History of Giving

The University of Notre Dame Australia is a private Catholic university. Although some students have their places largely funded by the Australian Government, most are fee paying. The University relies on tuition fees and gifts to meet most of its recurrent and capital costs.

From its establishment in 1989, Notre Dame has attracted generous gifts in cash and kind from a wide range of generous benefactors who believe in the idea and the practical reality of this excellent Catholic university. Major benefactors have come from the Church: the Archdioceses of Perth and Sydney; the Diocese of Broome; many Catholic parishes led by their committed parish priests and parish councils; religious orders, especially the Sisters of St John of God; the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia and the Catholic Education Office of the Archdiocese of Sydney; and the University of Notre Dame in the United States.

The University is also supported by wonderful individual benefactors, drawn from many social, economic and faith backgrounds in business, industry and the professions.   These have been absolutely vital in our foundation and our early development. Their gifts have assisted with academic appointments, scholarships, prizes, and the acquisition and development of facilities in Fremantle, Sydney and Broome.

The University is very dependent on the continuing generosity of its supporters. Any support is greatly valued and warmly acknowledged.