Undergraduate Study at Notre Dame

1 - Core Curriculum
2 - Subject Credits
3 - Advance Standing
4 - Double Degrees
5 - Undergraduate Entry Requirements

The University of Notre Dame offers a unique learning environment and a range of courses available across its 7 Colleges: Arts, Business, Education, Health, Law, Science & Technology and Theology.

Notre Dame degree programs are recognised nationally and internationally. The courses' practical and vocational components, as well as consultation with professional bodies, ensure that a degree from Notre Dame is the best possible preparation for a student's chosen career.

Core Curriculum

As a foundation to studies, all undergraduate students are required to complete three core units - Ethics, Philosophy and Theology. These units are designed to broaden students' minds, encourage them to develop their values and capacity to think critically and act ethically.

In addition, students complete a Communications unit that introduces them to many of the study skills and university procedures they will need to understand in order to make the most of their studies at Notre Dame.

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Subjects Credits

Most undergraduate degrees require the completion of 24 units (72 credit points) in total. Most units are 3 credit points each with a smaller number only attracting 1 credit point. A normal full-time enrolment for an academic year is 8 units (of 3 credit points each), or 4 units a semester.

An average of 3 years of study would be necessary to graduate with an undergraduate degree unless students choose to take advantage of the summer and winter terms to fast track their studies.

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Advance Standing

Undergraduate advance standing may be granted to students who have passed subjects of a similar standing at another approved university or higher education institution.

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Double Degrees

It is well known that employers value graduates who have a broad education across more than one area of study. A Feature of the courses at Notre Dame is the availability of double degree programs. By extending their course, usually by completing a further one year of study, students can graduate with a double degree, allowing them to choose from a wider field of career opportunities.

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Entry Requirements

English Language Entry Requirement

The following evidence will be accepted for direct entry:

. IELTS level 6 (6.5 for Nursing and Education, and 7 for Law), with a minimum of 6 for writing, or

. Notre Dame International Language Proficiency Test

(Other evidence may be accepted on review by Notre Dame International Education Office )

Academic Entry Requirements

Entry into an undergraduate program requires completion of a secondary or a high school qualification with the appropriate grades. Below is a summary outlining various qualifications acceptable for entry purposes. Students who hold qualifications not listed below are advised to contact the International Office for assessment of eligibility.

Cambridge GCE 'A' Levels 5 points*
International Baccalaureate Diploma 26 points or higher
Africa    Varies by country; please contact the International Office
P R China        Satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised university; or completion of a Certificate of Graduation (2 years) at approved institution
Denmark Studentereksamen, Hojere
Forberedelsesekamen or Hojere Handelseksamen          
France Baccalaureate General/Baccalaureate de l'Enseignement du Second Degré; or Diplome de Bachelier de l'Enseignement du Second Degré/  Baccalaureate de Technologie      
Germany Abitur /Zeugnis der Allegmeinen Hochschulreife/Reifezeugnis      
Hong Kong       HKALE, 2 passes plus 3 'O' Levels; or HKCEE - 5 points*
India     All India Senior Certificate: 65% average over 4 subjects
Indonesia STTB/SMU3, or Senior School Certificate of Completion, grades of 8+ in four subjects accredited schools; satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised University
Japan   Senior High GPA > 70% or satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised university                                  
Malaysia           STPM - 5 points*;  3-4 year diploma/certificate from accredited polytechnics/colleges
Norway                                     Vitnemal: den Videregaende Skole- GPA-3.5 (English-4)
Singapore 3 GCE 'O' Level passes (min. grade C) and 2 GCE 'A' Level passes (min. of one C and one D grade)
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela Satisfactory completion of 1 year at recognised university; or successful completion of year 12 equivalent at recognised institutuions.
South Korea     Senior High GPA 70%; or satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised university
Sweden Avgangsbetyg/Slutysberg: GPA 3.5
Taiwan Satisfactory completion 1 year at a recognised university; National Taiwan University Entrance Examination, 4 years, including English                       
Thailand Satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised university     
Turkey             Lise Diplomasi; Lise Birtirme Diplomasi; Develt Lise Diplomasi; Develt Meslele Lise Diplomasi plus successful completion of first year degree at approved university.   
United Kingdom GCE 'A' Levels (appropriate grades)
USA Satisfactory completion year 12 equivalent (GPA 3.0); AP credits; accredited schools
Vietnam Satisfactory completion of 1 year at a recognised University

*Scores for GCE 'A' Levels/STPM/HKCEE are calculated on the basis that A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (calculation must include not more than 3 subjects at an Advanced level).