Academic Requirements

Transfer applicants to the University of Notre Dame are evaluated by the College to which they apply. Click here to see a list of academic programs of study by college and evaluation guides for each college.

The present number of undergraduates and the enrollment desired for the coming semester determines the number of transfer openings. The degree of selectivity is dictated by the size and quality of the applicant pool and can differ from semester to semester. We typically receive 600 fall transfer applications for approximately 140 August openings, and 100 spring transfer applications for approximately 25 January openings. 

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PLEASE NOTE: Due to enrollment limitations, Notre Dame is not accepting transfer applications for the Mendoza College of Business or the School of Architecture. We do not anticipate a change to this policy in the foreseeable future. If your goal is an undergraduate degree in business or architecture, you should not apply to Notre Dame.

The most important factors in evaluating transfer applicants are:

  1. The strength of curriculum and its compatibility with Notre Dame’s requirements (see College Evaluation Guides)
  2. The cumulative grade point average earned in college or university work
  3. High school performance, including SAT or ACT scores
  4. Your written personal statement

Basic Requirements:

  • Applicants must have completed at least 27 transferable credits (note: online and distance-learning courses are not transferable) and be eligible for sophomore status (Notre Dame does not admit second-semester freshmen as transfer students.)
  • The minimum cumulative grade point average for consideration is a 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale), although in recent years the average for admitted students has been a 3.70.
  • In most cases, spring term grades are required for fall semester admission.
  • Transfer students must complete one-half of their total degree requirements at Notre Dame.
  • No admitted transfer applicant is enrolled at a level higher than first-semester junior.
  • The Transfer Committee gives strong preference to students who have completed the Math, Science, and English Composition requirements specified by the college (available at College Evaluation Guides).

Mid-Year Transfer Admissions

Students entering at mid-year should be prepared to enter the spring semester curriculum of their particular college. Because of tight course sequencing in some programs, students not on track with Notre Dame’s curriculum may need extra time to complete degree requirements. In most cases, final fall semester grades will be required before a decision is made. Notre Dame does not admit incoming second-semester freshmen.