Application Information

A:  January 7 of the same year.

Q:  Do you accept applications for the Spring semester?

A:  No.

Q:  Do you accept applications for a Masters Degree?

A:  No.  Current Notre Dame Mathematics PhD students are able to earn a Masters Degree along the way, after meeting the requirements.  There is also a Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Mathematics that students enrolled in another PhD program at Notre Dame can earn.  For details write the director of graduate studies.

Q:  Should I mail paper copies of my application materials to the Graduate School?

A:  No.  All materials must be submitted electronically.  The Graduate School will not accept paper copies.

Q:  What materials am I required to upload?

A:

• Transcript(s).  Unofficial copies are accepted for evaluation, official copies will be required if admitted
• Statement of Intent
• CV or Resume
• Three letters of recommendation, uploaded by your letter writers
• GRE General Test Scores are optional.  Unofficial copies are accepted for evaluation. Scores must not be older than five years
• GRE Math Subject Test Score is optional.  Unofficial copies are accepted for evaluation. Score must not be older than five years
• TOEFL or IELTS Scores. Unofficial copies of English proficiency examinations are required for non-native English language speakers unless the student will have completed two or more years of education at a university where the primary language of instruction is English. Official copies will be required if admitted.
• If possible, choose an research area from list of research areas from the research done at Notre Dame

Q:  Can I submit my application without the GRE Math Subject Test Score?

A:  Yes.

Q:  Should I take the math subject test?

A: In the application cycle for 2023, roughly 10% of our applicants submitted a score for the math GRE subject test. It was generally not a significant factor in our admissions decisions, but it may help your application if you achieve a high score and submit the score. For many of our faculty, the most important factors in evaluating your application are your recommendation letters, grades, courses taken, and personal statement, but a high score can help, especially if you come from an undergraduate or masters program with which we are unfamiliar. We are aware that some of you may have to travel and spend a significant amount of money in order to take the subject GRE, and taking the subject GRE may not be worth the expense. Please write the DGS if you have further questions.

Q: Do you have minimum scores for the GRE, TOEFL and IELTS?

A: There are no minimum scores for the GRE, as it is only one of several criteria used for admission.

Minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores depend on the type of test you’re taking.

• If you are taking the TOEFL IBT, then the minimum score is a total of 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section
• If you are taking the IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0
• See however the FAQ below on applying with a TOEFL/IELTS score below the minimum

Q:  Who must take the TOEFL/IELTS?

Q: English is not my native language, but it was the primary language of instruction at my previous college. Do I need to take an English proficiency test?

A: The Graduate School will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for non-native English speakers who spent a minimum of two years at an academic institution whose primary language of instruction was English. If that is not obvious, a letter from the Registrar’s Office (or the office responsible for academic records) confirming English as the language of instruction is required.

Q: If my speaking score is below the minimum or I have not taken the TOEFL/IELTS, should I apply, and will my application be reviewed?

A: Yes, we consider all applications submitted by the deadline.  If we decide, based on your mathematical ability, that we want to admit you, we will need some information about your English.  Try to get a letter from someone who knows your English ability and a telephone or Skype interview may be necessary.

Q:  What is your institution code for the GRE/TOEFL?

A:  1841 = University of Notre Dame

Q:  What is your department code for the GRE/TOEFL?

A:  GRE department code = 0703

TOEFL department code = 72

Q:  When will my application be reviewed?

A:  To consider all applicants fairly, we read the files of all applicants for a given year at one time—in January through February.

Q:  When and how will I hear about a decision on my application?

A:  Since we support all of the students we admit, the number we admit depends on the amount of money available to us.  In late February or early March, we will decide on the first students to accept.  We may accept more if some of our initial offers are declined, so the process may continue for some time.  Applicants are notified of decisions via email.

Q:  Do you provide any financial aid or scholarships?

A:  Yes.  We support all of the students we admit, with a living stipend and tuition waiver.  In the first year, our students all have a fellowship; i.e., no teaching duties.  Teaching/TA duties are required after the first year.

Q:  How many students do you admit?

A:  We admit approximately nine students per year, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Q:  Can I visit your department?

A:  Admitted students, residing in the US, will be invited to a campus visit in the Spring.  Anyone is welcome to visit the department at their own expense.

Q:  Where can I find your requirements for the PhD?

A:  Requirements, including descriptions of basic courses and information on qualifying exams can be found in the Regulations for Doctoral Students in Mathematics.

Q:  Where can I find answers if I have more questions about the Department of Mathematics and your programs?

A:  See our web page.

Q:  Where can I find answers if I have more questions about the online application system or the Graduate School’s admissions policies?

A:  Please review the Graduate School's FAQ page, their admissions page, or contact the Office of Graduate Recruitment and admissions at gradad@nd.edu.  For questions or updates AFTER submitting your application, please contact their office at gradapp@nd.edu.