The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program at the University of Notre Dame is a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for professional practice in the field of architecture. Rooted in a strong foundation of design excellence, technical expertise, and ethical responsibility, the program emphasizes innovative problem-solving and sustainable design principles. Students engage in a series of studio courses that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of built environments, complemented by coursework in structural systems, environmental technology, history, and theory. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on projects, students develop the skills necessary to conceive, plan, and execute complex architectural solutions that respond to social, cultural, and environmental challenges. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, engaging with departments such as engineering, planning, and arts to broaden students' perspectives. Practical experience is gained through field work, internships, and design-build projects, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Additionally, the program encourages engagement with current issues such as sustainability, urban development, and social equity, preparing graduates to become responsible professionals who can impact their communities positively. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and advancing the discipline through research and innovative design. Upon graduation, students are equipped with a comprehensive portfolio and the professional skills required for licensure and leadership in architecture. The University of Notre Dame's architecture program combines a tradition of academic excellence with a commitment to innovation, fostering graduates who are capable, conscientious, and prepared to shape the future of the built environment.

 Typical first-semester schedule :

1. Writing and Rhetoric or University Seminar
2. MATH 
3. PHYS 
4. University Requirement/Elective
5. Architecture 

Admissions must have all of the following before beginning the application review. Descriptions of these items are below.  

1. A completed Common Application AND the Notre Dame supplement
2. A completed International Student Certification of Finances plus financial documentation verifying the totals on the Certification of Finances
3. An official transcript or record of academic achievement in secondary school
4. Official results of the SAT I: Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment
5. Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) min score-100 or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) min score- 7,5, if applicable
6. A letter of evaluation from a teacher, headmaster, or counselor
7. A $75 non-refundable application fee
8. A copy of your passport
9. A completed CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE if applying for need-based financial aid

Need-Based Financial Aid

Prospective first year students wishing to be considered for limited need-based financial assistance must first complete anInternational Student Certification of Finances along with the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE adapted for international students. Both documents are due at the time of application.International students seeking financial aid must apply during the admissions process. All international students that are admitted without financial aid are expected to fully fund their studies.  Financial aid is not available in later years. If you think that you will need financial aid at any point during your studies, you should apply for financial aid at the time of your application.

Merit Scholarships

Notre Dame offers merit scholarships to a limited number of international students, accepted for admission as a first-time incoming freshman, who demonstrate exceptional accomplishment, leadership, commitment to service, and intellectual promise.Ranging from $5,000 per year to the full cost of attendance, these scholarships are typically renewable for four years and recipients may be invited to participate in leadership development and enrichment opportunities as an additional benefit of their award.

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program at the University of Notre Dame is a comprehensive five-year professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in architecture through a combination of rigorous academic coursework, practical design projects, and opportunities for experiential learning. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in architectural theory, history, technology, and sustainability while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. Students engage in a variety of studio courses where they develop design skills, learn to utilize advanced visualization tools, and collaborate on complex projects that simulate real-world architectural challenges. The curriculum integrates digital design, construction methods, environmental systems, and building codes to ensure graduates are well-equipped to meet industry standards and innovate within the field.

The program also encourages international perspectives, community involvement, and interdisciplinary approaches by incorporating collaborations with engineering, landscape architecture, and liberal arts departments. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, fabrication labs, and digital modeling resources, which support their projects from conceptual sketches to detailed construction documents. The Notre Dame School of Architecture fosters a tight-knit community where mentorship from faculty members helps students develop their individual design voice and professional identity.

Graduates of the program are prepared for licensure and professional practice, with many pursuing internships and cooperative education placements to gain hands-on experience. The university's emphasis on integrating social responsibility and sustainable design principles reflects the broader mission of Notre Dame to serve society through thoughtful, ethical architectural practice. Alumni of the program often go on to work in architecture firms, urban planning agencies, and related fields or pursue advanced degrees to further specialize in areas such as historic preservation, landscape architecture, or digital design. Overall, Notre Dame’s Bachelor of Architecture program offers a rigorous, collaborative, and values-driven education that equips students to become innovative architects committed to creating meaningful built environments.