The University of Notre Dame offers a remarkable opportunity for high-achieving students through its Notre Dame Scholars’ Program. This program provides a pathway to merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
Prospective first-year students selected for this program are awarded scholarships based on their potential to make a transformational impact on the world, embodying the legacy of Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., the university’s president emeritus.
Overview of the Program
The Notre Dame Scholars’ Program is one of the university’s most competitive and prestigious merit-based scholarship initiatives. Each year, approximately 100 students are chosen to join the program, becoming part of a vibrant community of future leaders. These students receive annual scholarship awards of up to $25,000, amounting to $100,000 over four years. Additionally, some scholarships provide generous enrichment funding for academic, service, and leadership projects.
The Hesburgh-Yusko Legacy: The Notre Dame Scholars’ Program builds on the success of the university’s first merit-based scholarship program, the Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars Program. Today, the program supports over 350 students, including recipients of the Notre Dame Stamps Scholarship, which offers full tuition coverage and $12,000 in enrichment funding.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Notre Dame Scholars’ Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Strong Academic Performance: High grades, rigorous coursework, and competitive class rank.
- High School Course Requirements: 16 academic units, including: 4 units of English, 3 units of Mathematics (4 units preferred), 2 units of Foreign Language (3-4 units preferred), 2 units of Science (4 units preferred for science/engineering majors), and 2 units of History/Social Science (3-4 units preferred).
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional (ACT/SAT scores can be submitted but are not required).
- Extracurricular Involvement: Leadership and passion in activities beyond academics.
- Letter of Evaluation: One letter from a teacher in a core subject.
- Essay: Thoughtful and reflective personal essay as part of the application.
- Optional Talent Submission: For students applying to art, design, architecture, or music majors.
English Proficiency Requirements: International students whose first language is not English or who have not been educated in English are required to submit proof of English proficiency. Accepted exams include the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Notre Dame strongly recommends minimum scores of:
- TOEFL: 100 or higher
- IELTS: 7.5 or higher
- DET: 120 or higher
- PTE Academic: 70 or higher
Application Process
To apply for the Notre Dame Scholars’ Program, students must submit either the Common Application or the Coalition Application as per this call letter https://admissions.nd.edu/apply/resources-for/international-applicants/application-information/. All applications must include the following:
- The Notre Dame Writing Supplement
- Optional: ACT/SAT scores (test-optional)
- Official high school transcripts
- A letter of evaluation from a core academic subject teacher
- Non-refundable application fee of $75
- A copy of the applicant’s passport
- Additional documents for international applicants (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS/DET scores for non-native English speakers)
Application Deadline
The deadlines for Notre Dam Scholars Program application (https://scholars.nd.edu/) submission are:
- Restrictive Early Action: November 1, 2024
- Regular Decision: January 3, 2025.
