Loading…

UNITED STATES · SOUTH BEND

University of Notre Dame

private · Founded 1842 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in South Bend, Indiana, offering a wide range of programs with a strong commitment to academic excellence and community. It provides significant financial support for undergraduates and doctoral students, including need-blind admissions for all undergraduates.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1842
Students: 13,129
International students: 1,050
Acceptance rate: 15%
Tuition (intl): €60–64k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: South Bend, United States

The University of Notre Dame is a distinguished private Catholic research university located in South Bend, Indiana, USA. Established in 1842 by Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., and the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame has grown into a globally recognized institution committed to academic excellence and serving the common good. The university integrates faith and inquiry, fostering intellectual growth and moral character. Notre Dame offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across eight colleges and schools, with a strong emphasis on research that addresses urgent global challenges. Students benefit from a rigorous, purpose-driven education guided by outstanding scholar-teachers and a vibrant, collaborative academic community. The university's commitment extends to providing comprehensive financial support, including need-blind admissions for all applicants and meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for undergraduates. With a diverse student body representing over 80 nations, Notre Dame is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. The university prides itself on a supportive community, a strong alumni network, and an enduring mission to educate leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

Why study here

Access to need-blind admissions and 100% of demonstrated financial need met without loans for undergraduate international students.
Engage in world-class research with opportunities for undergraduates and graduates to participate in impactful projects globally.
Benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio (8:1) and a high percentage of small classes, ensuring personalized attention from dedicated scholar-teachers.
Join a vibrant, values-driven community rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, fostering ethical leadership and a commitment to the common good.
Leverage a powerful global alumni network with over 144,000 active members in more than 250 clubs worldwide for career advancement and lifelong connections.

Student life

Notre Dame fosters a vibrant student life centered on community and personal development. The university's Catholic mission encourages students to grow intellectually and morally, engaging with life's biggest questions and contributing to the common good. Students can explore over 70 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, finding avenues for their interests in academic pursuits, research, and extracurricular activities. The campus provides a welcoming environment, and the university prides itself on its strong sense of belonging, often referred to as the 'ND family.' Students are encouraged to develop humane virtues such as thoughtfulness, generosity, curiosity, creativity, humility, and empathy through dialogue with faculty and peers, and through engagement with classic texts.

Fees

InternationalFor the 2026-2027 academic year, tuition for the M.S. in Finance program is $74,618. For most doctoral students in the Graduate School, tuition is $69,510, including health and technology fees.

HomeApprox. USD 61,000 per year (same tuition for all undergraduates regardless of residency)

LivingApprox. USD 16,000–20,000 per year on/near campus in South Bend, Indiana

Undergraduate admissions are need-blind for all applicants, and 100% of demonstrated financial need is met without loans. For families with incomes under $150,000, tuition is waived. 70% of all students receive some form of financial aid. Graduate tuition scholarships are provided for almost 100% of doctoral students. Master's programs offer varying levels of support, while professional master's programs generally require student payment, though merit-based scholarships are occasionally available.

Admissions

UndergraduateAcademic preparedness, test scores (though GRE not required/accepted for some graduate programs), extracurriculars, capacity for empathy, humility, and growth. International students represent approximately 8% of the incoming first-year class.

Graduate (General)University of Notre Dame Graduate School Application, Resume or CV, Statement of Intent, Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation. GRE scores are not required or accepted for some programs (e.g., Physics and Astronomy, Biophysics). Most doctoral students receive full tuition scholarships and stipends. Master's programs vary in support.

Graduate (Biophysics PhD)Resume or CV, Statement of Intent (max two pages, including career goals and research interests), Transcripts (unofficial copies for application, official for admitted students), at least three Letters of Recommendation. TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers. Applications not accepted for 2026-2027 admission. Spring admission is not offered.

Graduate (Physics and Astronomy PhD)Three letters of recommendation, Statement of Intent, CV or Resume, unofficial transcripts, English Proficiency Examination (TOEFL or IELTS) for non-native speakers. GRE scores are not required or accepted for 2025 applications. Applications are due by December 15th for full consideration. Selected applicants may be invited for an online interview. Students are not admitted to work with a specific research advisor but can indicate preference for experiment or theory.

TOEFLRequired for non-native English speakers for graduate programs (e.g., Biophysics, Physics and Astronomy)

IELTSRequired for non-native English speakers for graduate programs (e.g., Physics and Astronomy)

Rankings

College Consensus, 2025#12

The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2025Top 10 collegiate workplace

Forbes, 2025#1 America's Best Large Employer

U.S. for student Fulbright winners#2

U.S. for National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships since 1999#1

QS World University Rankings 2024294

University scholarships

M.S. in Finance ScholarshipsVaries

Doctoral Tuition ScholarshipsFull tuition and most fees ($69,510 for 2026-2027)

University Fellowships and Assistantships (Doctoral)Stipends ranging from $39,000 to $50,000 per year (2026-2027)

Graduate School Summer Tuition ScholarshipsVaries

Accreditation

The University of Notre Dame is one of only 71 members of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a consortium of leading public and private research universities.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

The PhD program in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame is designed to equip students with a strong foundation for a research-oriented career. The curriculum emphasizes a broad understanding of fundamental chemical engineering principles, which students then apply to specialized research areas. Through close collaboration with faculty and a diverse student body, researchers tackle significant societal challenges with innovative technical solutions. Graduates pursue successful careers in industry, academia, and government laboratories.

PhD

Level

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Notre Dame?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the M.S. in Finance program tuition is $74,618. Doctoral students in the Graduate School have a tuition of $69,510, which includes health and technology fees. Undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 61,000 per year for all students.

Does the University of Notre Dame offer financial aid to international students?

Undergraduate admissions are need-blind for all applicants, and the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. For families with incomes under $150,000, tuition is waived for undergraduates. Graduate programs offer varying levels of support; most doctoral students receive full tuition scholarships, while master's programs may have merit-based scholarships available.

What is the cost of living for students at Notre Dame?

The estimated cost of living on or near campus in South Bend, Indiana, is approximately USD 16,000–20,000 per year. South Bend itself is highlighted by the university for its low cost-of-living index, particularly for graduate students.

How do I prove English proficiency for graduate programs?

For graduate programs, non-native English speakers are required to submit scores from English proficiency tests. Accepted tests include TOEFL and IELTS, with specific program requirements varying, such as for the Biophysics and Physics and Astronomy PhD programs.

What makes the University of Notre Dame unique for international students?

Notre Dame offers a strong sense of community, known as the 'ND family,' and a commitment to ethical leadership. International students benefit from a powerful global alumni network and opportunities to engage in world-class research. The university also prioritizes personalized attention with a low student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1.

Last updated 3 July 2026