The University of Notre Dame Graduate School in Indiana, USA, supports more than 2,200 students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees across engineering, the humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences. A defining strength of Notre Dame’s graduate programs is the high level of financial support provided to admitted students. Nearly all doctoral students and a large majority of master’s students receive substantial funding that covers tuition and provides living stipends, allowing them to focus on research and academic work.
This is not a single named “scholarship” with a separate application. Funding is primarily awarded as part of the graduate admissions process through a combination of full-tuition scholarships, multi-year assistantships, and competitive fellowships. Applicants who submit a complete application for admission are automatically considered for these forms of support.
Scholarship Summary
Notre Dame offers three main types of primary educational funding: tuition scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships.
- Tuition Scholarships: Almost 100% of doctoral students in the Graduate School receive full-tuition scholarships. For the 2026–2027 academic year, full-time Graduate School tuition is approximately $69,110–$69,510 (including certain fees). Master’s programs provide varying levels of support, ranging from partial tuition assistance to full tuition plus a stipend.
- Assistantships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students: 94% of doctoral students receive multi-year assistantships or fellowships that include a stipend. Standard 12-month stipends for 2026–2027 are approximately:
- $39,000 for humanities and social sciences (and Kroc/Keough Ph.D. students)
- $40,590 for science students
- $42,435 for engineering students
- Higher amounts (up to $44,000–$50,000) for select competitive fellowships.
Select fellowships (such as Deans’ Fellowships, Notebaert Premier Fellowships, and Presidential Fellowships) offer elevated stipends, often in the $43,500–$50,000 range, along with full health insurance premium coverage in many cases. These are typically awarded to outstanding incoming students and may include additional professional development support.
Master’s funding is more variable by program and may range from tuition scholarships only to packages that include a stipend (sometimes on a 9-month basis).
Additional benefits often include health insurance subsidies (eligibility depends on stipend level and full tuition scholarship status), low cost of living in the South Bend area, and access to internal grants for research, travel, conferences, and professional development through the Office of Grants and Fellowships and various institutes.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for admission (and therefore for funding), applicants generally need:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution by the time of matriculation.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (programs may expect higher performance, especially in major coursework).
- Meeting program-specific academic prerequisites.
- English language proficiency for non-native speakers (or those whose prior instruction was not primarily in English). Minimum scores are typically TOEFL iBT 80 (with at least 23 on Speaking), IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo English Test 120. Some programs or competitive applicants aim higher (e.g., TOEFL 100+).
GRE requirements vary by program. Some require it, others make it optional, and holders of prior doctoral degrees are often exempt. Always check the specific degree program page.
International students are welcome and form a significant part of the graduate community. Funding packages are generally available to both domestic and international students, though certain select fellowships (e.g., some Deans’ Fellowships) have citizenship or residency preferences.
Required Application Materials
A complete application typically includes:
- Online application form (via the Graduate School portal).
- Statement of Intent (or Statement of Purpose).
- Curriculum Vitae or résumé.
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted electronically by recommenders).
- Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (official versions required upon admission).
- GRE scores if required by the program (institution code 1841).
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if applicable (institution code 1841 for TOEFL).
- Application fee (fee waivers are available in certain cases, such as financial need or for applicants who have applied to qualifying external fellowships).
- Any program-specific materials (e.g., writing sample, portfolio).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Review the full list of degree programs on the Graduate School website and identify those that match your research interests and background.
- Carefully check the specific admission requirements, deadlines, and any preferred qualifications for each program of interest (deadlines vary widely by department; many fall between December and January for fall entry).
- Prepare your materials well in advance, including contacting potential recommenders and arranging any required tests.
- Complete and submit the online application through the official Graduate School application system, uploading all required documents.
- Ensure test scores are sent officially by the testing agency when required.
- Once a complete application is submitted, it is reviewed by the relevant department or program. Successful applicants are considered for both admission and funding packages; no separate scholarship application is usually needed for the standard support.
Admission and funding decisions are competitive and holistic. Strong academic records, research experience or potential, compelling statements, and supportive recommendations are key.
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FAQs
Is there a separate application for the University of Notre Dame Graduate Scholarships?
No. Funding (tuition scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships) is awarded as part of the regular graduate admissions process. Submitting a complete application for admission automatically places you under consideration for available support.
Who is eligible for full funding?
Nearly all doctoral students (94%+ receive multi-year support with stipends; almost 100% receive full-tuition scholarships) and a high percentage of master’s students receive funding. Eligibility depends on admission to a degree program, full-time enrollment, and maintaining good academic standing. International students are generally eligible for the standard packages.
What is the typical stipend amount for 2026–2027?
Standard 12-month doctoral stipends range from about $39,000 (humanities/social sciences) to $42,435 (engineering), with science programs around $40,590. Select fellowships can reach $44,000–$50,000. Master’s stipends, when offered, are usually lower and often on a 9-month basis.
Do international students receive the same funding as U.S. students?
Yes for the majority of standard tuition scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships. A small number of select fellowships (such as certain Deans’ Fellowships) are limited to U.S. citizens or permanent residents from specific underrepresented backgrounds.
Is the GRE required?
It depends on the program. Some require the GRE General Test, others make it optional, and applicants who already hold a Ph.D., J.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree are typically exempt. Always check the specific program’s requirements.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
Applicants whose native language or language of prior college instruction is not English must submit scores. Minimums are generally TOEFL iBT 80 (with Speaking ≥ 23), IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo 120. Competitive applicants and some programs often present higher scores (e.g., TOEFL 100+).
When are the application deadlines?
Deadlines vary significantly by program and department. Many fall between early December and mid-January for fall admission. Some programs have later or rolling deadlines. Check the individual program pages for exact dates.
Does the funding cover health insurance?
Many packages include a health insurance subsidy or full premium coverage, especially for doctoral students on full-year funding who meet stipend thresholds. Eligibility rules apply based on program level and years of study.
How competitive is funding at Notre Dame?
Very competitive. Admission itself is selective, and the strongest applicants (strong GPA, research experience, excellent letters, and clear research fit) are most likely to receive the best multi-year packages and select fellowships.
Can I apply for external scholarships or fellowships in addition to Notre Dame funding?
Yes. The Graduate School’s Office of Grants and Fellowships actively supports students in applying for external awards. In most cases, external funding can supplement (but may have limits on combining with) university support.
What is the cost of living like in South Bend/Notre Dame?
South Bend has a relatively low cost-of-living index compared with many major U.S. university cities, which helps stipends go further for housing, food, and personal expenses.
Are application fee waivers available?
Yes. Fee waivers may be granted based on financial need, academic excellence, participation in certain programs, or for applicants who have applied to qualifying national fellowships. Contact the Graduate School admissions office for details.