The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university in Notre Dame, Indiana, founded in 1842. It is famous for its undergraduate teaching, its Mendoza College of Business, and one of the strongest alumni networks in the United States. For international students it offers a classic American campus experience — residential colleges, big-time sport, and a community that stays loyal for life.
At a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Notre Dame, Indiana, USA |
| Type | Private Catholic research university (founded 1842) |
| Undergraduate tuition (2026-27) | $69,280 a year (tuition and mandatory fees about $69,794) |
| Graduate tuition (2026-27) | About $69,110 a year for standard programmes; Mendoza MBA $75,460 |
| Early Action deadline | 1 November 2026 (Fall 2027 entry — confirm on the admissions page) |
| English tests (graduate, reported) | TOEFL 80+, IELTS 7.0+, PTE 70+, Duolingo 120+ |
Programmes
Notre Dame's colleges cover Arts and Letters, Science, Engineering, the Mendoza College of Business, Architecture, and Global Affairs. Undergraduate strengths include business, economics, political science, computer science, engineering and pre-med. Graduate programmes are strongest in business analytics, finance, computer science and engineering, and mechanical engineering. The Mendoza MBA is the flagship professional degree. Class sizes are small, teaching is taken seriously, and undergraduates get unusual access to professors.
Fees and funding
Undergraduate tuition for 2026-27 is $69,280, with tuition and mandatory fees of about $69,794. Graduate tuition ranges from about $69,110 for standard Graduate School programmes to $75,460 for the Mendoza MBA. Fall 2027 entrants will pay the 2027-28 rate, expected roughly 4% higher. Notre Dame is need-aware for international students and does not guarantee to meet full need, so most international students should plan on family funding, an external scholarship, or a loan. Merit scholarships for international undergraduates are limited and competitive.
Admission
Undergraduate applicants apply through the Common Application, in Early Action (1 November 2026) or Regular Decision. Notre Dame looks for a strong school record, rigorous courses, and evidence of character and service alongside grades. Graduate applicants apply directly to the relevant school; English test minimums for master's programmes are typically TOEFL 80, IELTS 7.0, PTE 70 or Duolingo 120, though competitive programmes expect more. Standardised tests are optional for many undergraduate applicants — check the current policy for your intake.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Notre Dame cost? Undergraduate tuition is $69,280 a year in 2026-27, before housing, food and insurance.
Does Notre Dame offer full scholarships to international students? Merit aid is limited and competitive; most international students fund their degree from family resources, external scholarships or loans.
What is Notre Dame best for? Business (Mendoza), economics, political science, engineering and pre-med, with outstanding undergraduate teaching.
When should I apply? Early Action is 1 November 2026 for Fall 2027 entry. Confirm the Regular Decision date on the admissions page.
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Sources and verification: University of Notre Dame published 2026-27 fees (undergraduate tuition $69,280, tuition and fees $69,794, MBA $75,460) and admissions pages. 2027-28 rates and Regular Decision date to be confirmed on nd.edu.