A smiling student wearing a traditional white embroidered blouse holds an International Student Orientation Welcome booklet while talking with two other students on a green lawn.

International Admissions

Since welcoming its first international student in 1850, the University of Notre Dame has grown to be a vibrant and diverse community with over 30,000 international alumni. The value international students and scholars bring to our campus is immeasurable, and we understand that studying abroad can present unique challenges.

To help you navigate this transition, Notre Dame offers a robust support system. Our International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) team, in collaboration with our colleagues in Admissions and Notre Dame Global, is dedicated to assisting you throughout your journey.

Notre Dame is a global community with more than 1,400 international students and scholars from many countries around the world. In recognition of our commitment to global engagement, the university was honored with the Simon Award for Campus Internationalization in 2025. Over the past decade, our international population has increased by roughly 34%, with these students and scholars making up 10% of the university community.

Apply to Notre Dame

The admissions process for international applicants can seem intimidating, but our team in Notre Dame Admissions is here to make it as straightforward as possible. We are proud to practice a need-blind admissions policy for undergraduate international students, meaning your financial situation is not considered when evaluating your application. For prospective first-year international students seeking need-based financial assistance, the CSS Profile is available for completion starting in October.

Prepare for Life in the USA

Before you arrive, our ISSA team is preparing to ensure you can seamlessly transition to life at Notre Dame. We assist with navigating procedures for the Department of Homeland Security, managing timelines for visa and immigration documents, and providing a comprehensive orientation to the university. We also connect our international community with necessary resources to prepare for life in the USA, including information on getting a visa.

Our hope is that every international community member leaves Notre Dame with a wealth of connections, a deeper understanding of American culture, and an appreciation for the university’s values of scholarship, service, and solidarity. By sharing their home countries and cultures, our international students and scholars enrich our collective home and make the University a truly global place.