University of Notre Dame: what international applicants need

What are University of Notre Dame's application deadlines for 2026–27?

University of Notre Dame has 2 application deadlines for 2026–27: Restrictive Early Action on November 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on January 4, 2027.

• Restrictive Early Action isn't binding, but it limits where else you can apply early.
• Deadlines are usually 11:59 pm in your own time zone, unless the university says otherwise on its site.

What is University of Notre Dame's acceptance rate?

11.3% for students who started in fall 2024: University of Notre Dame admitted 3,374 of its 29,942 first-year applicants.

• The rate covers all first-year applicants, US and international: the federal data doesn't give a separate rate for international applicants.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release). Source

Does University of Notre Dame require the SAT or ACT for international applicants?

No. University of Notre Dame is test-optional for 2026–27: you decide whether to send SAT or ACT scores.

• This is the policy listed for all first-year applicants. Some universities treat international students differently, so confirm it on the testing page.
• For the Restrictive Early Action deadline (November 1, 2026), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is October 3, 2026: scores on October 16, 2026, registration by September 18, 2026 (late registration September 22, 2026).
• For the Regular Decision deadline (January 4, 2027), the last international SAT whose scores come out in time is December 5, 2026: scores on December 18, 2026, registration by November 20, 2026 (late registration November 24, 2026).
• Official score reports can take a few more days to reach universities.

What SAT score do you need for University of Notre Dame?

The middle half of first-year students who enrolled in fall 2024 and sent SAT scores had 735–790 in Math and 720–770 in Reading and Writing (33% of them sent SAT scores).

• On the ACT, the middle half had a composite of 33–35.
• If your score is above the middle of these ranges, it helps your application. At a test-optional university, a score below the lower number usually isn't worth sending.
• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 admissions (provisional release): 25th to 75th percentile of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores. Source

How much is University of Notre Dame's application fee for international students?

University of Notre Dame's application fee is $85 for international applicants, the same as for US applicants.

Does University of Notre Dame accept the Common App fee waiver from international students?

Yes. University of Notre Dame accepts the Common App fee waiver and doesn't limit it to US students.

• Your eligibility is confirmed through the Common App, usually with your counselor.

Which English tests does University of Notre Dame accept?

University of Notre Dame doesn't list its English tests on the Common App: they're detailed on its international applicants page.

• Minimum scores and exemptions (for example if you studied in English) are set by the university: check its international page.

How many recommendation letters does University of Notre Dame require?

University of Notre Dame requires one teacher recommendation and a counselor recommendation for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a mid-year report with your first-semester senior grades.
• Whatever the letters, your school sends the School Report and, after graduation, the Final Report: the Common App says every university requires them.

Does University of Notre Dame require the Common App personal essay?

Yes. University of Notre Dame requires the Common App personal essay (250 to 650 words) for 2026–27.

• It also asks for a portfolio, for some programs or for all applicants: check its site.

How many international students does University of Notre Dame have?

664 of University of Notre Dame's 8,880 undergraduates were international students (US nonresidents) in fall 2024: 7.5%.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Fall 2024 enrollment (provisional release). Source

How much does University of Notre Dame cost for international students?

University of Notre Dame's published tuition and fees for 2024–25 were $65,025, the same for every student. On-campus food and housing was $17,900. With books and other expenses, a year cost about $86,125 before any financial aid.

• US Department of Education (IPEDS). Published charges for 2024–25. Costs usually rise each year: check the university's site for 2027–28. Source

Does University of Notre Dame give financial aid to international students?

Yes. University of Notre Dame is need-blind for international applicants and meets their full demonstrated need. In 2025-26, it gave institutional grants to 363 international undergraduates.

• Need-blind policy, on the university's site Source
• Number of international students aided: the university's Common Data Set 2025-26