International Students
Approximately 30 percent of entering graduate students come from abroad. We welcome the diversity and richness international students bring to the Notre Dame community. Our commitment to international diversity is exemplified by a sizable number of foreign-born faculty and by recent agreements we have made with institutions in nations such as Ireland and Chile to increase the presence of international students at Notre Dame.
International Applicants
The requirements for admission for international students are exactly the same as those for United States citizens. Please note one important additional requirement: students whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test scores to demonstrate language proficiency. Both TOEFL and IELTS are offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad; for those taking the TOEFL, the University’s institution code is: 1841. 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.
Minimum TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo scores depend on the type of test you’re taking.
- If you are taking the TOEFL IBT, then the minimum score is a total of 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
- If you are taking the TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution, the minimum score is a total of 550.
- If you are taking the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
- If you are taking the Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.
Some programs may require higher scores.
International students who intend to accept offers of admission should see Resources for Newly Admitted Students for further information on visas and employment authorization.
EducationUSA
We encourage all international applicants who are unfamiliar with the U.S. higher education system to take advantage of the free advising offered through EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network of international student advising centers in more than 170 countries (find the nearest center here). EducationUSA offers free sessions that will help you to strengthen your application and ease the transition to the U.S., such as preparation for the TOEFL, how to improve your C.V. or resume, and information sessions on student visas.
Incoming International Students
All visa documentation and processes for are overseen by the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) office. If you will need F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship to attend your Notre Dame program in the United States, you will need to complete the Request Initial Student Immigration Documents form through the ISSA office. Please allow 24-48 hours after activating your Okta account before accessing the immigration document request form. For any questions related to your visa paperwork or student immigration status, please contact ISSA at issa@nd.edu or visit the web page at issa.nd.edu.
Additional Information
English Language Acquisition
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program offers English support and enhancement for students, faculty, staff, post-docs, and spouses. The goal of the program is to empower students and extended members of our campus community to maximize their academic success and improve communication through coursework, tutoring, and self-study resources.
International Student & Scholar Affairs (ISSA)
For resources and assistance on immigration matters, and information on services and activities for international students, please contact:
105 Main Building
Notre Dame Indiana 46556
Email: issa@nd.edu
Phone: 574-631-1138
Fax: 574-631-9698
Test Requirements
For specific questions about required tests, please contact the testing services directly:
GRE
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000
Phone: (609) 771-7670 or (866) 473-4373
Fax: (610) 290-8975
E-mail: Click for online contact options
TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA
Phone: (609) 771-7100 or (877) 863-3546
Fax: (610) 290-8972
E-mail: Click for online contact options
IELTS
For test centers and frequently asked questions, or to inquire further, please see the contact page at http://ielts.org.