International Students
Frequently Asked Questions for International Students
Click on the links below for the most commonly asked questions about the Summer Session from International Students or explore FAQs specific to current Notre Dame students, visiting students, or employees and their spouses by clicking on the appropriate link.
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- Am I eligible to take courses at Notre Dame during the summer?
- How much is tuition for an international student?
- Do I need to take the TOEFL?
- How many courses can I take?
- How do I register for summer courses?
- How do I apply for an I-20 to study at Notre Dame this summer?
- If I attend school at another college in the US on an I-20, what do I need to do?
- Can I live on-campus during the summer?
- Do I need University health insurance?
- If I am a current Notre Dame student, do I need to complete the summer forms for Notre Dame students?
Am I eligible to take Summer Session courses?
Summer Session courses are open to all students 18 years and older (see Pre-College Programs for high school students).
Applicants wishing to take courses taught in the College of Arts and Letters will register through the online application.
Applicants wishing to take courses taught in the College of Science, College of Engineering, and the College of Business will be asked to submit a copy of their transcripts to the Office of the Summer Session in addition to completing the online application.
Students entering their first year at Notre Dame in the fall must get permission to take summer courses through the Office of First Year of Studies. Please contact Elly Brenner at EllyBrenner@nd.edu or by phone at (574) 631-5539. If approved, students will complete an online application to get activated for the summer.
Keep in mind that some courses may have prerequisites. It is the applicant's responsibility to make sure they have fulfilled the necessary pre-requisites before starting a summer course. Pre-requisites are listed in the detail section next to the course information in Class Search.
International students must be registered for a full course of study in order to obtain an I-20. In most cases, students must be registered for six credit hours.
How much is tuition for an international student?
Tuition is not based on citizenship or location. Tuition is based on your level and the number of credit hours listed on your summer schedule. Click tuition rates for more detailed information. International students are encouraged to use the Western Union Business Solutions as a wire transfer payment option within IRISHPAY. Students should not bring international debit cards for payment of the student account.
Do I need to take the TOEFL?
International students whose native language is not English, or who have not completed at least two years of full-time study in an English-speaking university, must submit official score reports from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) showing a score of at least 250 on the computer-based test or a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based test.
TOEFL is offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad. If not available locally, the annual schedules and other information about TOEFL can be obtained from:
TOEFL/TSE Services
Box 6151
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA
Tel.: (609) 771-7100
(Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., New York time)
Fax: (609) 771-7500
E-mail: toefl@ets.org
Website: toefl.org
TOEFL/TSE Services will respond to inquiries only by letter.
How many courses can I take?
During the summer, students can take several courses; however, there is a maximum number of credit hours allowed based on your student status.
Graduate Students: Maximum - 10 credit hours
Undergraduate Students: Maximum - 8 credit hours
Any credit hours over the maximum must be approved by the associate or assistant dean for academic affairs of the student's college.
International students must be registered for a full course of study in order to obtain an I-20. In most cases, students must be registered for six credit hours.
How do I register for summer courses?
International students complete a simple online application.
You might be asked for additional information based on your answers on the application and whether or not you are currently living in the United States. Most students livings outside the US will be asked to provide a copy of their passport and proof of financial resources. Most students living inside the US will be asked for a copy of their passport, current I-94, copies of I-20s, and other applicable documents.
How do I apply for an I-20 to study at Notre Dame this summer?
Once you complete the online application, our office will email a request for the appropriate documents to issue an I-20. Typically the required documents include a copy of your passport and proof of financial resources. Once admission is approved and all documents are received, it typically takes approximately 2 days to process an I-20. I-20's are shipped through UPS and shipping time depends on the destination.
If I attend school at another college in the US on an I-20, what do I need to do?
Once you complete the online application, our office will email a request for the appropriate documents. Typically the required documents include a copy of your passport, current I-94, copies of I-20s, and other applicable documents. Upon arrival, you will need to check in with our International Student and Scholar Affairs Office in 105 Main Building.
Can I live on-campus during the summer?
Yes, all students registered for a summer course are eligible for housing. Click summer housing for more detailed information.
Do I need University health insurance?
All international students are required to carry insurance for the summer. University health insurance is available but you are not required to purchase it if you can prove you have the appropriate insurance.
If I am a current Notre Dame student, do I need to complete the summer forms for Notre Dame students?
No, you can register for courses through insideND. No further information is required.