Application Requirements
Admission requirements and deadlines vary from program to program. Applicants should review the websites for the programs to which they are applying via the Departments and Programs page for additional information.
Many requirements, however, are consistent across programs, depending on whether the applicant is degree- or non-degree-seeking (visit the Application Categories page to understand the difference.)
These requirements include a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, as well as an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The rest of the general requirements are listed below.
Please note that all required application materials must be attached to the online application, and that test scores should be ordered and sent by the testing service to the University of Notre Dame (institution code: 1841).
Required Materials for Degree-Seeking Applicants:
-
Online Application Form: to be found here, and completed and submitted electronically
-
Statement of Intent: to be attached to your Online Application Form
-
Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: to be attached to your Online Application Form
-
Three Letters of Recommendation: to be submitted by the recommender via the online recommendation system associated with the online application
-
Application Fee: to be submitted via credit card, check, or money order using the payment system associated with the Online Application Form. The Graduate School may grant application fee waivers for a variety of reasons. For information about requesting a fee waiver, visit our application fee and waiver page.
-
Transcripts: An unofficial transcript for each post-secondary institution must be uploaded and submitted through the Online Application Form. Any transcripts received either by mail or electronically will be discarded. An official transcript — including at least one showing the conferral of a bachelor's degree — will be required only if the student accepts an offer of admission to Notre Dame.
-
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Test Scores: Some graduate programs require the GRE; for more details, please see the Degree Programs page or the program's website. Applicants who hold a PhD, JD, MD or other doctoral degree are not required to submit GRE scores.
-
GRE Subject Test Scores (if required): (from within the last five years) to be submitted from the official testing service, if required by the program (consult individual program’s website)
-
TOEFL or IELTS: applicants whose native language or language of college instruction is not English must arrange for the submission of official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate language proficiency. Applicants from Mainland China who are unable to take the standard TOEFL iBT test due to testing suspensions may submit TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution scores. This solution combines the existing paper-delivered TOEFL ITP Level 1 test with a short, unscored video interview provided by Vericant. The scores reported must result from a test taken within the last two years. To expedite the review process, you may also upload preliminary (unofficial) scores, if available.
Required Materials for Non-Degree Applicants:
-
Online Application Form: to be found here, and completed and submitted electronically
-
Application Fee: to be submitted via credit card, check, or money order using the payment system associated with the Online Application Form
-
Statement of Intent: to be attached to your Online Application Form
-
Curriculum Vitae or Résumé: to be attached to your Online Application Form
-
Transcripts: (for each post-secondary institution) to be submitted through the Online Application Form. (Please send unofficial transcripts; we will only accept official transcripts if and when the applicant is accepted.)
Special Program Requirements:
Some programs require additional materials such as writing samples and portfolios.
Please consult your prospective program for additional requirements and be sure to submit each additional item. Writing samples should be attached electronically to the online application through the Uploads section.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
Transcripts in any language other than English must be translated into English by a certified translator and/or agency. The translated transcript must be uploaded to the application in addition to the original-language transcript and all other requisite materials for degree and non-degree applicants.
Non-Native English Speakers:
Non-native English speakers must also order official TOEFL/IELTS scores.
Joint Degree Applicants:
An applicant who seeks to earn a joint degree must submit a separate and complete application to each program and be accepted by both.
The relevant departments must agree upon a plan of study defining what will constitute the joint degree program, and the written plan must be approved by the Graduate School’s associate dean of academic affairs before the student may be admitted to begin the program. If you are considering such an application, please contact the Graduate School for further information.
Further Questions:
If you have questions about the required materials or preparing your application, consult the Admissions FAQ. For any additional questions, please contact the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions at gradapp@nd.edu.
To request more information about a specific program or programs, please use the online form.
If you are ready to begin, click here to start your application. Once submitted, the application may not be changed; however, you may upload recommenders at a later time.
Thank you for considering Notre Dame for your graduate studies.