FAQs

Different merit-based scholarships cover different amounts toward the full cost of attendance at Notre Dame. Some merit-based scholarships also include enrichment funding, which can be used to support unfunded scholarly engagement projects, such as research, academic conference attendance, and unpaid internships. More information can be found here. All scholars have access to the Notre Dame Scholars’ Program lounge, located in 120 Main Building, and the opportunity to work with program staff.

There is no additional application required to be considered for merit-based scholarship awards. All students who apply to the University of Notre Dame according to its Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision admissions deadlines are considered for merit scholarship awards.

It is not possible to submit additional materials.

Submitting the FAFSA is recommended so that you can be considered for other forms of financial aid, but it is not required.

Applying for financial aid is recommended so that you can be considered for other forms of financial assistance toward college, but it is not required. To learn more, visit financialaid.nd.edu.

Although academic achievement is weighed heavily in merit scholarship decisions, admission to Notre Dame is sufficient to be considered. No specific GPA is required.

Some awards are connected to specific academic disciplines, while others are open to students from any College, School, or major. You can review the eligibility criteria for all merit awards here. If you receive an award that is connected to a specific college or major, and you switch majors, you will still be eligible to receive scholarship funding, but you may not be eligible for enrichment funding associated with the award.

Invitations are issued throughout the winter and spring. Please see the selection timeline here.

Approximately 70 first-year students join the Notre Dame Scholars’ Program family as merit scholarship recipients each year.

No. Merit scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students only. If your financial situation has changed significantly during your time at Notre Dame, please contact Financial Aid.

Current information about the full cost of attendance can be found here.

Merit-based scholarships will automatically renew for 8 semesters—10, if you are in the School of Architecture—as long as scholars continue to meet the eligibility requirements. See individual scholarship pages that are linked here for information about the requirements.

Students attending a Notre Dame Study Abroad Program are typically charged Notre Dame tuition, an International Program Fee, and a $750 International Studies Fee. Your merit scholarship is transferable to any Notre Dame-sponsored academic year study abroad program.

Office of Financial Aid 
574-631-6436
finaid@nd.edu

Undergraduate Admissions
574-631-7505
admissions@nd.edu

Notre Dame Scholars’ Program
574-631-1111
scholars@nd.edu