the Division and the team that finished 21st in the Premier Division compete for one place in the Premier Division.

Promotion and relegation

In the thirty-fifth season of the Northern Premier League Accrington Stanley (as champions) were automatically promoted to the Football Conference. Gateshead, Colwyn Bay and Hyde United were relegated to the First Division; these three clubs were replaced by relegated Conference side Southport, First Division winners Alfreton Town, second placed Spennymoor United and third placed Radcliffe Borough (via a Playoff). In the First Division Eastwood Town and Trafford left the League at the end of the season and were replaced by newly admitted Bridlington Town and Prescot Cables.

Cup Results

Challenge Cup: Teams from both leagues. President's Cup: 'Plate' competition for losing teams in the NPL Cup. Chairman's Cup: 'Plate' competition for losing teams in the NPL Cup. Peter Swales Shield: Between Champions of NPL Premier Division and Winners of the NPL Cup.